GRIP: Combat Racing

Caged Element's love letter to the futuristic racing games of yore is a solid blueprint for how to convert nostalgia into a working modern game.

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GRIP is a high octane, hardcore combat racer, packing ferocious speed and armed to the teeth with heavy weapons. Harnessing gravity defying physics alongside a bristling arsenal of outlandish weapons, GRIP delivers the fastest, most competitive racing experience ever. Scale walls, ceilings and anything else you can get your tyres on to... as you master tantalising tracks, tricks and perform mind-…

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Reviews

78%

Audience ScoreBased on 4,131 reviews

music375 positive mentions

story18 negative mentions

Fast-paced and exhilarating gameplay that captures the essence of classic racing games like Rollcage.
Visually stunning graphics and well-designed tracks that provide a unique racing experience.
Variety of game modes, including combat racing and carkour, which add depth and replayability.

Inconsistent physics and handling that can lead to frustrating moments, especially when hitting obstacles.
AI opponents can feel overly aggressive and rubberband, making races feel unfair at times.
Lack of a robust multiplayer community, making it difficult to find online matches.

music
726 mentions
52 % positive mentions
43 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the energetic drum and bass soundtrack that complements the fast-paced gameplay, while others find it repetitive and lacking in variety. Players appreciate the option to add custom music, which allows for a more personalized experience, although some have noted issues with the custom music feature. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a significant aspect of the game, enhancing the racing experience, but opinions vary on its quality and memorability.
- “The soundtrack is excellent too, which adds a lot to a game like this.”
- “The music matches the gameplay perfectly.”
- “The amazing soundtrack fits well with the high speeds, pick-ups, loops, explosions and futuristic cars.”
- “The soundtrack is barely passable drum and bass that gets annoying really quick.”
- “The music is awfully repetitive.”
- “The game soundtrack is droning due to the music sounding a bit similar, so it's quite forgettable.”
graphics
603 mentions
62 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and attention to detail, particularly utilizing Unreal Engine 4 to create vibrant and immersive environments. Many players noted the smooth performance and high frame rates, even on lower-end systems, while some areas were described as visually impressive but occasionally inconsistent. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal, enhancing the fast-paced racing experience with beautiful effects and well-designed tracks.
- “The graphics are absolutely drop-dead gorgeous and all the ingredients seem to be there... it just needs to stew for a few more months.”
- “The graphics are stunning and surprisingly stylized for a UE4 game, which usually has very generic looking environments.”
- “Grip is a very well-made sci-fi racing game, it has amazing graphics and art style, it offers a lot of content and the developers are actively working on the game.”
- “Janky physics, dated graphics and very simple gameplay.”
- “This one has poor explosions sounds and bad graphics.”
- “But the graphics, VFX, controls and overall gameplay is pretty dull.”
gameplay
575 mentions
33 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Grip: Combat Racing is characterized by its fast-paced, chaotic racing mechanics that blend elements from classic titles like Rollcage and Mario Kart, offering a unique experience with wall and ceiling driving. While many players appreciate the adrenaline-fueled action and customization options, criticisms arise regarding the game's physics, AI difficulty, and a lack of clear tutorials, which can lead to frustrating moments and a steep learning curve. Overall, the game is seen as fun and engaging, but it requires patience to master its mechanics and navigate its uneven track designs.
- “A gem of a combat racing game that prioritizes mechanical control, speed, and tactical violence.”
- “The gameplay is marvelous and full of adrenaline.”
- “Great gameplay, tight controls, I absolutely recommend it.”
- “Ramming is another thing that can grind the high-speed gameplay to a halt, which just feels annoying when you're in the thick of a race.”
- “The handling is numb and unresponsive, there is no sense or predictability of speed, the track design is terrible and the gameplay ends up just being incredibly random and frustrating as a result.”
- “The map design is horrific, the gameplay... soul destroying.”
optimization
112 mentions
