Introduction & Context
Released in early 2018, Gravel arrived at a time when pure arcade off-road racing games were becoming increasingly rare. Aiming to capture the high-octane, action-packed spirit of classic titles like MotorStorm and SEGA Rally, Gravel offers accessible, pick-up-and-play racing without the punishing realism of complex sim racers.
Developer and Platforms
The game was developed and published by Milestone s.r.l., an Italian studio widely recognized for its extensive work on motorcycle and motorsport franchises such as MotoGP, RIDE, and MXGP. With Gravel, Milestone stepped away from strict simulation to deliver an adrenaline-fueled arcade experience built on Unreal Engine 4.
Playable Platforms:
- PC (Microsoft Windows via Steam)
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
Story and Narrative: Off-Road Masters
Rather than a traditional storyline, Gravel frames its single-player campaign as an extreme sports television program called Gravel Channel. Players navigate through various TV episodes across four distinct disciplines: Cross Country, Wild Rush, Speed Cross, and Stadium Circuit.
As you win races and earn show popularity points, you unlock head-to-head showdowns against fictional legendary drivers known as the Off-Road Masters. While the narrative is lightweight, the TV show presentation keeps the campaign structured and entertaining.
Graphics and Visual Performance
Powered by Unreal Engine 4, Gravel showcases visually impressive landscapes ranging from snowy Alaskan wilderness to dusty Australian deserts and tropical islands. The dynamic lighting, realistic dirt buildup on vehicles, and dynamic weather effects add significant visual flair to every event. Vehicle models look detailed and react with realistic surface deformation upon crashes.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
Gravel (2018) succeeds as a fast, action-packed off-road racer that prioritizes fun over frustration. While it may lack deep tuning options or open-world mechanics, its solid physics, diverse tracks, and nostalgic arcade feel make it a rewarding title for racing fans.
Final Recommendation: Gravel is definitely worth playing if you love classic arcade off-road racers. It is especially recommended for gamers seeking quick racing sessions or those looking to pick up a hidden gem during digital store sales.
