The Crew Motorfest

Last updated

The Crew Motorfest
The Crew Motorfest cover art.jpg
Standard Edition cover art featuring the Lamborghini Revuelto (foreground), the Toyota Supra MK4 (background), and the Ford Bronco (background)
Developer(s) Ubisoft Ivory Tower [a]
Publisher(s) Ubisoft
Director(s) Stéphane Beley
Platform(s)
ReleaseSeptember 14, 2023
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

The Crew Motorfest is an online-only 2023 racing video game developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower and published by Ubisoft for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It is the sequel to 2018's The Crew 2 and the third game in The Crew series, and was released on September 14, 2023. The game is set in an open world environment; scaled-down versions of the Hawaiian islands of Oʻahu and Maui. It has received generally positive reviews from critics and is considered an improvement over its predecessors.

Contents

Gameplay

The Crew Motorfest is set in a scaled-down version of the islands of Oʻahu and Maui in Hawaii. [1] [2] It is themed around a festival that will serve as the main area for accessing the various events in the game, which is similar to that of the Forza Horizon series of games. [3] [4] Its gameplay is similar to that of the previous games in the series, featuring online multiplayer features referred to in game as a "crew", as well as being able to control vehicles other than cars such as planes and boats. [5]

The main part of the game is "Playlists", which consist of a series of staged events, side activities, and challenges. As of September 2023, there are fifteen playlists, each with a different theme such as vintage cars, Lamborghini and collaborations with influencers such as Supercar Blondie, Liberty Walk  [ ja ] and Donut Media.

Multiplayer modes include the "Grand Race" and "Demolition Royale". The Grand Race a long race that is approximately 10 minutes long with 28 players online split up into three sections for three tiers of racing. The sections and tiers for each race is chosen by random and swaps every 30 minutes, while the race route is random for every race. Demolition Royale is the game's demolition derby-based battle royale mode, where up to 32 players are put into crews with the main goal of driving their demolition-type vehicles to destroy the racers of other crews in a shrinking safe area. Power-ups spawn in the safe area to give racers an advantage, such as shields and health. The Demolition Royale ends when only one crew still has at least one racer remaining.

The Main Stage, the game's live-service mode, consists of a monthly theme with unique limited-time rewards. Each week of each month, players earn experience to fill up the Revisit, Racing, and Explore timelines to earn rewards. After filing up one of the Main Stage timelines, the player unlocks the "Legend" timeline, filled with its own set of limited-time rewards.

Every week, a sub-theme of the main stage theme will be used for the "Summit Contest", a weekly themed contest where players compete in nine challenges—six races and three feats—to earn points for a tiered ranking of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The top 10,000 players with the most points—the Platinum-tiered players—can receive an exclusive prize, including limited-time Summit-exclusive vehicles or titles to display on the name of the player in-game, and the person in first position for each week will have their player name carved into a star for all players to see in Festival Tent, where every player loads into when starting a session in the game. The "Custom Show" is a weekly contest where players can customize their vehicle to the weekly "Summit Contest" theme and let players vote for which vehicle they like. At the end of the week, the players with the most votes get rewards.

Much like its two predecessors, The Crew Motorfest requires a constant internet connection to play, but on September 12, 2024, Ubisoft announced that Motorfest will be getting an offline mode. [6]

Development and release

Motorfest was developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower. [2] It started as a DLC expansion for The Crew 2 , although that changed when several ideas for changes in progression structure weren't compatible with the current game engine. [7]

It was internally known as Project Orlando during development until October 2022 when the title and setting of the game were leaked. [8] Before the Motorfest name was decided, it was tentatively entitled The Crew Motorcamp. [9]

It was announced with a teaser trailer released on January 31, 2023. [10] A closed testing period for Motorfest on PC began on February 1, 2023, with testing for consoles coming at a later date. [11] The game was released on September 14, 2023 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. [1] [12] Journalists noted the similarities between Motorfest and the first two Test Drive Unlimited games (2006 and 2011), which several developers from Ivory Tower worked on previously and also share Oʻahu as a main setting. [2] [11]

On the 2024 Ubisoft Forward which was held on June 10, Ubisoft announced that The Crew Motorfest would include another Hawaiian island, Maui, along with "The Chase Squad" content. It became available on November 6, 2024 as part of the Year 2 plan. [13]

Reception

According to review aggregator Metacritic, The Crew Motorfest received generally favorable reviews from critics. [18] The game was nominated for "Best Sports/Racing Game" at The Game Awards 2023. [19]

It debuted as the second best-selling game of the week in the United Kingdom. It also became the fastest-selling entry in the series. [20]

Notes

Related Research Articles

<i>Need for Speed: Underground</i> 2003 racing video game

Need for Speed: Underground is a 2003 racing video game and the seventh installment in the Need for Speed series following Hot Pursuit 2 (2002). It was developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. Three different versions of the game were produced: one for consoles and Microsoft Windows, and another for the Game Boy Advance. An arcade version developed by Global VR and co-published by Konami came out two years later.

