
System: PS4, Xbox One, PC | ![]() |
Dev: Ivory Tower | |
Pub: Ubisoft | |
Release: November 17, 2015 | |
Players: Multiplayer | |
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080i | Language, Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence, Includes online features that may expose players to unrated user-generated content |
Monster and drift specs are sure to maintain their appeal for a longer time. Drifting definitely isn’t my strong suit, and the majority of my practice took place on wet roads, which wasn’t helpful. I don’t recommend taking out a drift spec ride when you’re free roaming and exploring; the slightest over-correction can completely derail you, something that I’m sure the more mischievous bumper-tappers out there will be counting on when they’re looking for victims to pester. Initiating your drift and easing into your intended trajectory is simple enough, but you’ll find that the brake, throttle, and steering management required to execute and chain together long, sweeping drifts - especially in adverse weather conditions - takes some serious getting used to. Awareness of your minimap and a little finesse go a long way here.
The monster trucks are hulking, clumsy brutes. There aren’t many on the road at the time of writing this review, but as more people pick up Wild Run and take to the streets, monster spec is going to introduce some serious chaos, and that’s a great thing. You sit high upon a mobile, metallic mountain, capable of mid-air corkscrews and triple backflips. The Monster Arena is basically a playground for you and your crew, providing the perfect space in which to slam into each other and attempt gravity-defying, aerial stunts as you collect points in timed events. Atop the highest point of the arena is a small platform where rivals are likely to submit to fits of laughter as they attempt to sumo each other off of the edge and watch each other flip and tumble to the ground. These guys aren’t very fast or responsive, so unless you’re climbing a mountain or running over a Fiat for fun I doubt you’ll want to spend too much time captaining your not-so-gentle giant, but it’s a hell of a good time in the proper setting.
So what’s the verdict? Is Wild Run good enough to bring back estranged early-adopters and entice a new audience? It’s all up to you guys. Wild Run isn’t lipstick on a pig, it’s a frog become a prince. It’s proof that for almost a year now Ivory Tower and Ubisoft have been listening to fans and incorporating their feedback into an expansion that finally gives The Crew an identity of its own. Without your own crew, though, the streets of America feel barren and lifeless. If you’re willing to make the effort to reach out to a group of like-minded players with whom you can travel and compete, I can recommend The Crew: Wild Run without hesitation.
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By Matthew Hayes Contributing Writer Date: November 18, 2015 |
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