Formula Retro Racing (Reviewed on Xbox Series X)
Posted: May 16th, 2022, 9:22 am
Inspired by Sega's Arcade hit 'Virtua Racing', developer Repixel8 have tried their hand at creating a spiritual successor with the release of 'Formula Retro Racing'. Whilst Sega's influence is clear to be seen, Repixel8 falls short of Sega's masterpiece in several ways but still manages to be somewhat enjoyable in its own right.
Simple, vibrant graphics and punchy menu music make a healthy first impression.
From the main screen players can select from Arcade mode, Grand Prix, eliminator and the all-important 'free practice' to help you master all eight tracks.
I didn't need to make use of 'free practice' mode until unlocking the final Mountain circuit: I breezed through the first seven courses with minimal retrys but had to score the thirty-sixth best time in the world to come first on the final track. Achieving this was satisfying but took too long due to the game's recklessly psychotic AI. To their own detriment, AI drivers go out of their way to shunt you into barriers which often results in them crashing as well. What's disheartening is that they appear to operate with a different physics engine; collisions often force the player off at right angles yet have little effect on CPU opponents. Further compounding the issue is the inconsistent and unpredictable damage model. Once your damage meter is filled your car will explode, yet the level of damage incurred from accidents doesn't always match what's seen on screen.
Quite simply, the game is unpolished. From time to time, restarting a track can start you off in too low a gear or render the screen in black and white. Having used manual transmission throughout my time in Arcade mode I was perplexed as to how it wasn't an option for the Grand Prix mode (why?).
There is fun to be had here via the arcade mode. It's very bare bones stuff, that sees you choose from eight tracks that can be tackled at Beginner, Advanced or Expert difficulty. That's five more circuits than 'Virtua Racing' but only Monte Carlo and the mountain track approach the craftsmanship of Sega's classic.
The vehicle handling is enjoyable once mastered and is responsive around tight corners but as previously mentioned, you often have to cautiously navigate clear of opponents. Elimination mode is an interesting idea that tasks the player to complete as many laps as possible without falling below tenth place. What makes it challenging is the bump up in speed your opponents receive after every lap. Sadly, I found this mode to be little more than a distraction and after a few goes it was forgotten about.
Multiplayer is available locally for up to four people via 'Grand Prix' but to my disappointment, there was no online offering.
In conclusion, if you enjoyed 'Virtua Racing' and are looking for more, 'Formula Retro Racing' will give you that but at a lower quality.
Graphics :- 69%
Sound Design :- 40%
Soundtrack :- 61%
Playability :- 61%
Replay Value :- 67%
Final Verdict :- 60%