<i>L.A. Rush</i> 2005 video game

L.A. Rush is a 2005 open world racing video game developed by Midway Studios Newcastle and released by Midway for PlayStation 2 and Xbox. In 2006 it was ported to Microsoft Windows and as Rush to the PlayStation Portable. It is the fourth and final installment in the Rush series. L.A. Rush features voice talent from Orlando Jones, Bill Bellamy, André 3000 and Twista. The game received mixed reviews from critics.

<i>Test Drive Unlimited</i> 2006 video game

Test Drive Unlimited is a 2006 racing video game developed by Eden Games and published by Atari for Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. Atari Melbourne House developed the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions. Being the eighteenth entry in the Test Drive series, Unlimited serves as a reboot of the franchise, discarding the continuity of the previous games. The game features over 125 licensed sports cars and motorcycles and the terrain is modeled after the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu that features over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of roads and highways.

<i>R: Racing Evolution</i> 2003 video game

R: Racing Evolution, released as R: Racing in PAL territories, is a 2003 racing video game produced by Namco released on the GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The GameCube release was bundled with Pac-Man Vs. It is a spin-off of the Ridge Racer series, released over three years after Ridge Racer V; unlike the main series, R: Racing Evolution is a simulator or simcade, and uses licensed racecars rather than fictional vehicles. The game centers around the character Rena Hayami in her career as a professional racing driver, and her rivalry with veteran driver Gina Cavalli, in a cinematic and story-driven plot. It received generally mixed reviews from critics.

<i>Street Racing Syndicate</i> 2004 video game

Street Racing Syndicate is an open world multiplatform racing video game produced by Eutechnyx, and released by Namco on August 31, 2004, for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox and Windows-based personal computers. A separate version of the game was also released for the Game Boy Advance on October 4, 2005. During its release, it was meant to compete against Need for Speed: Underground 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed first game released in 2003.

<i>Need for Speed: Carbon</i> 2006 racing video game

Need for Speed: Carbon is a 2006 racing video game and the tenth installment in the Need for Speed series. Developed by EA Black Box, Rovio Mobile and published by Electronic Arts, it was released on October 31, 2006, for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, GameCube, Windows, and Mac OS X, and on November 19, 2006 as a launch title for the Wii and in 2008 for arcade cabinets. A portable version, Need for Speed: Carbon – Own the City, was released for the PlayStation Portable, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS. and Zeebo, While it featured similar gameplay to the console version, the portable versions included new or modified gameplay elements, a different setting and storyline, and a different selection of teammates.

<i>Uno</i> (video game) Video game adaptation of the card game

Uno is a video game based on the card game of the same name. It has been released for a number of platforms. The Xbox 360 version by Carbonated Games and Microsoft Game Studios was released on May 9, 2006, as a digital download via Xbox Live Arcade. A version for iPhone OS and iPod devices was released in 2008 by Gameloft. Gameloft released the PlayStation 3 version on October 1, 2009, and also released a version for WiiWare, Nintendo DSi via DSiWare, and PlayStation Portable. An updated version developed by Ubisoft Chengdu and published by Ubisoft was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in August 2016, Microsoft Windows in December 2016 and for the Nintendo Switch in November 2017.

<i>Assassins Creed: Brotherhood</i> 2010 video game

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is a 2010 action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. It is the third major installment in the Assassin's Creed series, and the second chapter in the "Ezio Trilogy", as a direct sequel to 2009's Assassin's Creed II. The game was first released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in November and December 2010 and was later made available on Microsoft Windows in March and June 2011. A remastered version of Brotherhood, along with Assassins's Creed II and its sequel, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, was released as part of The Ezio Collection compilation for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on November 15, 2016, and for the Nintendo Switch on February 17, 2022.

<i>Just Dance 3</i> 2011 video game

Just Dance 3 is a 2011 dance rhythm game released on the Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 with Kinect and Move support respectively for the latter two. It is part of the Just Dance video game series published by Ubisoft originally on the Wii and the third main installment of the series. Just Dance 3 was announced shortly after the release of Just Dance 2 and was released for the Wii and Xbox 360 on October 7, 2011 in North America and October 11, 2011 in Australia and Europe and for the PlayStation 3 on December 6, 2011 in North America, December 8, 2011 in Australia and December 9, 2011 in Europe. Just Dance 3 received positive reviews from critics and is the best-selling third-party Wii game of all-time, with sales of 9.92 million.

<i>Forza</i> Racing video game series published by Xbox Game Studios

Forza is a racing video game series for Xbox consoles and Microsoft Windows published by Xbox Game Studios. The franchise has sold 16 million copies as of December 2016 and has garnered critical acclaim.

<i>Need for Speed: Most Wanted</i> (2005 video game) 2005 open world racing game

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is a 2005 racing video game, and the ninth installment in the Need for Speed series following Underground 2. Developed and published by Electronic Arts (EA), it was released in November 2005 for GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox, and Xbox 360 alongside two distinct versions for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. Another version for PlayStation Portable titled Need for Speed: Most Wanted 5-1-0, was released at the same time and featured alternative gameplay.

<i>Mad Riders</i> 2012 video game

Mad Riders is a racing video game for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS X. It was developed by Techland and published by Ubisoft. Mad Riders was released in 2012. The game received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising the game's visuals but taking issue with its physics and controls.

