Le Mans Ultimate Exits Early Access: Is It Ready to Take on the Sim Racing Big Boys?
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
*Le Mans Ultimate* is out of early access, and while it offers a satisfyingly deep racing experience with stunning cars and tracks, it's still got some work to do to truly compete with the top hardcore sims – especially regarding its monetization and single-player content. Rock Paper Shotgun says it's a promising start, but not quite a champion yet.
Right, so *Le Mans Ultimate* has finally crawled out of its Early Access cocoon, blinking in the sunlight like a digital butterfly. Or, perhaps more accurately, like a very fast, very expensive racing car. The question is: has it got what it takes to hang with the likes of *Assetto Corsa Competizione* and *Automobilista 2*? Rock Paper Shotgun's Mark Warren took it for a spin (sometimes literally, as you'll see) and gave us the lowdown.
Warren, initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of *realistic circle-driving* options (his words, not mine, though I feel him), decided to finally dive in after avoiding the early access period. A wise move, perhaps, considering the behind-the-scenes shenanigans at Motorsport Games, the publisher. I always reckon it's best to let these things bake in the oven a bit before sticking your fork in.
His initial foray wasn't exactly smooth. Turns out, the game didn't automatically enable the auto-clutch for his Logitech G29. Picture the scene: a powerful machine, ready to unleash hell, and... nothing. A bit like forgetting to plug in your magic wand before trying to conjure a rabbit. Then, ditching the training wheels on professional difficulty led to instant spinning. (We've all been there, mate. Haven't we?) Stability control on low sorted that out, thankfully. Seems like finding that sweet spot between challenging and controller-smashing is key.
Once he got rolling, Warren found the *core racing experience* to be, well, *generally very good*. High praise indeed! He compares it favorably to *Assetto Corsa Competizione* in terms of depth and tactile feel, even noting the similarities in the user interface. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," as they say. I'm always happy when developers borrow good ideas – innovation is great, but sometimes sticking with what works is just plain sensible.
The cars themselves? Each one feels unique. The Cadillac V-Series.R, with its *mechanical bear roaring in approval* V8, is a clear favorite. GT3 machines feel suitably bulky, offering a more accessible challenge. And let's be honest, they all look absolutely stunning. Who doesn't want to virtually blast down the Mulsanne straight at midnight? (Answer: Nobody. Except maybe your nan.)
Now, it's not all sunshine and virtual racing fuel. Studio 397 has some kinks to iron out. The tutorial situation is, to put it mildly, *light*. Newcomers might find themselves learning the hard way. And the formation lap? A recipe for penalties if you so much as breathe on the accelerator. A drive-through for going 1 mph over the limit? Bloody hell, that's stricter than my old driving instructor! Warren also notes that the AI drivers tend to lose their minds in really wet conditions. Think *Benny Hill* on ice, but with hypercars.
Online and co-op modes remain untested (by Warren, at least), but the single-player offering is almost there. The real sticking point? Paid DLC after already charging for the base game. And no single-player championship or career mode (until 2026!). Plus, a yearly subscription for online championships? Ouch. Look, I’m not against developers making money, but these days people will moan about even a whiff of monetization.
Still, despite these issues, *Le Mans Ultimate* offers a solid foundation. It's got the cars, the tracks, and the core of a satisfyingly in-depth racing sim. It's not quite at peak performance yet, but it's definitely in the race. So, is it ready to dethrone the sim racing kings? Not quite. But it's certainly a contender. Just don't expect to win on your first lap.
Tags: Le Mans Ultimate, Sim Racing, Motorsport Games, Racing Games, PC Gaming
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun