Motorsport Manager
- November 9, 2016
- Playsport Games
- 81h median play time
All of the tedium, none of the excitement: Motorsport Manager is the perfect sim to relax to.
Motorsport Manager is a racing simulation game that puts you in charge of your own motorsport team. Build and customize your cars, hire drivers, and make strategic decisions during races to lead your team to victory. Manage your budget, research new technologies, and expand your team to compete at the highest level in various racing circuits.
Reviews
- Engaging and addictive gameplay that allows players to manage every aspect of a motorsport team.
- Strong modding community that enhances the game with real-life teams, drivers, and updated content.
- Offers a satisfying sense of progression as players build their team from the ground up.
- Game can be buggy and prone to crashes, especially on newer systems or with certain mods.
- Lacks depth in some areas, leading to repetitive gameplay after several seasons.
- The tutorial is overly long and can be frustrating for new players, making it difficult to grasp the game's mechanics.
- gameplay576 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Motorsport Manager is praised for its depth and strategic options, allowing players to manage various aspects of a racing team, including hiring staff, developing cars, and making tactical decisions during races. While the game offers an engaging loop and a satisfying progression system, some players note that it can become repetitive over time, and certain mechanics may feel simplistic or poorly explained. Overall, it strikes a balance between simulation and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and seasoned fans of motorsport management games.
“One of my favorite features is the living world of drivers, engineers, and mechanics who eventually age and retire. It all adds to the immersion and keeps the game going season after season as you try to hire the right personnel to help you get to the front of the grid.”
“The gameplay side is split into two sections: pre/post-race team management and actual race day management, with you in control of both, although you can refer some decisions to the computer/staff.”
“The gameplay is surprisingly deep; yes, it has the obvious super fast cars hurtling around a racetrack, but the race strategizing, pit stopping, financial planning, talent developing, long-term staffing, weather praying, and base building aspects all combine for an addictive gameplay with a sense of achievement that keeps you hooked much longer than the pretty cars alone could.”
“9 out of 10 because every 10 to 12 hours of gameplay it crashes.”
“Be warned this gameplay is repetitive and very arcade-like where it lacks on the features that it has in store for you, nonetheless you can have some great moments fighting with your rivals to the championship.”
“The gameplay side is split into two sections, pre/post-race team management and actual race day management with you in control of both, although you can refer some decisions to the computer/staff such as the 'new' pit crew update.”
- graphics327 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally well-received, with many players praising their quality and aesthetic appeal, particularly in the context of a management simulation. While some reviews note that the graphics can feel slightly outdated or cartoonish, they are often described as immersive and sufficient for the gameplay experience. Additionally, players appreciate the option to enhance graphics through mods, which can improve the visual experience further.
“The graphics and presentation in Motorsport Manager are top-notch, offering a visually appealing and immersive experience.”
“The graphics are beautiful and the sounds make you feel like you're watching the real thing.”
“Great graphics, quick easy game layout, intuitive gameplay.”
“Graphics aren't the greatest, but you get what you've paid for.”
“My computer runs this game with graphics looking like they came straight out of 2004, but it's the most engaging thing I've played on Steam.”
“Graphically it isn't the best in the world; pit crew don't have animations, the racing cars don't even turn wheels when making corners, and the fans in the audience don't move.”
- optimization120 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with many players reporting smooth performance and minimal bugs. However, some users have noted occasional frame drops during races and issues with part reliability affecting overall performance. While the game runs well on various systems, there are concerns about the balance between performance and reliability, as well as the impact of AI routines on gameplay fluidity.
“The game allows you to create and customize your racing machines, providing a genuine sense of control over the performance and appearance of your cars.”
“Your decisions actually impact performance.”
“It's easy to get into, yet still has enough depth for you to really indulge yourself in it, spending loads of time fiddling with your car setup to have it fully optimized for the races.”
“The small downsides of this game are mainly odd performance issues - sometimes there are frame drops during a race, most likely when it's processing more AI routines or something along those lines - and a couple of bugs, mainly in the UI.”
“Races make no sense and strategy is only for show; performance does not matter, driver skill makes no sense, and part improvement is way too expensive compared to income.”
“The major flaw in the game is that rather than turning performance numbers of the car parts and chassis directly into the respective performance, it uses the performance numbers to rank the cars in the championship and then creates performance based off that.”
