How REALISTIC is Assetto Corsa Competizione?

Summary

In this video, the reviewer evaluates the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC), sharing insights from their extensive real-life racing experience. They critique the game's sound, graphics, and force feedback, noting the positives, such as ACC’s realism in tire behavior and track states, but also highlighting areas for improvement like the unrealistic braking mechanics and the car's reaction to curbs and bumps. Despite some flaws, the reviewer praises ACC for its immersive GT3 racing simulation, concluding that while there are better aspects in other titles, ACC remains a strong contender in the racing sim world.

Takeaways

• 😀 ACC (Assetto Corsa Competizione) is praised for its realistic GT racing simulation, especially for GT3 cars, being the official game for the GT World Challenge.
• 😀 The McLaren 720S GT3 Evo is a focus of testing across multiple platforms, with the presenter having significant real-life experience with the car.
• 😀 The presenter has almost 2,000 hours in ACC and uses it for real-life racing preparation, emphasizing the importance of this simulator for GT3 training.
• 😀 The sound design in ACC, particularly the in-car audio for the McLaren, is criticized for being subpar, although external car sounds are considered decent but not the best in comparison to other sims like iRacing.
• 😀 The graphics engine, powered by Unreal Engine 4, has improved over time, with ACC being recognized for its impressive visuals, though it's demanding on hardware.
• 😀 ACC's track state system is praised for its realism, allowing for varying grip levels, but there are concerns about the lack of grip difference when driving off the racing line.
• 😀 The force feedback (FFB) in ACC is lauded for capturing the weight and heaviness of GT3 cars, but the steering feels slightly numb at the center, especially during low-load conditions.
• 😀 ACC's braking system is critiqued for unrealistic behavior, with a lack of finesse in braking technique, but the temperature and pressure effects on tires and brakes are considered realistic.
• 😀 ACC's suspension system, particularly in the McLaren 720S GT3, is criticized for being overly sensitive to curbs and bumps, leading to unpredictable and frustrating behavior.
• 😀 The overall lap times in ACC are competitive, but the method of driving for fastest times, including using excessive sliding and TC-off techniques, is noted as unrealistic in comparison to real-life driving.
• 😀 Despite its flaws, ACC is still considered one of the best simulators for GT3 racing, with its strengths in car handling, tire dynamics, and track behavior, though there's room for improvement.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the review in the transcript?

The main focus of the review is the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC), with a focus on how realistic the car's performance and handling are in the game compared to real life.

How many hours of experience does the reviewer have with ACC?

The reviewer has nearly 2,000 hours of experience in Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC).

What aspect of the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo sound in ACC is criticized?

The onboard sound of the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in ACC is criticized for being unrealistic, with the reviewer stating that it does not capture the true tone and sound of the car, especially compared to other cars in the game like the Porsche.

What is the main benefit of ACC's graphics engine?

The graphics engine in ACC, powered by Unreal Engine 4, is praised for its high-quality visuals, although it requires a decent PC for optimal performance. The reviewer considers it one of the best-looking racing sims.

What issue does the reviewer mention with the graphics in ACC regarding the track?

The reviewer points out that the version of Spa in ACC is an older laser scan from 2018-2019, meaning some updates to the track layout, such as changes to O Rouge and runoff areas, are not reflected.

How does the reviewer feel about the setup and tuning in ACC?

The reviewer explains that they use an esports-level setup for ACC, which includes exploiting game metas like low TC values and a rearward brake bias. This setup helps achieve the best performance in the game.

What is mentioned as a key feature in ACC that adds realism to the simulation?

A key feature in ACC is the dynamic track state, which changes between different grip levels, such as green, fast, optimum, and wet conditions. This mimics real-life track conditions and adds to the realism.

What criticism does the reviewer give regarding ACC's braking system?

The reviewer criticizes ACC's braking system for being unrealistic, particularly the way players can easily stamp on the brake pedal to reach 100%, with no finesse under braking. This makes the braking feel detached from real-life racing.

How does the reviewer feel about the car's behavior over bumps and curbs in ACC?

The reviewer feels that ACC's car behavior over bumps and curbs is unrealistic. The cars are overly unsettled by curbs and bumps, which doesn't reflect the smoother handling in real-life GT3 cars.

What does the reviewer mention about the realism of tire and grip behavior in ACC?

The reviewer finds that the way ACC simulates tire behavior, such as tire pressures and temps affecting grip, is very realistic. However, they note that the grip on off-track surfaces, like marbles, doesn't feel as different as it should compared to real life.