Things have changed since launch and I've got a little time to kill, so here's my thoughts.
Note: Based on 50+ hours of gameplay.
(1) HasThings have changed since launch and I've got a little time to kill, so here's my thoughts.
Note: Based on 50+ hours of gameplay.
(1) Has Ignition improved? Yes.
It's fair to say that day one Ignition was bad (very bad) so it's kinda obvious that any amount of patches are bound to make things better.....but the key question is; "by how much?". OK, if you're looking for the inclusion of features similar to what's available in Heat 5 then that's not going to happen for two reasons.
Firstly, MSG have confirmed that, with the possible exception of mirrors, no extra features will be added to Ignition 21, with the excuse seemingly being that because last gen consoles will struggle with their inclusion compromises had to be made. A rear view mirror *may* be added alongside the X|S and PS5 update in April but that is still tbc.
Secondly, this isn't Heat 5 - this is a brand new game going in a completely different direction so it's inevitable that things will be different from what we're used to. I guess, just like the Heat game, features will be added over a period of time...but that time is yet to arrive.
Away from all this there are some noticeable improvements. Yellow flags generally work now, stage racing (albeit not working correctly) is back and cars no longer pile up when there's a wreck. Granted, they do just stop on track but at least the yellow flags now ensure that their actions don't affect the race. Overall though, despite things still being far from perfect, there are noticeable improvements to the game.
(2) Is it as good as Heat 5? Yes and no.
Yes because the sim physics are far better than that of Heat 5 - and whilst Ignition does suffers with performance issues the fact that it's no longer bogged down by Unity suggests improvements can be made over time. No because even though the game has taken a new direction it does feel a little too bare bones. Considering the fact it's supposed to be a sim racer there's no excuse for Ignition to be stripped of features to the point where there aren't even basic car/wheel setup options.
(3) Is it worth buying? Yes and no.
The great thing about a failed game is that it becomes ridiculously cheap in next to no time...and Ignition is no exception. If you're prepared to live with a no frills game that, when assists are dumbed down, actually drives surprisingly well then that 70% (and sometimes greater) investment isn't half bad. No because at full price it's simply not worth it.
All in all though, since February I've enjoyed this NASCAR and whilst it will never, ever be the game MSG implied it would be I don't have any financial regrets with my purchase (a day one physical copy with import taxes and shipping added to the retail price), but I am disappointed that the absolute basic features (mirrors, setups, onscreen displays etc etc) probably won't find their way into the game.
Will I buy Ignition 22? Probably not. Judging by comments made during that town hall thing my feeling is that it's going to be a 'baby steps' approach to adding features so it may well be many NASCAR's before a full version arrives. I'm just not prepared to spend money on another 'bit by bit' journey so I'm happy to wait this time around.… Expand
