TrackMania² Canyon

The gameplay is characterized by its engaging drift mechanics and a low skill floor that allows for easy accessibility, while still offering a high skill ceiling for mastery. Players appreciate the unique environments, fun maps, and the competitive nature of racing against others on custom tracks, although some find the physics and car handling frustrating at times. Overall, the game is described as addictive and visually appealing, despite some criticisms regarding user interface and mechanics.

The music in the Trackmania series is generally praised for its fitting and energetic soundtracks, particularly highlighting the techno background music that enhances the fast-paced gameplay. While some users note that the in-game music can become repetitive and that there are occasional bugs, many consider it to be one of the best aspects of the games, providing an enjoyable audio experience that complements the racing action. Overall, the sound design, including sound effects, is regarded as decent, contributing positively to the overall enjoyment of the game.

Overall, the game is well-optimized, with users reporting good performance across a range of hardware, including lower-end machines. While the graphics may not be impressive, the game runs smoothly without significant issues, allowing for a focus on skill optimization and competitive play. However, car customization options are limited, as performance remains consistent regardless of visual modifications.

The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently laughing at the amusing animations and quirky visuals, such as funny-looking rocks and race car antics. Many users find that the lightheartedness of the game helps alleviate frustration from failures, turning potential setbacks into moments of joy. Overall, the game successfully incorporates humor, making it an enjoyable experience that encourages players to share funny stories and engage with each other.

Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to start off rewarding but quickly devolve into tedium, with many expressing that the repetitive nature and frequent restarts detract from the overall enjoyment. While the game has its merits, the consensus is that it leans too heavily on grindy mechanics, making it feel more tedious than fun.

The game's story is minimal, with most players noting that it primarily focuses on gameplay rather than a narrative. While there is some semblance of a story, it lacks depth and structure, such as a campaign or proper leveling system, making it feel secondary to the gameplay experience.

The game's stability is marred by a problematic and invasive account setup process that was not disclosed on the Steam page, leading to a frustrating user experience. While the game performs well visually and technically, issues arise when downloading outside of Steam, which is described as buggy. Additionally, player population can be sparse, though servers are generally not completely empty.

The game's graphics and canyon setting are praised for creating a visually stunning atmosphere; however, many users feel that the lack of dynamic elements, such as wildlife or aircraft, detracts from the overall immersive experience.

The latest iteration of Trackmania offers exceptional replayability, with users praising its addictive track design, deep editing modes, and competitive leaderboards that enhance the experience. The game is described as fun and accessible, providing nearly infinite replay value at a good price.

The monetization of the game has been criticized for its excessive advertisements, which detract from the user experience and create confusion in the poorly designed menus. Players feel that the £16 price tag is unjustified given the prevalence of ads and the lack of sales.

Players express frustration with the game's mechanics, feeling that it penalizes skillful play by rewarding precision with increased difficulty in subsequent segments. This creates an emotional tension between the desire to excel and the game's punitive design choices.