<i>Trials Fusion</i> 2014 video game

Trials Fusion is a platform racing video game developed by Ubisoft RedLynx in collaboration with Ubisoft Shanghai and Ubisoft Kyiv. A follow-up to Trials Evolution, it is the fifth game in the Trials series and is the first one to be released on a PlayStation platform. The game was released on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One in April 2014. A companion game, Trials Frontier, was released on iOS and Android devices and designed to accompany the console and PC title. Ubisoft released six paid DLC packs, as well as several free content updates. Online multiplayer was added in an update on January 24, 2015.

<i>The Crew</i> (video game) 2014 racing video game

The Crew was a 2014 online-only racing video game co-developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower and Ubisoft Reflections and published by Ubisoft. The game was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, with an Xbox 360 port developed by Asobo Studio in December 2014. It featured a persistent open world environment for free-roaming across a scaled-down recreation of the Contiguous United States and included both role-playing and large-scale multiplayer elements.

<i>The Crew 2</i> 2018 racing video game

The Crew 2 is a 2018 online racing video game developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower and published by Ubisoft for PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, and Google Stadia. It is the sequel to 2014's The Crew. It features a persistent open world environment for free-roaming across a scaled-down recreation of the contiguous United States. The game allows players to control a variety of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, boats, and airplanes.

<i>Hyper Scape</i> 2020 first-person shooter video game

Hyper Scape was a free-to-play first-person shooter battle royale game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game was notable for its integration with video game live streamers which allowed viewers on Twitch to affect the outcome of a match.

<i>XDefiant</i> 2024 video game

XDefiant is a 2024 free-to-play first-person shooter game developed by Ubisoft San Francisco and published by Ubisoft. The game was released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on May 21, 2024. It received mixed reviews from critics.

<i>Tom Clancys The Division Heartland</i> Cancelled video game

Tom Clancy's The Division Heartland is a cancelled free-to-play third person shooter action game developed by Red Storm Entertainment and published by Ubisoft. It was set to be a standalone spin-off set in The Division universe. Heartland was set to be released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Amazon Luna.

<i>Just Dance 2023 Edition</i> 2022 video game

Just Dance 2023 Edition is a 2022 dance rhythm game developed and published by Ubisoft. It was unveiled on September 10, 2022 during the Ubisoft Forward September 2022 web presentation as the fourteenth main installment of the series. It marks a new release form for the series, switching to a live service format with annual downloadable content song packs. The game was released on November 22, 2022, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It was also planned for release on Stadia, but that port of the game was cancelled due to the service's shutdown on January 18, 2023.

References

  1. 1 2 Good, Owen S. (January 31, 2023). "Ubisoft racer The Crew gets another sequel: The Crew Motorfest". Polygon . Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Reilly, Luke (January 31, 2023). "Ubisoft Reveals The Crew Motorfest, Heads to Hawaii". IGN . Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  3. Wales, Matt (January 31, 2023). "The Crew Motorfest takes Ubisoft's open-world racer to Hawaii this year". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  4. Franzese, Tomas (January 31, 2023). "The Crew Motorfest brings a racing festival to Hawaii this year". Digital Trends . Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  5. "Ubisoft announces 'The Crew Motorfest', opens beta registrations - Times of India". The Times of India . February 1, 2023. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  6. Dinsdale, Ryan (September 12, 2024). "Ubisoft Adding Offline Modes to The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest, But the Original Is Gone for Good". IGN . Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  7. "The Crew Motorfest did indeed start life as DLC, previously called 'Motorcamp'". September 8, 2023.
  8. Kuhnke, Oisin (October 18, 2022). "The Crew 3 Might Have Been Renamed To "Motorfest"". GameSpot . Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  9. "The Crew Motorfest did indeed start life as DLC, previously called 'Motorcamp'". September 8, 2023.
  10. Jones, Ali; West, Josh (January 31, 2023). "With The Crew Motorfest, Ubisoft finally brings the thrill of Forza Horizon to PS5". GamesRadar+ . Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  11. 1 2 Ivan, Tom (January 31, 2023). "Ubisoft has announced The Crew Motorfest for release this year". Video Games Chronicle . Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  12. Good, Owen S. (June 12, 2023). "The Crew Motorfest goes to Hawaii, comes back with a launch date". Polygon. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  13. "The Crew Motorfest Unveils New Island of Maui and More at Ubisoft Forward". June 11, 2024. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  14. "The Crew Motorfest PC Critic Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  15. "The Crew Motorfest PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  16. "The Crew Motorfest Xbox Series X Critic Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  17. "The Crew Motorfest Reviews". OpenCritic . Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  18. "The Crew Motorfest". Metacritic . Fandom, Inc. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  19. Spangler, Todd (November 13, 2023). "The Game Awards 2023 Nominations: Alan Wake 2, Baldur's Gate 3 Lead the Pack With Eight Noms Each (Full List)". Variety . Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  20. Sinha, Ravi (September 20, 2023). "The Crew Motorfest Sets First Week Sales Record for Franchise". Gaming Bolt. Retrieved September 21, 2023.