The last time we mentioned Circuit Superstars here on Nintendo Life was way back in 2019, when it was confirmed that the Original Fire Games-developed title would be published under the Square Enix Collective indie publishing label. Back then it was pegged for 2020, but things happen and the game has spent a good deal longer in development.
The pleasing news is that it's now over the line, out today on PC and Xbox (priced at $19.99USD with regional variations) and looking rather fun in the trailer - it has top-down racing and various options for multiplayer and competitive play, along with a good range of car types and tracks. The press release accompanying the launch states that it's 'coming soon' to Switch.
Below is some of the PR blurb, which also outlines some real-life racers involved in the project along with a Top Gear tie-in.
The game has launched with a special, free Top Gear DLC that offers players the opportunity to race their heroes on the iconic Top Gear Test Track. The track includes the Top Gear ‘Time Attack’ feature, giving players the unique opportunity to take to the track in a special Stig costume and perfect their racing lines against: Lando Norris, Romain Grosjean, Jamie Chadwick, Sam Bird, Steve “SuperGT” Brown, Charlie Martin, Jimmy Broadbent, Catie Munnings, Aarava and Conor Daly.
Racers will have access to the garage of their dreams, packed with 12 vehicles ready to compete on any of the 19 different tracks available, set in 13 vibrant locations. Players can enjoy a range of customisable liveries for both driver and cars, in addition to helmets and victory celebrations which can be unlocked by levelling up. There’s a racing style for everyone, with multiple motorsport disciplines represented in the game including Rallycross, Open wheel single-seaters, Trucks, GT racing and many more – and plenty more free content to come in the future!
Starting out is simple… but learning the nuances of each car’s unique handling and finding the best racing line around the corners of each track will be challenging. With the option of fuel usage, tire degradation and racing damage, even a good pit stop strategy could make the difference between hero and zero. Feel the rubber bite into the road as you pass the start/finish line and dive, with brakes squealing, into the first corner!
Whether you like to race solo or to challenge your friends, CIRCUIT SUPERSTARS features multiple racing options, including:- Online Multiplayer – Dive into specially-curated online multiplayer races with up to 12 players from around the globe.
- Split Screen Local Multiplayer – Challenge up to three of your mates and skilful AI drivers
- Grand Prix – Master all disciplines by conquering each of the single player tournaments designed for all 12 categories.
- Free Play Mode – Create your own race events or tournaments
We recently had art of rally on Switch as well, so this has been a fun year for fans of isometric / top-down racing. Are you tempted to pick up Circuit Superstars when it arrives?
Comments 21
Like the look of this, but will probably pick up on Xbox.
It's funny you mention Art of Rally at the end because when I watched the vid and saw the attention to detail I straight away thought, "it aint looking like that on switch". Switch is my preference for indies but I'll wait for PS4 on this one.
That is one fun looking art style. I hope it plays as good as it looks.
@papa_frezz The devs of Circuit Superstars are great though and very responsive to feedback, plus are backed by Square Enix, so I'm pretty confident its going to turn out ok on Switch.
I've got quite a few videos up on my channel covering it if you want to see more of it.
This looks great fun. Brings back memories of Ignition on PC back in the day, top-down racing perfection.
@SwitchedOn_Games Thanks for the tip! I've just realised I've watched loads of your vids in the past and haven't subscribed, so just did.
I just completed the "campaign" in Rush Rally Origins and i can't wait to play more of it. The game feel is so good, i look forward to playing each race several more times.
This game reminds me of the look Rush Rally. I am definitely interested, although, i may wait for a price drop.
@papa_frezz Ah thank you! I get that alot - I should probably remind people to subscribe at the start and not the end
Reminds me of games like super off road, but on a much larger scale, will pick this up.
Why no Time Trial mode? I find it staggering that so many racing games these days omit one of the most compelling modes for long term play. How hard can it be to implement it?
Thats a day1 purchase for sure.
Looks good I’m in!
After the dissapointing Art of Rally and the great Rush Rally Origins, this will be on my radar. I love top down racers.
Here’s hoping there’s local wireless play.
Been waiting for this for what has felt like a year now! Hope it plays as well as it looks!
@Jamie_R Totally agree. It was my favorite mode on all the Forza games, and it would be a great mode for this because you could really work on perfecting the racing line.
Edit: A quick look at the website says there will be weekly time trials..."Every hundredth of a second counts! Challenge your friends and the rest of the world in regularly updated Time Trials events. Global ghosts let you see how players around the world are tackling each track!"
I think I'd rather stick with Mantis Burn Racing or Blaze Rush. Because what is better than top-down racing? Exactly, top-down racing with weapons.
This looks to be a fun little racer. Will keep my eyes on this one. I could do with a fun racing game on switch but the lack of analogue triggers has kept me from buying one. Im not anout to fork out for an adapter to connect my cube controller. I shouldnt have to in this day and age.
Hope right stick is used for throttle.
@Jamie_R There is a Time Trial mode indeed with an online and friends leaderboard. The game is great, the community is great, and the developers are very active on the Discord to keep this game in tip top shape!
@Kidfunkadelic83 I started on Xbox and played with that style controller (triggers for throttle/brake and left stick for steering), but now play on PC with an SNES style controller using buttons for throttle and brake and D-pad for steering. I like it much better that way. It seems to suit this game slightly better with how the cars handle IMO.
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