Get ready to rev up your engines and dive into the thrilling world of GRID Legends on the Nintendo Switch 2! This racing masterpiece, originally released in 2022, has made its way to the hybrid system with a bang. But here's where it gets controversial: can a racing game truly shine on a console with limited power? Let's find out!
When GRID Autosport made its Switch debut in 2019, it left everyone in awe. How did the Nintendo Switch manage to pull off such an impressive racing experience? Well, it did, and it did it with style! Feral Interactive, the masterminds behind this port, have done it again with GRID Legends. They've taken an older GRID game, packed it with an abundance of content, and made it look and run seamlessly on the Switch.
GRID Legends offers a unique racing experience compared to its peers like Forza and Gran Turismo. It's a diverse racing paradise, featuring everything from destruction derby vans to hot hatches, touring cars (including the iconic Australian V8 Supercars), open-wheelers, and a mix of production and concept cars. The game lets you choose your level of seriousness, with multiple difficulty settings, assists, and racing lines to customize your experience.
There are three exciting ways to play GRID Legends: Career Mode, where you can explore ten different racing styles; Free Play, which lets you set up races to your liking; and the game's standout feature, the Driven to Glory campaign. In this live-action, Netflix-style documentary, you step into the shoes of Driver 22, navigating the racing world. The full-motion videos have a 90s vibe, and while the acting might not win any awards, it's charmingly cheesy and adds a fun twist. Oh, and did we mention there's a surprise appearance by Doctor Who?
GRID Legends is perfectly suited for the Switch 2, as it's designed for short bursts of gameplay rather than marathon sessions. The game rewards you with new content, like cars and liveries, almost every time you play, making it ideal for quick races on the go. The story mode also revisits tracks and locations, offering variety but with a familiar feel.
The game's inclusion of all DLC adds even more content, with multiple video-driven campaigns to explore. The silly yet engaging story ties everything together, preventing the game from feeling repetitive. However, if you're craving online competition, you might be disappointed. There's no real-time multiplayer racing, only leaderboards and dynamic, time-limited events. Feral Interactive might add online play later, but there's no guarantee.
One notable omission for most players is the lack of analogue acceleration and braking. While the game technically supports it, your options are limited. You can use the right analogue stick for throttle and braking or opt for the GameCube Nintendo Classics controller, which works perfectly. If you're playing on easier settings with assists, the digital triggers suffice, but third-party controllers with analogue triggers, like the 8BitDo Pro 3, don't function properly.
Despite this gripe, Feral Interactive has done an excellent job with this port. They've utilized the Switch 2 hardware effectively, offering different settings for docked and handheld play. You can choose between a stunning 30fps mode with high visual fidelity or a smooth 60fps performance mode. The 30fps option looks incredible, with detailed tracks and impressive effects. The 60fps mode sacrifices some visuals but maintains a silky-smooth experience. There's also a Battery Saver mode for extended playtime.
The game's presentation is top-notch, with clean, polished graphics and high-quality reflections. The bombastic soundtrack adds to the racing atmosphere but might be a bit overwhelming for some. The audio mixing between racing sections and live-action videos could use some work, as you might find yourself adjusting the volume frequently.
Codemasters has crafted an exceptional racing game, and Feral Interactive has perfected it for Nintendo hardware. The only downsides are the lack of proper analogue triggers and multiplayer. But if you're content with solo racing and the drama at team Seneca, it's time to suit up and hit the tracks!
Rating: 4.5/5
The Good:
- Stunning visuals, even in performance mode
- A vast array of tracks, cars, and racing styles
- Analogue trigger support with the GameCube controller
- Left and right haptics add a nice touch
- Silly yet fun story, a unique twist
- Play it your way, sim or arcade
The Bad:
- No real-time competitive multiplayer
- Audio mixing could be improved
- Photo mode only available in replays
- The FG X Falcon, an Australian car, is mistakenly labeled as American
Our Verdict:
A brilliant racing experience on the Switch 2, GRID Legends delivers an immersive and diverse racing world. While the lack of multiplayer and analogue triggers might be a letdown for some, the game's overall quality and attention to detail make it a must-play for racing enthusiasts.
User Rating:
What's your take on GRID Legends? Are you ready to hit the tracks solo, or do you crave the thrill of multiplayer competition? Let us know in the comments and join the discussion!
