Review

Developed and published by BeamNG, BeamNG.drive is an innovative car simulator that has found its niche within the gaming community. Designed exclusively for Windows, this game stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the possibilities of game design.  BeamNG.drive is unique in its lack of a traditional goal structure. Early acc...

BeamNG.drive

  • Samanta Blumberg

Developed and published by BeamNG, BeamNG.drive is an innovative car simulator that has found its niche within the gaming community. Designed exclusively for Windows, this game stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the possibilities of game design. 

BeamNG.drive is unique in its lack of a traditional goal structure. Early access on Steam introduced scenarios that required driving through checkpoints, providing a sense of direction and purpose. However, it was not until version 0.9.0.5 that a plot was introduced. Known as "A Rocky Start," this campaign mode offers an intriguing storyline that enhances the overall gaming experience. 

The game's graphics are a testament to its impressive development. The landscapes are standard but detailed, and the vehicles are realistic and varied. But the real focal point is the soft body physics. The vehicles exhibit a level of interaction with their environment that is rarely seen in other games. Collisions are not only visually stunning but also incredibly detailed, offering a level of destructiveness that feels both satisfying and realistic. 

At the heart of BeamNG.drive is its soft-body physics. The game employs a real-time, structural soft-body physics system. This system, similar to the one used in the developers' previous project, Rigs of Rods, allows the vehicles to bend and deform in a genuinely realistic manner. This is not a rigid skeleton model; instead, the cars react to impacts in a way that truly reflects the forces at play. 

BeamNG.drive offers an immersive driving experience by focusing on the minutiae of vehicle dynamics. The game's physics engine continuously calculates physical equations in real-time. This attention to detail results in an engaging and authentic driving experience that will keep players coming back for more. 

BeamNG.drive is a remarkable car simulation game that breaks the mold with its unique physics and immersive gameplay. It's a refreshing departure from the norm, offering an experience that is as rewarding as it is challenging. 

Pros:
  • Innovative soft-body physics simulation
  • Variety of vehicles and landscapes
  • Intriguing campaign mode.
Cons:
  • Lack of goal structure in early versions
  • Requires a high-performance system for best experience.
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