6.8

Review: Gear.Club 3 Unlimited

Gear.Club Unlimited 3 tries to combine an accessible racing game with an extensive carrièremodus, licensed sports cars and spectacular races through Japan and Southern France. Developer Eden Games and publisher Nacon build on the well-known formula of the series, but with the new highway mode also add a different way of racing. The game was released on February 19, 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 8, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X.

The big question is whether this third part offers enough innovation to distinguish itself from other racing games. The answer is nuanced: there is plenty to experience for lovers of accessible races and adjusting cars, but the control, technical finishing and limited depth stop the game.

The world of Gear.Club Unlimited 3 is one of the biggest plus points. Japan is the most important new decor, with roads inviting to fast duels and spectacular catch-up actions. In addition, the sunny French Mediterranean coast returns. The variety between these locations gives the game a pleasant atmosphere and ensures that the races do not feel the same all the time. With about fifty courses there is also enough variation to stay busy for a longer time.

The story mode is about creating and expanding your own Gear.Club in Japan. By winning races, you build your carrière and access to new challenges. The story gives progress a clear goal and is a good reason to go on and on again. However, don't expect deep drama or a particularly compelling story: The focus is on racing, freeing cars and expanding your garage. The story supports the gameplay, but is rarely the main reason to continue playing.

The control system is trying to find a middle way between arcade and simulation. This makes the game basically suitable for a wide audience: You don't have to be an experienced simracer to make competitive rounds. Still, driving doesn't always feel exactly. Especially at high speeds and fast steering corrections the car can react less predictable than you would like. Also drifts lack the natural control that makes good racing games so satisfying. Different driving aids offer some relief, but do not completely eliminate the imperfections.

The new freeway mode is at the same time one of the most interesting additions. Here you race through heavy traffic on the French and Japanese motorways, where you have to change lanes at the right time and try to catch up with opponents. It creates a different tension than traditional circuit races, because you have to constantly react to traffic around you. Especially the Japanese nocturnal highways give this mode its own identity. The problem is that the less accurate control is particularly disturbing here: ééA wrong correction could ruin your duel.

Graphically, the game has a mixed impression. The cars are usually the strongest part: bodyën, lacquer and rims look well-kept and come to their senses especially in nocturnal races. The environments are less impressive. Some landscapes and textures look simple, so the world doesn't always radiate the same quality as cars. The presentation is functional but lacks the finish of the biggest racing games.

Technical achievements also deserve attention. In the Nintendo Switch 2-version, malfunctions and framedrops have been reported, also in the graphic modes that should offer a pleasant or stable experience. This is especially annoying in races where timing and precision are important. The later versions for more powerful systems offer improvements in framerate and image quality, but not all shortcomings have disappeared. According to a recent review, the PC and Xbox versions feel more flexible than the Switch 2 version, although the control does not always stay sharp.

The sound is sufficient to support the action, but does not impress much. Engines sound functional and often lack a distinct character. The music can also become repetitive. As a result, some of the intensity that a good racing game can create with convincing engine sounds, tire beeps and a strong soundtrack is lackingëRun.

In game modes, Gear.Club Unlimited 3 offers a campaign, different race challenges, time trials, freeway duels and opportunities to play with two players locally. The local multiplayer is a welcome addition for those who want to race together on the couch. Online multiplayer, on the other hand, is a clear lack, especially for players who want to fight against others regularly. Also free mode is not a full open world: you can ride on available courses, but not explore a large area.

The prize is part of the final judgment. At the launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 the standard edition cost about € 49.99; the PC version is offered at a lower price. For that amount you expect a pretty finished racing game. Although the amount of cars, courses and adjustment options is attractive, the technical problems and the limited refinement make the value for money less convincing. Anyone who specifically wants to collect the cars and drive short races will come to his liking rather than someone looking for a deep racing experience.