When you’ve made a game that pays homage to early polygonal racing games and you want to release it on the Switch, you’d better be certain it’s a good one. After all, considering the Switch has actual Virtua Racing on it, when you come at the king, you best not miss.
The upstarts with the sheer gall to step onto the champ’s track are Lucky Mountain Games and Sumo Digital, with their coin-op-inspired Hotshot Racing. Thankfully, though, there’ll be no anguished squealing of tyres and smashing into the barricades for this one, because it absolutely manages to hold its own and is well worth a look if you long for the days of Ridge Racer and Daytona USA.
As you can see by the screenshots on this page, however, it’s Virtua Racing that’s very much the main influence for Hotshot Racing’s visual style. Everything’s reduced to such a low number of polygons that, if you were really bored enough, you could probably sit and count them on the screen. It’s a style that at the time was considered fairly primitive once the second wave of (more detailed) racing games started to appear, but time has been kind to it and in these days of photorealism the minimalist look is actually pretty striking.
This is helped by the fact that the game runs at a silky smooth 60 frames per second most of the time. There are some situations where that can drop quite a bit – there’s a race variation called Cops & Robbers which can chuck you right down to about 30 in handheld mode – but by and large, in the main Grand Prix mode, everything runs smoother than a jazz musician shaving his face with butter.
Speaking of Grand Prix (and stuff you spread on toast), this is the game’s bread and butter and is a fun enough romp that will last you a while, even if it isn’t massively revolutionary in any real way. There’s a total of 16 tracks split into four cups, and you can take them on in Normal, Hard and Expert difficulties (making for a total of 12 cups). As you’d expect, you get points depending on your position and the winner is the racer with the most points after four races. Let’s face it: even if you haven’t played the game yet, you could probably guess all this anyway.
That’s not to say it isn’t still entertaining, mind you. On the track is where it counts and in that respect, Hotshot Racing is a winner. Handling is nice and tight when it needs to be, and as you’re turning you can hit the brake to slide into the sort of drift that would make hardened Ridge Racer fans weak at the knees (we'd expect nothing less from a game that has racing experts Sumo Digital involved). Drifting even builds up a boost meter, as seen in every Ridge Racer game from the PSP version onward, meaning any fans (like us) who despair that the series has seemingly flatlined will appreciate it getting a little jolt of life again, albeit in tribute form.
It’s so old-school, in fact, that we have our suspicions there’s some rubber-banding going on. Obviously, that’s pretty difficult to prove and is often just the fall-back excuse for anyone who’s struggling to win races (don’t worry, we aren’t), but it does seem tricky to get any sort of a decent lead over anyone. Even if we save up four boosts and activate them all in a row, it isn’t long until opponents are right behind us, slipstreaming and trying to overtake us again. If this is the case it isn’t a dealbreaker by any means (plenty of other racing franchises use it, Mario Kart included), though it does mean the Expert cups may raise your blood pressure a little more than you’d like.
One of the ways in which Hotshot Racing tries to move on beyond simple arcade racing is in its character roster. Rather than just choosing what car you fancy, you instead select from one of eight characters, each of whom has four different cars with their own stats. Prize money from races can be spent on customising these cars in the Raceshop mode, allowing you to tinker with anything from the design and colour of your car’s paintwork to the bumpers, exhaust, spoiler and even the bobbleheads on the dashboard in the in-car view.
Each character also has their own distinct personality, from American hotshot Alexa (who’s entering the race because she doesn’t want to become a mechanic like her old man) to Jamaican athlete Marcus. Each character has their own unique ending when you win a Grand Prix with them, which is a nice touch and encourages you to play with different racers. Less enjoyable, though, are the soundbites you hear from them while racing: while they’re harmless enough (a few dodgy stereotypical voices aside), there just aren’t enough of them so there’s a lot of repetition.
Outside of Grand Prix mode, things are as expected. You can do single races: these include two different race types called Cops & Robbers and Drive Or Explode, neither of which is particularly outstanding. You can do Time Trials, there's split-screen or local wireless multiplayer for up to four players, and theoretically, there's online multiplayer for up to eight players. We say “theoretically” because we (understandably) couldn’t find a match before launch, and given that the game won’t start an online race until there are at least four players ready, we have the feeling the online community won’t last long after it’s released. Buy this one assuming it’s going to be local only, and you won’t be disappointed.
Conclusion
If the look of Hotshot Racing appeals to you and you can appreciate the aesthetic delights of something that looks deliberately low-fi and polygonal, the action it offers on the track does an excellent job of backing up the game's style with substance. It may have its quirks and it may turn you into a paranoid conspiracy theorist ready to tell tales of rubber-banding to anyone who’ll listen to you, but hey: that just adds to the authenticity of the era it’s based on. This is a fine racing title that truly nails its driving mechanics and delivers an exhilarating experience that will captivate newcomers and veterans alike.
Comments 74
How does it compare to the other arcade racers on Switch, mainly Horizon Chase? I may pick one up someday...
I don't mind rubber banding as long as it applies to me as well. As long as I can have the benefit of a chance of catching up just like the AI does then I think it's a fair trade.
I also really like a racing game where there's a bit of traffic. I used to get so bored on Forza where each lap would take 5+ minutes and there were 7 laps and I'd managed to pass all the AI cars on the first lap.
Pre-ordered day 1
That art style is brilliant, totally crisp and clear. I might pick this up but I still need DO DO DO DO DO DOOOOOO in my life
Is it digital only?
I want an open world game based on this style. Make it happen
@scully1888 "everything runs smoother than a jazz musician shaving his face with butter" is the description of a solid framerate I never knew I needed haha
I would like to know how it compares to Horizon Chase Turbo too. I wasn't particularly fond of that game. It plays like a mobile racer rather than a traditional arcade racer.
Going to buy this once I got enough gold coins to spare.
Ah yes, finally something to tide me over until 90s Super GP drops in a few hundred more years.
But seriously, I'm looking forward to playing this.
Ok. Sold. Yes NL, that’s all I have to say
Looks great, why do you never put the price on eshop reviews?
@andyg1412 a very good question!
Funny to get 5 ads for Project Cars in between haha.
Don't all arcade racers have rubber-banding? It seems to me that without it you'd just spend entire races either significantly ahead or significantly behind, and the whole thing just becomes a time trial.
@OorWullie They're pretty different. Horizon Chase Turbo handles more like Out Run whereas this feels more like Ridge Racer or a karting game. If you're more into the Grand Prix format of racing games where you get a few races and are given points depending on your position this is the one for you.
Rubber banding is a crap way to increase difficulty. If you can carve up a track following the ideal line, you should be able to leave the other racers and eventually lap them. Sega's Virtua Racing is a perfect example of an arcade racing game done right.
@andyg1412 The price is in the "Game Profile" section. (Or on mobile, just go to the "Overview" tab)
Think I'll wait for the sale on this one - I'm going for Inertial Drift instead.
@scully1888 Cheers, that's what I wanted to hear.
It wasn't just the 'feel' of HCT that put me off, I wasn't fond of the collectibles on the track and the progress system. Felt too much like a mobile racer for me.
@OorWullie Horizon Chase Turbo is the Console port of Horizon Chase, which was an Android/iOS game, so that's probably why.
But they based it off of Top Gear 1 & 2, which were my favourite childhood games, so I loved it haha. They also had collectibles on track, although they weren't mandatory for highscore, they were just money to spend on upgrades and collectible nitros (same as HCT).
@Twinsen It's 20% off at launch for whatever that's worth. I assume you mean a more significant sale.
I've been waiting for this review!
Can't wait to play this. Pre-ordered/downloaded it yesterday. I love Ridge Racer and Outrun 2006, and this sounds like it's in line with that type of gameplay. I wish there was a cartridge for this game.
Played the beta on Xbox and it was great, the handling wasn't quite where I was hoping but maybe thats been adjusted, still a brilliant game with an excellent art style
I’m interested......
Pre Bought this. Can't wait to run over peeps online! lol I'm not that good just popping off. I don't take these games as serious as I used to. I'm gonna so get killed online. Take it easy on the old man guys and girls.
@Twinsen it actually was on sale during the pre buy.
@Windy Will stay on sale till one week after launch (the 17th).
I might buy but I'd much prefer a HD Ridge Racer, Ridge Racer 2, Rave Racer compilation
I played the beta on the Xbox One, very good game.
9/10 from me..
There are a fair few well rated racing games on the Switch but this seems to hold its own well amongst them judging by the review. I think I will get this one.
(I also wouldn't mind a Ridge Racer on the Switch, mind you)
@BenAV nice! Good for those people wanting a discount. Game looks great. I've been watching YouTube videos of it. I will probably get it on Xbox one as well
Actually really excited for this. Totally my kind of game and Sumo Digital know how to produce a racing game.
Unfortunately, though, it’s on games pass so I’ll be playing it there.
Been following this game for years now, cannot believe it's just days away. It looks awesome, just don't like the name though.
I can't play a straightforward racer anymore, whether it's arcadey or real. I need a progression or something to keep me going
Hmm the lack of great single player is a bit worrying, then again the original Ridge Racer games, which this is clearly inspired by, were hardly the deepest games in that regard. I love racing games so I'll probably have to check this out.
@JayJ I liked battling the white angel and black demon car in ridge racer revolution
Sucks about the balancing stuff but I’m still going to eat this game alive. Maybe they will add an option to turn it off or something in the future?
Thanks for the review!
Is there a physical version?
strange art but nice game
I just read "like Ridge Racer". That is enough for me to pay whatever they ask for it.
@YANDMAN Yeah name and icon feels like shovelware.
@sixrings Yeah good times, I really loved Ridge Racer, at least the classic ones. Wasn't so big on the series after V.
@JayJ same. I stopped after V. But I loved Namco on the original PS.
I miss the Namco / sega arcade game war. So few of these types of games exist anymore and the few arcade games like Crusin Blast don't get ported to homes.
What's this like compared to the original burnout?
@Twinsen I'm waiting on a review (and since I recently got Horizon Chase Turbo I'm in no hurry) and will probably get both eventually anyway, but I'm the same way, going for Inertial Drift first. The concept of twin-stick racing is just to intriguing to pass up.
