Grid Legends

Grid Legends continues the long-running Grid series, combining accessible arcade racing with a fairly extensive story mode called Driven to Glory, in which we follow a fictional team and its drivers through live-action sequences filmed with real actors. The player fights their way through various motorsport disciplines, from circuit races to drift challenges to an ice track and electric vehicles, with a car roster that includes a wide range of vehicles from sports specials to large trucks and stock cars, which differ significantly in how they behave on track.

On PlayStation 5, the game benefits from fast loading and a stable high frame rate, which contributes to a smooth and legible experience even in hectic moments given the dense starting grids of dozens of cars and destructible track environments. A distinctive feature is the dynamic track storytelling system, which generates unique race moments in real time based on car positions and incidents, so every race plays out a bit differently and the commentator reacts to what's currently happening. Visually, it's a colorful, energetic title with striking body damage, dynamic weather, and a range of real and fictional locations around the world.

Critics praised especially the fun and accessible driving side and the ambitious story mode, though the latter was at times seen as overly theatrical, with some dialogue coming across as clunky. Grid Legends thus fits into the tradition of more arcade-oriented racing titles that prioritize fun and variety of disciplines over hardcore simulation, and on PS5 it offers a brisk, accessible alternative to more seriously pitched competing series focused on simulation. The multiplayer portion also benefits from fast matchmaking and a variety of disciplines, so players aren't limited to just one type of car or track and can switch between circuit, drift and offroad according to their mood.

Why play it: Anyone looking for a brisk, accessible alternative to hardcore racing simulations and a variety of disciplines from circuits to drifting will also appreciate the fast matchmaking in online multiplayer.