Velocity Rush: Ultimate Circuit
Developer
Velocity Studios
Release Date
December 7, 2023
ESRB Rating
E (Everyone)
Platforms
PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Game Overview
Velocity Rush: Ultimate Circuit is the definitive racing experience, combining the adrenaline of high-speed competition with meticulously crafted physics and stunning visuals. From street circuits to mountain passes, desert trails to futuristic speedways, this comprehensive racing package offers something for every type of racing enthusiast.
The game features over 120 precisely modeled vehicles from 45 manufacturers, each with unique handling characteristics and upgrade paths. Every car can be customized both aesthetically and mechanically, allowing you to create a ride that perfectly matches your racing style.
Game Modes
Velocity Rush offers a variety of ways to experience the thrill of racing:
- Career Mode: Start as an unknown driver and work your way up through different racing disciplines to become a motorsport legend.
- Championship Series: Compete in structured seasonal competitions across various vehicle classes and track types.
- Time Attack: Challenge yourself to beat record lap times on any track with any vehicle.
- Custom Race: Set up your ideal racing experience with customizable weather, time of day, opponents, and race parameters.
- Online Multiplayer: Test your skills against up to 24 players in ranked or casual competitions.
- Garage: Build your dream car collection and fine-tune each vehicle to perfection.
Track Variety
The game includes 35 unique locations with multiple track configurations for a total of over 90 distinct racing experiences. Tracks range from officially licensed real-world circuits to fictional courses set in breathtaking environments. Dynamic time-of-day and weather systems ensure that no two races feel exactly the same, with conditions that can change during longer events, forcing drivers to adapt their strategies.
Key Features
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Advanced Physics Engine
Experience the most realistic vehicle dynamics ever created for a racing game. Each car responds authentically to track conditions, tire wear, fuel load, and damage.
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Comprehensive Customization
Modify every aspect of your vehicles with thousands of performance parts and visual customization options. Create unique liveries with the advanced paint and decal system.
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Dynamic Weather System
Race in conditions ranging from scorching sun to torrential rain and snow. Weather changes can occur mid-race, affecting visibility, grip, and strategy.
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Immersive Career Mode
Experience a narrative-driven career spanning multiple racing disciplines. Make key decisions about sponsors, team relationships, and racing style that affect your progression.
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Advanced AI System
Compete against AI drivers who adapt to track conditions, make mistakes under pressure, and develop rivalries with you based on your racing behavior.
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Online Competition
Participate in ranked seasons with skill-based matchmaking, weekly events with special rules, and private lobbies for racing with friends. Cross-platform play supported.
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Comprehensive Racing Assists
Adjustable driving assists for all skill levels, from casual players to simulation enthusiasts. Includes detailed tutorials and driving school challenges to improve your skills.
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti / AMD RX 570
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 65 GB available space
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8700 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD RX 5700 XT
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 65 GB SSD
Additional Notes
For the best experience, we recommend using a racing wheel controller with force feedback, though the game is fully playable with gamepad or keyboard controls. VR headsets are supported for an immersive driving experience.
Based on 149 reviews
Expert Review
Velocity Rush: Ultimate Circuit strikes an impressive balance between accessibility and depth, offering an experience that can satisfy both casual racing fans and hardcore simulation enthusiasts. The game's greatest strength is its versatility—whether you're looking for arcade thrills or nuanced vehicle dynamics, you'll find options to tailor the experience to your preferences.
Visually, the game is stunning. Tracks are meticulously detailed, from the grandstands filled with animated spectators to the environmental elements like dust, leaves, and weather effects. The lighting system deserves special mention, particularly how it interacts with different surface materials and weather conditions. Car models are equally impressive, with interiors that match their real-world counterparts down to the smallest details.
The physics engine delivers a convincing driving experience that responds naturally to different track surfaces, weather conditions, and vehicle modifications. With driving assists turned off, you'll need to master proper braking techniques, weight transfer, and tire management—all of which feel authentic and rewarding. For those seeking a more forgiving experience, the customizable assist system allows you to find the perfect balance for your skill level.
The career mode offers a structured progression that avoids feeling like a simple series of races. Your choices regarding sponsors, teams, and racing style create meaningful consequences that affect your reputation and opportunities. The inclusion of narrative elements and rivalries adds a human element often missing in racing games.
Where Velocity Rush stumbles slightly is in its online infrastructure. While the racing itself is smooth, matchmaking can sometimes create unbalanced fields, and the penalty system occasionally misattributes blame in racing incidents. These issues are likely to be addressed in patches, but they're worth noting at launch.
The customization systems for both performance and aesthetics provide impressive depth. The tuning options allow for meaningful adjustments that noticeably affect handling, while the livery editor offers professional-grade design tools for creative players.
Velocity Rush: Ultimate Circuit doesn't reinvent the racing genre, but it refines and combines its best elements into a polished, comprehensive package that stands among the top-tier racing games available today. Whether you're a casual weekend racer or a dedicated sim enthusiast, there's plenty to enjoy in this impressive release.
User Reviews
As someone who owns a racing wheel setup and loves simulation racing, this game delivers exactly what I want. The force feedback is excellent, communicating every bump and slide through the wheel. The attention to detail in how different cars handle is impressive—you can really feel the difference between front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive vehicles. The dynamic weather system adds another layer of challenge and realism. This is the most fun I've had with a racing game in years.
I'm giving this a middle-of-the-road rating because it really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a hardcore sim, this is great with all assists off. But as a more casual player using a controller, I found the default settings pretty unforgiving. After tweaking the assists I started having more fun, but the learning curve is steep. The visuals and car selection are amazing, but be prepared for a challenge if you're not experienced with racing sims.
The vehicle customization in this game is incredible! I've spent more time in the garage tuning and customizing my cars than actually racing them. The performance modifications make a noticeable difference in handling, and the visual customization options are extensive. I love being able to create unique designs with the livery editor. The photo mode is also excellent for showing off your creations. Even if you're not a serious racer, this game is worth it just for the car collecting and customization aspects.
