Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Feb 2, 2015
    90
    So realistic it's almost a professional tool more than a game. Still the best realistic racing experience out there.
  2. iRacing is one of the best racing games you can experience online: deep like no one else and full of contents, it will make every pro driver happy. It's not for anyone but it's still worth a try.
  3. PC Gamer UK
    80
    An impressive game, but not one that will be to everyone's tastes, especially not those after a quick thrill. [Sept 2010, p.88]
  4. iRacing is a very tough simulation and can only be recommended to gamers immune to frustration. Only real motoring fans should pay a monthly fee and even more for additional packs. The graphics give the impression of an unfinished beta, but at least the atmosphere between the players is always friendly.
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 104 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 104
  2. Negative: 30 out of 104
  1. Nov 1, 2010
    10
    By far, the best racing simulator I've ever "played". Not only the physics, car response and tracks are brilliantly simulated, but everythingBy far, the best racing simulator I've ever "played". Not only the physics, car response and tracks are brilliantly simulated, but everything that involves competition (points system, race splitting, safety rating...) really works, and make you feel close to real live racing.

    It costs quite a lot of money (note I'm not saying expensive) but it is worth it. They are improving it all the time, and all those laser scanned car&tracks, and physics must be payed somehow. They are trying to make money as any other company, of course, but I feel part of my money is used to make the thing get better. Anyway, a lower subscription fee would be great.

    There are some good promotions for new people, and if you like racing, you should definitely give it a chance.
    Full Review »
  2. Apr 6, 2011
    7
    iRacing claims to be the best racing sim out there. It surely has plenty of tracks and cars. However, there are many things about iRacing thatiRacing claims to be the best racing sim out there. It surely has plenty of tracks and cars. However, there are many things about iRacing that are not so great. The game is setup with a subscription service. Already it's annoying because it does not fit the subscription based game format. iRacing isn't an MMO nor is it exclusevly online. So really a subscription is going to make the player pay more money. At $12 a month you get access to about 5 cars and 5 tracks. Compare that to other MMOs like World of WarCraft were your hardrive loses half its space with each expansion. Such little content. You can gain access to later cars, but you have to cough up $12 per car and $15 a track. Nothing is done for the consumer. Everything has a price even hosting a game ($3). This leaves me thinking that the developer is trying to squise money out of me. Full Review »
  3. Sep 3, 2014
    3
    i Racing claims quite a lot. Some claim that graphics is not up the level of what is a standard these days, however there are much morei Racing claims quite a lot. Some claim that graphics is not up the level of what is a standard these days, however there are much more serious issues with the simmulator.

    Graphics:
    Highly sufficient for the purpose, no need for improvement, however competition will force natural improvements over time...

    Organization / registration / admin/profile/payment processing:
    No issues identified ...

    Variety of cars / tracks:
    Sufficient (not considering costs)

    Physics:
    Claims to be realistic BUT it is not, for some cars (e.g. Cadillac, some open wheel) the sensitivity of car to any mistake or imperfection with the throttle or braking is over what is normal. In some cases you
    will hardly believe how it is possible to spin a car at 20mph, I mean racing car. Most of the cars suffer heavy understeer, corrections through set up no more possible... I have had a chance to try professional racing simmulator and iRacing is not far from it, however in certain aspect it kills the pleasure.

    Costs>
    Very excellent business for the producers, however cost go to hundreds of USD whithin couple of months. What is striking is the system they charge for every addition of cars and tracks. If you would like to join some group for full season racing you might have to pay additional USD 80 - 90 to enter the season. Additional hundreds need to be spent to purchase decent wheel. If you thing that, e.g. Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 is sufficient, no way... you need to look for somthing else (at least Logitec G27, better chose Fanatec, Thrustmaster T500 and above).

    System of races / qualifications / time trials
    Excellent, there is no major difficulty to register for a session

    Safety score/rating
    Something that kills the game absolutely... You have safety score and rating based on your performance which is OK BUT... Every incident decreases your safety score no mather whether its your fault or not (absolute stupidity and very far from real race driving). For instance, you start race, somebody makes a contact from behind you are penalized and you have limited penalizations available in each race. Every single touch of ground behind the line and you are penalized (absolutely unrealistic), which makes you drive SAFE. Finally, you either drive like in a driving school, you either are very very good, or sonner or later you lose your nerves.

    Other
    No wheather simmulation, unrealistic pitstops, very long pitstop after you have crashed (even when caused by somebody else)

    OVERALL
    Excellent intention PERFORMANCE POOR. What really works and why so many people join and stay with iRacing is EGO, EGO to prove yourself that you are the best / better driver.... and it works. I imagine that thousands are spending endless hours to improve and improve.....
    However, if somebody is looking for fun and racing at reasonable cost you have to look somwhere else.
    Full Review »