Codemasters TeamThe years used for the story mode make no sense.
The story starts in 2002, which would be right I guess, but then the Nathan McKane part starts in 2012, he has his first Ravenwest race in 2016 (!), despite appearing in the original GRID released in 2008. On top of that, the first three Nathan McKane events are fully built around the first GRID nostalgia, using the same HUD, music and even the yellowish filter. So why is it 2016 in the storyline again? The same could be said about the Miami track, which is a nod to GRID 2 from 2013, yet the story mode says 2018 instead.
This just makes no sense. Nathan McKane is 33 in this game, he'd have been very young at the time of the first GRID (only 19), but it would still be possible. Not sure why we are going for clear nostalgia from previous games if the story timeframe is completely different at the same time.
Then there's understandable, but still noticeable consistency problems with the 2002 races. While the game uses a VHS filter and replaces some of the trackside banners, you still see some sponsors (and in Indianapolis' case, track layouts) that didn't exist in 2002 yet. It's not a big deal, but people who pay atttention to details will be annoyed.
Putting these issues aside, I am a big fan of the idea and thoroughly enjoyed this DLC.
The most fun DLC yet, good job
If I look at just the content added the Enduro DLC was more appealing to me. Fuji has been great fun online, as well as the old school LMP prototypes.
But as an overall package this DLC is arguably the best. The Ryan actor I don't care too much for but I do love the guy playing Nathan. He mostly nails the over-the-top cartoonishly evil and arrogant villain. The banter between the two has its moments too.
The visual filters for the flashback races are a cool idea. The CRT filter probably could've been done better but the * filter and later the Miami 80s neon look is great. WIsh we could use those as modifiers in Race Creator.
The new cars are fun too. I will always appreciate how Codemasters will almost always add cars that feel different than the others in the class. Sometimes that might make them OP, or sometimes it might make them too slow, but it's still better than Forza's PI system that pretty much makes all cars feel the same once you tune them up.
The Miami track...eh, not my favorite from the old GRIDs but it does have some good corners (there's a great double apex left hander on one of the layouts). Looks great though.
Overall a fun blast. The BMW I doubt will get much use online seeing as how it can compete on very technical, twisty tracks. The Muscle cars though will definitely see some use.
Here's hoping we get some new Touring Cars (as well as a Supertouring car to compete with the OP Laguna) as well as Silverstone for the final DLC.
As for bugs, on Steam had no issues with career progression, notifications or sponsor objectives this time around. Only bug is the game has started to stutter when crossing the finish line on each lap. Very minor stutter but still noticeable.
