RENNSPORT on PS5 presents itself as a pure, competition-driven racing simulacrum – where speed, precision, and consistency earn your respect more than flashy single-player modes. From the first start, the game’s driving feels thoughtfully engineered: cars are heavy but controllable, and the handling strikes a balance that both newcomers and experienced racers can appreciate.
One of its most appealing strengths is how fully customizable the experience is. Players can tweak simulation parameters like damage, tire wear, traction control, and more, crafting a personal driving challenge or a more relaxed ride. The assists make the game approachable, and even with a gamepad, the steering feels weighty yet responsive. These systems contribute to a solid core, especially when driving in earnest in time trials or competitive lobbies.
But RENNSPORT’s content lineup feels surprisingly thin for a game positioning itself as a serious racing platform. The number of available cars and circuits is limited compared to many contemporary racers, and the single-player structure – built around short “cups” – lacks the depth and variety that would make long solo play meaningful. AI behavior does not always feel natural or adaptive, further undercutting offline race engagement.
Visually, RENNSPORT utilizes Unreal Engine 5, but the transition to PS5 hardware reveals rough edges. Alias lines crop up, textures at times lack fidelity, and even something as basic as the rear-view mirror feels low-resolution in action. While lighting and track layouts are ambitious, the overall polish is inconsistent, giving the impression of a game that’s still been rushed out. Sonically, engine tones are serviceable and realistic, but the audio doesn’t always distinguish between different car classes, so much of the motor symphony blends together.
A more troubling aspect is its monetization model. Even beyond the dropped free-to-play version, RENNSPORT hinges on the sale of cosmetic liveries with in-game currency, rather than offering full tools for user-driven design. That makes aesthetic personalization feel gated behind paywalls, a design choice that undercuts the premium price and ambition of the release. In terms of content, the game feels stuck between its earlier free-to-play model and the current full price version.
Technically, though, where RENNSPORT shines is in multiplayer. Cross-platform matchmaking is solid, and the skill-based rating system rewards clean, consistent driving. The netcode holds up, and participating in ranked races or league-style events feels like the game’s true heart. And for players who relish data, the HUD is deeply customizable – you can track lap deltas, tire stats, and more in a way that many racers skip entirely.
Still, technical issues are not absent. Some checkpoint bugs force full-lap restarts, and certain settings behave unpredictably, suggesting a launch that could have used more polish. These rough spots undermine the experience, especially when chasing perfection over repeated laps.
Ultimately, RENNSPORT on PS5 comes off as a work-in-progress with serious promise. The driving model is one of its strongest assets, and the multiplayer infrastructure is genuinely compelling for competitive racers. But the scarcity of content, combined with questionable cosmetic monetization and visual inconsistencies, limit its appeal right now. With sustained post-launch support – more cars, tracks, and deeper offline modes – it could evolve into the full-fledged esports sim it clearly aspires to be. Until then, it feels like a refined skeleton in need of muscle.
Score: 6.5 / 10
Press Play Media 