Dakar 18

Gameplay reviews for the game are mixed, highlighting both engaging mechanics and significant flaws. While some players appreciate the unique rally raid mechanics and navigation features, many criticize the clunky controls, poor physics, and numerous bugs that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game offers potential fun for those who enjoy exploration and rally racing, but it may frustrate players seeking a polished and intuitive gameplay experience.

The game's stability is marred by numerous glitches, including frustrating collision issues that can cause players to get stuck on obstacles, as well as graphical and audio bugs. While the vehicle physics are generally well-received, the steering wheel support is notably problematic, contributing to an overall bumpy gameplay experience. Despite these issues, players still find enjoyment in the game, thanks to its good graphics and diverse vehicle options.

The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant frame rate drops and stuttering, particularly when using controllers. While a few users noted that the performance is surprisingly good given the size of the maps, others found the overall optimization to be poor, leading to crashes and an unsatisfactory gaming experience. Players are advised to check their system's capabilities before purchasing.

The humor in the game is described as uproarious, especially when played with friends, with moments like trucks flying through the air and characters struggling comically during gameplay. Players find the absurdity of crashing and losing progress, as well as the quirky interactions with the environment, to be particularly entertaining. Overall, the game's lighthearted and chaotic nature contributes to a fun and engaging experience.

The game effectively captures the intense atmosphere of rally raid, immersing players in the challenges of racing against time and the elements. Despite its arcade-style physics, the overall experience is praised for authentically conveying the essence of the Dakar rally.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often requiring significant investment to progress. Complaints include long race durations, poor physics, and unattractive graphics, which detract from the overall experience. Despite some unique elements, the repetitive mechanics can overshadow any positive features.

The game offers high replayability due to its five vehicle categories, three difficulty levels, and 14 diverse stages, ensuring players can enjoy varied experiences. Additionally, the inclusion of free DLCs featuring multi-stage races further enhances replay value.

The music in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its appropriateness and overall quality. It complements the game's graphics and design, enhancing the experience without being overly distracting.

The reviews indicate that the game lacks a story, with multiple users noting the absence of any narrative elements.

Reviewers note that the emotional delivery of the character's voice lacks consistency, leading to a jarring experience where calm instructions abruptly shift to shouting. This inconsistency can create an impression of erratic behavior, detracting from the overall emotional engagement of the game.

The reviews do not provide specific insights into the monetization aspect of the game, focusing instead on gameplay and graphics. However, the mention of a long-term player experience suggests that monetization may not be a significant concern, as the game has maintained a loyal player base despite its age and lack of updates.