46 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with many players praising its smooth performance and impressive graphics on a range of hardware, including lower-end systems. However, some users noted issues with multiplayer performance, lack of meaningful customization options, and occasional crashes, suggesting that further optimization is still needed. Despite these concerns, the game is generally considered well-optimized for both single-player and online experiences, especially for an early access title.
- “In 2023, the game is more streamlined and optimized, providing a thrilling racing experience.”
- “Grip is well optimized and with my specs (i5-7600k and 1060 3gb) I can get stable 60fps on max settings.”
- “It's also got a really stable technical foundation, beautiful graphics, and great performance. I've tried it on different hardware ranging from a relatively low-end gaming system with an AMD A10 7850K coupled with an NVIDIA GTX 560, and a higher mid-end system with an Intel i5 4690K coupled with an NVIDIA GTX 970, and it runs really well on both, with the latter system running it with max settings in 1920x1080 with ease, making it a gem compared to most other graphically advanced early access titles.”
- “Performance-wise, the devs did not optimize things much.”
- “The game is not optimized in any way to any hardware.”
- “The game also seems to have some optimization issues and is missing some key features for its options menu, but I don't see these as huge negatives since it is indeed an early access game.”
story
68 mentions
9 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
26 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many reviewers noting that the campaign feels more like a series of challenges or tournaments rather than a cohesive narrative. While some appreciate the focus on gameplay over story, the lack of character development, world-building, and engaging plot elements leaves the game feeling lifeless and empty for many players. Overall, the consensus is that the game would benefit from a more substantial story to enhance the experience.
- “What I like most from this though is just how old-school it feels in the right way, good controls but there's no contrived story (although there are lore logs if you're interested), the music has that lovely stank of N64/PS1 electronica (like Extreme-G).”
- “Even the loading screens have art so good they leave me wondering about the story behind a combat racing game.”
- “The campaign mode would be a bit more fun if there were an actual story, but that may be implemented at a later date.”
- “There ain't even a cringe cheesy story to drive this, and as a result the game feels lifeless and empty to me.”
- “A serviceable Wipeout-style game, simple and all about the racing, menus are a little dull and there is no story or voice acting or world building, which is a shame because the world and scenery is amazing!”
- “Bought at $10 for the full/deluxe edition, I probably wouldn't pay more than $15-$20 for it considering it has 0 story; the main attraction is the multiplayer, but it's not very popular so there are few people playing it online; therefore its value is reduced.”
stability
66 mentions
18 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
79 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and performance issues, particularly in multiplayer and menu navigation. While some players have experienced smooth performance on high-end rigs, many others have encountered frustrating reliability problems that detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these issues, the developers are actively addressing feedback and working on fixes, indicating a commitment to improving the game's stability over time.
- “The game runs great for me; I have a 6-core AMD processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a GTX 970 (which is still an admittedly powerful card) and so far on max settings I've never seen a single dip below 60 FPS.”
- “Also, the game runs great on my slightly outdated rig with impressive graphics.”
- “It was taxing on graphics cards before release, but I upgraded right before, so I can't say for sure that performance is 100% better, but on my end it looks and runs great!”
- “But it is so buggy and has so much unused potential that I am constantly frustrated when playing it.”
- “They are unreliable, buggy, and downright nonsensical at times, leading to a lot of frustration when trying to race.”
- “Saying that, very unfinished, very buggy, and going to take some time!”
humor
36 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted, with players enjoying the absurdity of its physics and the chaotic nature of gameplay, leading to hilarious moments like crashing at high speeds without damage. Many reviewers express nostalgia and joy, comparing it to classic games while appreciating its fast-paced, silly fun that often results in uncontrollable laughter during multiplayer sessions. Overall, the game's blend of frantic racing and comedic elements creates a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
- “It's also funny when you crash into something at mach 1 and come to a full stop in an instant yet your car is completely fine.”
- “"The physics in this game is the equivalent to driving a breadstick," said my 9-year-old, laughing maniacally.”