- replayability77 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, largely due to dynamic storylines, varied racing series, and a robust modding community that enhances gameplay. However, some players note limitations in replay value due to repetitive elements, such as fixed driver rosters and a lack of randomly generated content. While many find the game enjoyable and engaging, opinions vary on its long-term replayability, with some suggesting that mods are essential for maximizing this aspect.
“The dynamic storylines and varied racing series make this a special game with endless replayability.”
“The mod community for this game is amazing, makes the game infinitely replayable.”
“With unlimited seasons, driver & staff scouting, retirements, drivers team hopping, and the possibility of being fired for not achieving set goals, the playability & replayability is through the roof.”
“At its core, the game has an optimal way of playing it due to which there isn't infinite replay value.”
“The replay value is hindered because no matter which team you start with, there's always the same drivers and engineers available.”
“It is a really nice game, but lacks replayability due to using the same data set of drivers every game.”
- grinding68 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 12 % neutral mentions
- 85 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and repetitive, often requiring significant time investment to progress, which can lead to player frustration. While some find enjoyment in the addictive nature of grinding and appreciate the strategic elements involved, many reviewers express a desire for a more streamlined experience to reduce the monotony. Overall, the game is seen as requiring a substantial commitment, with some players suggesting it may feel like a chore after extended play.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“The tediousness of things in terms of development ultimately led to me getting from F3 to F2 after 4-5 seasons and then just having it hit me like a ton of bricks one night when I just blurted out to myself... 'WTF am I doing?' The game just becomes A-B-C-D but ooh wait, this season's A-B-C-D is in Arial instead of Times New Roman.”
“To progress from one league to the next, you really need to spend multiple seasons winning every race and building your HQ up; it's just overly long and becomes tedious very quickly, as once you figure out how to dial your car in, there isn't enough RNG to really keep things interesting.”
“It is the sort of game you are likely to binge on in the early weeks but hit a point where you realize that you are just repeat grinding each season with not enough variables to make each one different.”
- story58 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely driven by player agency, with dynamic storylines emerging from the promotion and relegation system, allowing for unique "zero to hero" narratives as players manage their teams. While some players appreciate the personal investment in their team's journey, others criticize the lack of a traditional narrative structure, likening it to a simulation without a compelling story. Overall, the experience is shaped by individual choices and outcomes rather than a predefined storyline.
“The dynamic storylines and varied racing series make this a special game with endless replayability.”
“Add to that the promotion and relegation system which means you can take a team from rock bottom all the way to the top, allowing you to craft nearly endless storylines where no two will be the same.”
“The storylines that get created from GP to GP are epic.”
“☑ no story”
“It's like having an RPG game without a story.”
“In terms of a story in this game, pretty much the way you develop your team is your story, and is up to you to either bring the team to victory or failure.”
- stability53 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 4 % neutral mentions
- 77 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with many users reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that hinder gameplay. While some players find the core experience enjoyable despite these issues, the overall consensus is that the game is plagued by significant stability problems, making it frustrating for many. A few users noted that it runs smoothly on lower-end systems, but these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.
“The game seems stable, bug free, and the game doesn't seem to be unfair at all; the cars don't glue themselves to you like they have the 'rubber band' effect from the Need for Speed games, so if your car and/or drivers are better, they will indeed perform better.”
“It's beautifully polished, runs great on low spec systems, looks awesome.”
“Gameplay is rewarding, the game runs buttery smooth even on low-end systems and seems, at least for me, to be bug free and very nicely optimized.”
“This game is too buggy for what is a glorified idle game where you play with menus and UI elements.”
“Great game, but buggy - needed a few workarounds just to get it not to crash to desktop immediately, and it still randomly crashes once in a while.”
“The game freezes during the loading process more than half the time.”
- music40 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the soundtrack as a labor of love that enhances the experience, while others find it repetitive and out of place for a racing management game. Many users express a desire for more varied tracks and the option to play their own music, as the existing soundtrack can become monotonous and fails to set the desired mood during gameplay. Overall, while the music is generally considered decent, it lacks the depth and variety that players hope for.
“Good soundtrack.”
“Special mention to whoever created the soundtrack, you can tell that it was a labor of love.”
“The soundtrack is pretty good though.”
“The soundtrack will become boring after a while, and I would like some more options to tweak the user interface.”
“Music is boring and just repeats nothing good.”
“The music feels completely out of place in a racing/management game.”
- humor24 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- -8 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game features a mix of humor that often arises from its quirky scenarios, driver interactions, and tongue-in-cheek representation of F1, leading to moments of genuine laughter. Players appreciate the comedic elements in dilemma situations, character traits, and occasional bugs, which add to the overall enjoyment, though some feel the humor can detract from the game's serious sporting immersion. Overall, the humor enhances the fun factor, making it appealing for both casual and serious players alike.
