Gear.Club Unlimited 3, originally launched exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 at the start of the year, is now available on other platforms, including PlayStation and PC, at the beginning of this month. Developed by Eden Games, the series has been closely associated with Nintendo consoles since its debut in 2016. The first installment was well-received, and a second version, Gear.Club Unlimited 2, followed two years later on the same platform. A "Ultimate" edition of the second game later appeared on other platforms. The third installment continues the core concept of managing a racing club, maintaining a garage of vehicles, and customizing cars through various workshops.
Gear.Club Unlimited 3 includes fifty tracks and around forty vehicles from brands such as BMW, Honda, and Porsche. However, this number is slightly lower than the previous installment, which featured 51 playable cars. The main story mode is divided into eight chapters and takes about twenty hours to complete. Critics, however, have pointed out that the narrative is unexciting, with poorly designed visuals and no voice dubbing. The storyline focuses on expanding the club's influence globally but is described as lacking in engagement.
Additional modes include a local multiplayer option for up to two players, allowing the replay of story mode tracks. However, there is no online multiplayer mode available, except for time trial rankings. This absence has been noted as a disappointment, particularly when compared to similar games that offer more robust online features.
Technically, the game has faced criticism for using the Unity engine instead of the more powerful Unreal Engine. This has led to environments that appear superficial with limited detail and dynamic elements. When tested on a PS5 Pro, the game experienced frame rate drops, especially during intense racing sequences. The tested version was build 1.01, suggesting there may be room for improvement in future updates. Unlike the Nintendo Switch 2 version, no graphical modes are available, resulting in a uniform experience for all players.
The sound design is praised for its coherent effects, but the radio tracks are described as average. The lack of voice dubbing for dialogues or a narrator has led some players to use their own playlists. Gameplay is described as a hybrid of simulation and arcade styles, offering accessible driving with easy drifts. However, penalties for leaning against walls or colliding with other vehicles can impact the financial aspects of the game. The AI is criticized for performing well on straightaways but struggling in turns, allowing players to easily widen their lead. Assistance systems are limited to braking, traction control, and manual gear shifting.
While Gear.Club Unlimited 3 offers a familiar and generally pleasant gameplay experience, it is marred by technical limitations and issues with physics and driving adjustability. The game is recommended for fans of racing games who enjoy the management aspect without the complexity of more detailed simulations.
Gear.Club Unlimited 3 Launches on Multiple Platforms with Mixed Reviews
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷JVFrance



