I’ve always enjoyed racing games, but I’ve never been drawn to the hyper-realistic simulations that strive to replicate every minute detail of the driving experience. Games that emphasize minute road surface details and excessive vehicle vibration, such as Project CARS, don’t appeal to me. My preference lies with the over-the-top, high-speed, arcade-style racers like Burnout and the classic Out Run. The question is: can Hotshot Racing earn a place among these titles?
Hotshot Racing slots comfortably into the arcade racing category. Realism is not a primary concern, neither in the visual presentation nor the vehicle handling – but that’s entirely acceptable. The gameplay is fast-paced, engaging, and highly addictive, creating a compelling “just one more race” dynamic.
Furthermore, the game’s suitability for the Nintendo Switch is a definite advantage. It performs equally well on the Switch’s smaller screen while commuting or when played on a TV at home. The controls are responsive and precise, making executing smooth drifts through corners satisfying. However, utilizing a manual gearbox can present a challenge, as acceleration is mapped to the right trigger, and upshifting is assigned to the right bumper. This control scheme demands considerable dexterity for comfortable execution.
Victories earn in-game currency, which can be used to purchase upgrades for both vehicles and drivers. The game offers a diverse selection of tracks and playable characters, and a recent free expansion further enhances the value proposition of Hotshot Racing.
The game’s visual style employs a relatively low polygon count, resulting in a somewhat angular and simplistic aesthetic reminiscent of the SEGA classic Virtua Racing. Consequently, scenes with significant on-screen action can exhibit some visual flickering as the rendering engine manages pixel allocation. While not a critical flaw, and a contributing factor to the game’s overall performance, this can occasionally impact visual clarity.
In conclusion, Hotshot Racing delivers an enjoyable arcade racing experience, particularly well-suited for the Nintendo Switch. I offer a strong recommendation for this title.
