Le Mans Ultimate is an upcoming racing video game simulating the FIA World Endurance Championship. It is being developed by Studio 397 and published by Motorsport Games.[1] The game was originally slated for release in December 2023,[2] but the release date was pushed back and the game was released on Steam in early access on 20 February 2024.[3][4]
| Le Mans Ultimate | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Studio 397 |
| Publisher(s) | Motorsport Games |
| Engine | isiMotor 2.5 |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release | 20 February 2024 (early access) |
| Genre(s) | Racing simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
The game is only on PC, but console versions are being considered with porting agencies the likely method, according to Motorsport Games CEO Stephen Hood.[5]
Gameplay
editLe Mans Ultimate features three distinct classes of race cars, all of which feature in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship, those being Le Mans Hypercar (LMH), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), and Grand Touring Endurance (LMGTE).[6]
All seven tracks from the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship are present in the game, including Sebring, Portimão, Spa-Francorchamps, Circuit de la Sarthe, Monza, Fuji, and Bahrain.[7]
Race Weekend is Le Mans Ultimate's single-player mode where players can set how many classes will be on track, weather forecast, time scaling, fuel usage scaling, and tyre wear scaling.[8]
Online multiplayer is present in early access. Players can compete in daily races, limited timed special events, or create a private session for select players to join.[8]
DLC
editNew content is being added to LMU in the form of DLC cars and circuits. The first new content was the free LMDh BMW M Hybrid V8. This is a Hypercar class vehicle, the top ladder of WEC competition. There will be four more DLC releases that will drop roughly one or two months apart through January 2025. These DLC will provide users with access to all the 2024 cars, liveries and tracks used by the WEC Endurance Championship in 2024, Imola, COTA, Sao Paulo, and Bahrain. Also included within the 4 DLC releases will be the first official LMGT3 cars that, as of 2024, have replaced the GTE category. Two of the LMGT3 will be provided free, similar to the BMW M Hybrid V8 so that all LMU users can compete in the LMGT3 category without having to purchase the cars. It is unknown (as of late September) which cars will be the free releases.
Reception
editLe Mans Ultimate was met with fairly positive reviews when it entered Early Access. Many players stated that the game had potential, praising the physics model and the driving experience, but it was criticized for its lack of game modes and the large amount of bugs present at launch.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Home". Le Mans Ultimate. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ msoweb (2023-06-05). "Official 24 Hours of Le Mans game announced and named 'Le Mans Ultimate'". Le Mans Ultimate. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ msoweb (2024-02-01). "Le Mans Ultimate announces Early Access release plan ahead of February launch". Le Mans Ultimate. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ ben.buesnel (2024-02-20). "Official 24 Hours of Le Mans game, Le Mans Ultimate, available today!". Le Mans Ultimate. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ Harrison-Lord, Thomas (24 June 2024). "Le Mans Ultimate considering "partners" for console versions, code refinements underway". Traxion.
- ^ "Cars". Le Mans Ultimate. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ "Circuits". Le Mans Ultimate. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ a b "Everything You Need To Know About Le Mans UItimate | Feature | CarThrottle". www.carthrottle.com. 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
- ^ Harrison-Lord, Thomas (2024-02-20). "Le Mans Ultimate Hands-On: A Work-In-Progress Sim". OverTake. Retrieved 2024-03-12.