Some fans were taken aback by the changes in the latest installment of the franchise, but if you dig deeper into the shift in naming conventions, it hints at the significant transformations happening within this title. Unlike its predecessors, which featured scaled-down versions of the USA, the newest game opts for a more compact map centered on one of Hawaii’s islands. However, this change brings with it some distinct advantages. The game’s core identity as an open-world experience remains intact, but the major overhaul takes the form of a festival-centered approach, in line with the modern gaming trend.

This shift inevitably invites comparisons, especially with Forza Horizon 5, as both games share many overlapping elements. The Crew Motorfest packs in all its previous features into a more streamlined package. But the crucial question is whether these changes resonate with the fanbase that was originally drawn away from Forza and other well-established titles.

As we previously discussed in an article about the game’s transformations, The Crew Motorfest’s adoption of a new gaming engine marked its transition from a DLC to a fully standalone title. It’s clear that expanding the game’s scope from the mainland USA to Hawaii was a natural fit within this new framework. However, Ubisoft Ivory Towers, the developers behind the game, significantly upgraded the gameplay dynamics, resulting in some challenges when integrating with the existing engine.

What began as a simple DLC morphed into a title with intricately detailed locations meticulously mapped to Hawaii’s Oʻahu island. While the map size may be smaller compared to The Crew 2, its level of detail now rivals that of other top-tier titles in the gaming industry. Every house, warehouse, and boundary, including fences and walls, has been meticulously recreated. Even if you’ve never set foot on the island, the opportunity to explore it with such precision while driving some of the world’s finest cars is a remarkable virtual travel experience, and it doesn’t cost a dime.

The move from the original series’ cross-country driving concept to the island of Oʻahu prompted Ivory Towers to rethink how players experience the world and enter races. The festival approach, a staple of recent titles, including the festival-centered storyline mode, has been around for a while but gained popularity with titles like Need for Speed: ProStreet (albeit without open-world freedom). It’s not necessarily fair to claim that this element adds more value to The Crew fanbase compared to previous titles, but it does give off a sense of déjà vu, especially for those who have played Forza 5. When you first dive into the game, it all feels oddly familiar, extending beyond the festival storyline mode. From braking lines to map details, the resemblance to FH5 is striking. Both maps, one a faithful recreation of Oʻahu and the other a fictionalized take on Mexico, offer jungles, rivers, cities, highways, beaches, and even a volcano to explore. It can feel uncanny at times, thanks not only to the stunning light reflections from the new gaming engine on the roads and cars but also to the host of new experiences, some carried over from the franchise and others entirely new.

One of the most notable improvements is the extensive car lineup. At launch, players have access to an impressive selection of over 600 vehicles, spanning off-road, racing, and touring cars. Each vehicle has a distinct look, feel, and sound, offering a unique and customized experience. Customizations and upgrades are also abundant. While the upgrades may seem straightforward for novice players, there’s a wealth of detail to unlock for those seeking a more professional experience.

Moreover, the handling of each vehicle feels more refined than in previous iterations. The braking range, handling, and gear changes are distinct for each car, and the force feedback on controllers as you rev the engines before each race adds a tactile element that enhances immersion. Where the vehicles truly shine is their ability to traverse both the seas and skies, a feature not commonly found in racing titles. Getting the game dynamics right for these two additional “terrains” represents a significant achievement. Controlling boats as they navigate waves and piloting planes with nimble precision are both intuitive and rewarding experiences. The seamless transition between driving on roads and taking to the skies continues to be a hallmark of The Crew Motorfest.

Another standout feature for racing enthusiasts is the variety of events. Unlike many racing games that offer a handful of racing modes that fundamentally feel the same, The Crew Motorfest offers a wide range of races and tracks. I use the term “tracks” loosely because these are essentially cordoned-off roads and landscapes where you can zoom around. Nevertheless, there’s a unique twist, with plenty of ramps, obstacles, and surprises within each race that keeps them fresh and distinct from one another. While Forza Horizon 5 introduced a similar concept with their Hot Wheels DLC, The Crew Motorfest integrates this directly into its core racing experience.

As mentioned earlier, the game’s visuals have also received a significant upgrade, with attention to detail evident in every aspect, from blades of grass to cloud formations. The engine is capable of rendering different racers and even traffic across the island, so you can stay connected with the ground level action even when zooming across the map. These little details really stand out.

However, there are a few drawbacks to note. While lens flare can add a cinematic touch, it occasionally becomes a distraction, particularly when racing at dawn or dusk with the sun glaring directly onto the screen. While this may mirror real-life experiences, it’s not always appreciated when you’re pushing speeds of 400 km/h.

Considering the extensive changes made compared to the previous titles in The Crew franchise and the adoption of the festival racing approach, comparisons with Playground Games’ Forza Horizon 5 are inevitable. However, these comparisons might be a deliberate choice by Ivory Towers to showcase their talents. Ultimately, it’s up to the fans to decide which game comes out on top. Personally, having spent over 200 hours exploring FH5’s Mexico map and knowing it inside out, it was a refreshing change to dive into The Crew Motorfest. While it’s not without its flaws in comparison, for me, Motorfest emerges as the winner in this head-to-head showdown.

Nevertheless, for die-hard fans of the series, these changes might be a bit too radical. While The Crew Motorfest excels in many areas, it also departs significantly from the charm of its predecessors.