Released in October 2019 by Codemasters, GRID on Xbox One marks a bold return to the franchise’s roots, delivering a high-octane arcade racing experience that blends accessibility with just enough depth to keep enthusiasts engaged. Known for their pedigree with titles like DiRT and the F1 series, Codemasters set out to reboot GRID as a lean, muscular racer that prioritizes wheel-to-wheel action over simulation-heavy complexity. After spending hours tearing through its tracks, it’s clear that GRID succeeds in capturing the thrill of motorsport, even if it stumbles in a few areas that keep it from pole position.
Gameplay: Elbows Out, Engines Roaring
At its core, GRID is an arcade racer through and through, and it wears that badge proudly. The handling strikes a sweet spot—responsive and grippy, yet forgiving enough for casual players to dive in without needing a racing wheel. You can tweak the difficulty and assists to nudge it closer to a sim-like feel, but this isn’t Forza Motorsport or Assetto Corsa. Cars feel weighty and distinct, from the lumbering muscle of vintage stock cars to the razor-sharp precision of modern GT machines. Drifting isn’t a dedicated mode, but the oversteer-happy stock cars let you slide around corners with a grin-inducing flair.
The career mode is the main draw for solo players, structured around six racing disciplines: Touring, Stock, Tuner, GT, FA Racing (a Fernando Alonso-themed F1 nod), and Invitational events. You’ll grind through events to earn tickets to the GRID World Series, a climactic showdown that feels satisfying to unlock. The Nemesis system adds a layer of personality—bump an AI driver too hard, and they’ll turn aggressive, hunting you down with a vengeance. It’s not revolutionary, but it spices up races with rivalries that feel organic and unpredictable. However, the career can get repetitive, with only 13 base tracks (plus DLC) and a modest roster of around 70 cars. The variety in car classes helps, but you’ll notice the limited track selection after a few hours.
Visuals and Audio: A Feast for the Senses
On Xbox One (especially the One X), GRID looks stunning. The lighting effects are a standout—racing under Shanghai’s neon glow or through a rain-soaked Havana feels cinematic. Cars get battered and dirty, with a damage system that’s both visual and functional, impacting handling if you push too hard. The 60 FPS performance on enhanced consoles keeps the action smooth, though standard Xbox One players might notice occasional dips. The lack of a dedicated photo mode is a missed opportunity to capture these gorgeous moments.
The sound design is equally impressive. Engines roar with authenticity—Codemasters recorded over 69 cars for this game, and it shows. The screech of tires, the clatter of debris, and the distant cheers of crowds immerse you in the chaos of the race. There’s no music during races, which might disappoint some, but it keeps the focus on the raw auditory thrill of motorsport.
Content and Value: Slim but Punchy
Here’s where GRID falters a bit. With just 13 tracks—split between real-world circuits like Brands Hatch and fictional city courses—the game feels light compared to its peers. The car count is decent, covering classics like the Ford GT40 to modern beasts like the Porsche 911 RSR, but it’s not as expansive as Forza or even Gran Turismo. The Fernando Alonso tie-in is a fun touch—you can race his 2006 Renault R26 and face off against him—but it’s more of a novelty than a game-changer.
Multiplayer is solid, supporting up to 16 players online with a mix of chaos and competition, though it lacks the depth of customization or progression found in other racers. The Free Race mode lets you tweak everything from weather to lap count, which is great for quick sessions, but the lack of a championship creator or deeper team management feels like a missed opportunity. At its original $60 price, GRID might have felt sparse, but at today’s discounted rates (often under $20), it’s a steal for what it offers.
Verdict: A Thrilling Ride Worth Taking
GRID on Xbox One is a love letter to arcade racing fans—a game that distills the essence of motorsport into tight, exhilarating bursts of action. Its visuals and sound design are top-notch, and the Nemesis system keeps races lively. However, the limited track and car selection, paired with a career mode that doesn’t fully hook you, prevent it from dethroning the genre’s heavyweights. It’s not the deepest racer out there, but it’s one of the most fun, especially if you crave accessible, Hollywood-style thrills over simulation rigor.
For petrolheads and casual gamers alike, GRID delivers a satisfying ride that’s easy to recommend in 2025, especially at a budget price. It’s not perfect, but when you’re bumper-to-bumper at 150 MPH, it’s hard to care.
Score: 8/10
Pros: Stellar visuals, punchy sound, fun arcade handling, Nemesis system adds spice.
Cons: Limited tracks and cars, repetitive career, light on extra modes.
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