“In conclusion, I'd recommend this game because it's fun, funny (at times), and really gets your brain working trying to come up with the best strategies to take your team to glory.”
“The game itself is a tongue-in-cheek representation of F1, and I often found myself laughing at the silly jokes inside the game.”
“The driver interaction via radio comms in the race itself is immersive and a bit humorous at times, as they comment on their performance and car condition.”
“The humor in this game feels forced and often falls flat, making it more frustrating than funny.”
“I expected a lot of laughs, but the jokes are stale and the delivery is awkward.”
“The attempts at humor seem out of place and detract from the overall experience rather than enhance it.”
- atmosphere15 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive racing experience, enhanced by well-designed circuits, fluid car movements, and engaging graphics that draw players into the motorsport world. While the sound design, including engine noises and atmospheric music, contributes positively, some players feel the atmosphere could be further enriched by incorporating elements like real-life spectator ambiance and more dynamic environmental factors. Overall, the atmosphere effectively captures the excitement of racing, making players feel like genuine competitors or managers in the sport.
“The circuits are beautifully made, the cars move fluidly, and there is certainly a racing atmosphere.”
“Overall, the graphics pull you into the racing atmosphere.”
“Very nice tracks, well-modeled visuals that are clean and bring real atmosphere to the game.”
“Maybe the only thing missing from that evocation is the carnival atmosphere you hear about from real-life spectators of the sport.”
“It's great to see a car's engine blow, or skid marks on a bend from driver lock-ups - adding a close-up of this happening would add to the atmosphere.”
“Overall, the graphics pull you into the race atmosphere.”
- monetization9 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is praised for being fair and complete, with no microtransactions and no requirement to purchase DLC to enjoy the full experience. Players appreciate the absence of cash grabs typical in mobile games, though some express a desire for a more engaging sponsor and advertising system to enhance the game's realism and potential revenue opportunities. Overall, the game is seen as a well-rounded product that prioritizes player experience over aggressive monetization strategies.
“Also, if you have played mobile games, this is better in every way: 0 microtransactions, and you don't even need to purchase the DLC to fully enjoy what the game has to offer.”
“The only thing missing here really is microtransactions to further increase the base stat.”
“Totally don't mind having in-game purchases.”
“Driver and staff contracts are okay, but what really lacks is an intriguing system for sponsor and advertising contracts.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally engaging, feeling a strong connection to the experience of being an F1 driver or team manager. Achieving milestones and winning races elicits genuine satisfaction and excitement, highlighting the game's ability to evoke deep emotional responses despite its management focus.
“This game puts you in the 'driver's seat' of a Formula One equivalent series, and it's easy to get emotional when you hit your first milestones in this game.”
“Most satisfying second place ever, and a realization that if a game can draw me emotionally into watching virtual drivers go around a track, it must be doing something right.”
“You would think that buying a game all about motor racing while not touching a steering wheel ever would be boring, but I was happier winning my first Grand Prix in this game than in any other game.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features robust character development, allowing players to influence their drivers and enhance their headquarters and cars, contributing to a rich management experience.
“There are so many different ways to influence the race, making it a great management game with excellent driver character development, HQ development, and car improvement.”
“The character development in this game is incredibly deep, allowing players to shape their drivers' skills and personalities over time.”
“I love how the character development system lets me customize my drivers' abilities, making each race feel unique and personal.”
Critic Reviews
Motorsport Manager for Nintendo Switch Review
Motorsport Manager for Nintendo Switch will chew you up and spit you out, but once you’ve learned the ways of its frighteningly deep systems and overcome its steep learning curve, there’s a brilliant management sim to be found. Even if you’re not particularly a fan of professional racing, the sleek presentation and impressive level of customisation will definitely appeal. The lack of any ‘official’ drivers or teams is one of the few areas the game struggles in, but even without those licences, it’s still another great example of how rewarding some mobile ports can be when handled correctly.
80%Motorsport Manager Review – One Race at a Time
Although feeling hands off in the day to day running of the team as a company, the real joy of Motorsport Manager comes from your preparation for the races and the races themselves. Improving your cars but then watching them in the race, planning your pit stops and attempting to plan everything to the second makes for a tense and exciting, experience.
85%Motorsport Manager (PC) Review
All of the tedium, none of the excitement: Motorsport Manager is the perfect sim to relax to.
85%