GRIP is a high octane, hardcore combat racer, packing ferocious speed and armed to the teeth with heavy weapons. Inspired by games like Rollcage, Wipeout, Motorstorm and Star Wars Podracer, it's like nothing you've ever played before.
The game expertly blends substantial vehicle weight with incredible downforce, allowing players to pilot their heavily-armed cars at breakneck speeds while maintaining remarkable control. Mastering the powersliding mechanic is crucial, as lightly tapping the handbrake initiates a controlled slide that sharpens turns and keeps momentum high through corners. Even flipping upside-down or onto their sides, drivers can quickly right their vehicles and rejoin the race, adding an element of recovery and comeback potential.
In addition to white-knuckle racing, the game features a deep arsenal of powerful weapons and abilities. Machine guns, missiles, railguns, EMP blasts, and explosive darts provide ample opportunity to disrupt opponents. Strategically timing these attacks is key, as they can send rivals spinning out or launch them into the air, opening the door for the player to take the lead. This cat-and-mouse dynamic between maintaining speed and hampering opponents creates an exhilarating unpredictability.
The game's expansive, multi-layered circuits are engineered to showcase the unique vehicle physics and combat mechanics. Sections allowing drivers to race on walls, ceilings, and loops test their control and momentum, while diverse environments ranging from icy alien landscapes to futuristic cityscapes introduce their own visual flair and hazards. Discovering and mastering shortcuts and alternate routes is crucial, adding a strong element of replayability.
While customization options are not as extensive as some racers, players can still unlock and equip different cars, paint jobs, and accessories as they advance through the game's substantial single-player campaign. Completing races, challenges, and boss battles grants experience points to unlock new vehicles and upgrades, fostering a satisfying sense of progression.
Though the game's multiplayer features may not be as robust as some would hope, the developers have demonstrated a commitment to addressing player feedback through a series of post-launch updates. The active, albeit small, community has played a key role in refining the experience, showcasing the studio's responsiveness to fan input.