- “I bought this game, having entirely missed that it's in early access, and still found myself grinning ear-to-ear and laughing - with no one else around - at how tremendously silly and fun this game is!”
atmosphere
30 mentions
40 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its beautiful maps and immersive settings, evoking a sense of participation in a futuristic underground racing community across diverse planets. Players appreciate the combination of exciting graphics, well-selected music, and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic racing games, although some express a desire for improved aerial control and a more distinct atmosphere. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, enhancing the racing experience significantly.
- “The maps are beautiful and deliver a great atmosphere; I can almost imagine myself participating in an underground racing community in a distant future, across various planets and ecosystems.”
- “Good atmosphere and graphics, very exciting races, nice vehicles and setting.”
- “I really love it though and I hope for the best because it's an awesome idea, with great atmosphere and design.”
- “Better atmosphere needed.”
- “Now if you are nostalgic about playing Rollcage on your parents' computer 20 years ago, this is exactly it but without the dark, gritty cyberpunk atmosphere from back when most PC games were dark and gritty.”
- “The atmosphere and overall feel reminds me of a more realistic Jak X: Combat Racing.”
grinding
29 mentions
7 % positive mentions
21 % neutral mentions
72 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while some players find the leveling system rewarding and enjoyable, others feel that the campaign can become tedious and time-consuming, especially at higher tiers. Many tracks are designed in ways that slow down gameplay, leading to a frustrating experience for those aiming to achieve 100%. Overall, players suggest that significant time investment is required for completion, with some achievements being particularly grind-heavy.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “And while many of the tracks provide that experience, many of them are designed in ways that really slow the races down and just end up being tedious to play.”
- “Needless to say, it made me take car selection way less seriously because by the time I hit tier 7 I had dozens of cars and it only grew more tedious as more cars unlocked.”
- “The campaign can become tedious and very time-consuming on the highest tiers for some.”
replayability
25 mentions
52 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the "easy to learn, hard to master" mechanics and the potential for multiplayer modes to enhance longevity, others criticize the lack of content and track variation, leading to a limited single-player experience. The game offers around 15-20 hours of racing, which is more enjoyable with friends, but many feel it ultimately lacks depth and replay value. However, the promise of future updates and online play could significantly improve replayability in the long run.
- “Game is very good, with tons of replayability due to its 'easy to learn, hard to master' concept.”
- “Crazy fast speeds, boomin' drum n' bass, explosive gameplay, and lots of multiplayer gamemodes, Grip offers tons of replay value.”
- “Not too much content so far but plenty to have a good time for a bunch of hours, and after online is released, well that's pretty much infinite replayability right there.”
- “The game only lacks replayability.”
- “Between 15-20 hours of racing in singleplayer, better with friends, very basic decal customization, multiplayer still functional but barely used, no replayability.”
- “The lack of track variation right now does affect the replayability.”
monetization
12 mentions
17 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for its monetization strategy, which relies heavily on microtransactions, leading players to feel that it is incomplete or lacking in content. Despite its potential, many users believe that the current state of the game, combined with aggressive monetization, detracts from the overall experience.
- “- no microtransactions”
- “- no microtransactions”
- “Funded by microtransactions.”
- “Edit: just checked the store page again and noticed they're already pumping out microtransactions despite it being essentially a shell of a game.”
- “Funded by microtransactions.”
emotional
10 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, feeling both nostalgia and frustration. While it evokes memories of childhood gaming, the unforgiving mechanics and occasional unfair interactions can lead to significant disappointment, creating a bittersweet experience that leaves them longing for a more enjoyable gameplay.
- “And it is heartbreaking, because I want to like this game with every fiber of my soul, but I just can’t.”
- “It made me feel like a kid again when I used to play the Rollcage demo over and over.”
- “The game is unforgiving for the slightest mistakes in driving or clipping, and the NPC cars rush away with perfect driving.”