Can the annoying voices be muted? I don't so much mind the checkpoint calls and such, but the quips the driver makes.
@sixrings Yeah I definitely miss the glory days of Sega and Namco as well. They were the kings of arcade style games back in the day.
I have to admit, I had given up on this game ever coming out (I started following it closely when it was announced as Racing Apex). I was certain it would end up as vaporware alongside 90s Arcade Racer (RIP). Glad to see it's finally reality and reviewed positively! I'll pick it up for sure. A nice compliment to Horizon Chase Turbo, another excellent retro-style racer.
Outrun coast to coast 2006 is still my number one but Daytona USA on Dreamcast comes close. Will pick this up eventually as it looks like it nailed the controls (the most important part of an arcade racer)
scully1888 just curious, was this a review copy provided to NintendoLife? You all are usually very good about indicating this, but there's no note about it at the bottom of the article. Thanks!
@OorWullie This game plays much more like a 90s-era arcade racer than HCT ever will. I played the beta back in July on PC, and it's exactly what I've been wanting from this style of racer for years. I think you'll find it fun.
Bonus: It's 20% off until September 17th ($15.99, reg. $19.99).
@Twinsen Inertial Drift has less content than this game, and Hotshot is on sale right now. It's actually cheaper than Inertial Drift.
If you're wondering how I know Inertial Drift has a lack of content, it's from this rather detailed review of the game:
https://lordsofgaming.net/2020/09/review-inertial-drift/
Wait... I can't play a 2-player online race with a friend??
"This is helped by the fact that the game runs at a silky smooth 60 frames per second most of the time."
This game looks like a PS1 game, it would be hopeless if it can't run at 60 fps.
@OneRadRanger Cheers for the info. Sounds like what I'm looking for. I've already put 30 hours into Virtua Racing.
I bought "Speedway Racing" and felt completely scammed (the controls on that one were horrible, and crashes were frustating, unplayable), I think I will wait till I play this on GamePass.
I have good expetacions though, Outrun 2006 (by the same developer) is my favourite arcade racer.
It says local wireless play up to 8 players but can I use 8 different switches or is it like Luigi's mansion and 8 players over a maximum 4 systems.
Here's hoping they can use the same style and make a outrun like sequel.
@aznable I am not a racing guy but I enjoy my arcade racers and Virtua Racing is really fun when you get the hang of it, I really would love to see Daytona USA on the switch because I have never experienced it and I love the authentic Sega 90's aracade feel.
Really interested in this but it's one of those games that I'd love a physical copy of so I'm faced with a dilemma of whether to bite now at the decent launch discount, or hang fire to see if a physical gets announced.
It seems as though the game had a decent following prior to launch and with the pedigree or Sumo Digital I'd be suprised if it didn't end up on a cart. Would be nice if it got a general release rather than a limited run.
Sold, but buying it on PS4 this time around. Can't wait to try it out!
Quick question: can you use the dpad instead of the stick?
@TehGems no you can't. I lived off the dpad for og ridge racer but I adapted quickly. The cars feel good.
My god..... What is this? 60 FPS? Hell no. Play Cops & Robbers and you'll start to cry. It seems to me that some (SP) modes are not just not 60FPS, they are also almost not playable. It's a racegame, frames are important here...
The game alsof confuses my 8bitdo SN30 Pro+ controller. It stops working after 15 minutes or so. Restart the game helps, but after 15 minutes the same thing happens.
Yes, I regret buying this game. Amazing.... I really thought I would love this game. Cops & Robbers is a mode that I really would enjoy, but the framerate ruins it for me....
I love the look and feel of this. The characters are a nice touch, and I love the post grand prix story scenes. However, the tracks are on the simple side.
@Alienfreaks04 This has minor progression. 4 racing circuits where you earn points towards a championship. They are short circuits 4 races each. It has 3 difficulties for each circuit. Kind of like a Mario kart setup.
Just played a GP and a few races. For a racing game with drift/boosting as it's core mechanic, most tracks seem like they lack turns sharp enough for drifting. I'm baffled. Maybe I just need more time with it, but that's how it seems so far.
@holygeez03 I own both...I like the controls and Ridge Racer style drifting in Hot Shot. Unfortunately the single player component is somewhat lacking and is more robust in Horizon. This game would be a lot of fun with online multiplayer, but every lobby I enter is pretty much empty!
@OscarNizero I bought Speedway and hated it. This game is much, much better than that! Although in the harder difficulty settings you might be in the lead and get bumped into a wall, ruining your race. It happens, but much less frequently than in Speedway.
I have been playing this. Have to say, it's one of my most liked non-MK racers on the system! I've played a fair few as well.
The game is great with one exception. There is rarely anyone online. I've waited on several occasions now up to 20 minutes with nobody to race. Sad
I find the catch up isn't due to rubber banding but down to the high speed gain to be made in slipstreaming.
Sometimes I'll save my boost and sit in 3-4 place in the pack waiting for the slipstream boost combination to win on expert.
The handling is tricky enough to not make it a walkover but easy enough to get a good handling after an hour's play. Very enjoyable fun
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...