Hotshot Racing Review: A Stylish Throwback to Arcade Racing with Some Modern Hiccups
Arcade racing games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers who crave speed, tight controls, and vibrant visuals. Hotshot Racing, developed by Lucky Mountain Games and Sumo Digital, aims to recapture the magic of classic arcade racers like Virtua Racing and OutRun. Released in September 2020, the game blends retro-inspired low-poly visuals with modern mechanics, offering an exhilarating high-speed racing experience.
But does Hotshot Racing manage to strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, or does it fall short in delivering a truly engaging experience? In this review, we’ll break down its gameplay, graphics, multiplayer elements, and overall reception, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this arcade racer. This review is written by a huge fan of Slow Roads io game.
The Strengths of Hotshot Racing
1. A Nostalgic Yet Refreshing Visual Style
One of the first things that stand out in Hotshot Racing is its vibrant, low-poly visual aesthetic. The game pays homage to classic arcade racers from the ’90s, with bright colors, sharp edges, and exaggerated environments. Whether you’re speeding through tropical beaches, neon-lit cities, or winding mountain roads, each track feels visually distinct and bursting with personality.
The frame rate is locked at a smooth 60 FPS, ensuring fluid motion and making the game feel incredibly responsive. This consistent performance is crucial for a fast-paced racing game, and Hotshot Racing delivers in this aspect, making every drift and turn feel precise.
2. Tight, Drifting-Focused Gameplay
At its core, Hotshot Racing is all about speed and style. The handling leans heavily into drifting mechanics, rewarding players for maintaining smooth slides around corners. Mastering this drift-based system is key to success, as it not only helps maintain speed but also fills up the boost meter, which can be unleashed for short bursts of acceleration.
The game is highly accessible to both newcomers and experienced players, with intuitive controls that are easy to pick up but require practice to master. Each of the available racers has unique stats, meaning some cars favor acceleration over top speed, while others prioritize handling. This variety encourages players to experiment and find the vehicle that best suits their racing style.
3. Engaging Game Modes and Variety
Hotshot Racing offers more than just standard circuit races. The game includes multiple modes that add replayability and excitement:
- Time Trial: Race against the clock to set the fastest lap times.
- Grand Prix: A series of races where points are awarded based on finishing positions.
- Cops and Robbers: A chaotic mode where players either evade police or chase down criminals.
- Drive or Explode: A thrilling mode where players must maintain a minimum speed or risk their car exploding.
These alternative modes add variety and keep the game from feeling repetitive, providing different ways to experience the fast-paced racing action.
4. Solid Multiplayer Experience
Multiplayer is where Hotshot Racing truly shines. The game supports both online multiplayer and local split-screen, making it a fantastic option for playing with friends. Online races feel smooth and competitive, while split-screen mode offers a nostalgic couch gaming experience that many modern racing games lack.
The AI in single-player modes can be fairly competent, but multiplayer races introduce a level of unpredictability that makes each match exciting. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing in ranked online races, Hotshot Racing delivers plenty of multiplayer fun.
The Weaknesses of Hotshot Racing
1. Lack of Track Variety and Depth
While the tracks in Hotshot Racing are visually appealing, the actual track selection is somewhat limited. With only 16 tracks spread across four environments, the game can start to feel repetitive after extended play. More track variety or dynamic track elements (such as weather changes or alternate routes) would have added more depth to the racing experience.
Additionally, while the handling is enjoyable, the game lacks the advanced mechanics or deep customization seen in other arcade racers. Players looking for a more nuanced driving experience might find Hotshot Racing too simplistic.
2. AI Can Feel Frustratingly Aggressive
The AI in Hotshot Racing can be hit or miss. On one hand, it provides a decent challenge, but on the other, it often feels artificially aggressive. Rubber-banding is a common issue, meaning that no matter how well you race, AI opponents always seem to catch up. While this ensures close races, it can also feel frustrating when AI cars suddenly gain unrealistic speed boosts.
Some players have criticized this AI behavior, as it reduces the impact of skillful racing and makes some victories feel less rewarding. A more balanced AI system with adjustable difficulty settings would have improved the single-player experience.
3. Limited Vehicle Customization
While Hotshot Racing offers different vehicles with varying stats, the customization options are fairly limited. Players can change colors, liveries, and a few aesthetic elements, but there’s no deep tuning system to adjust performance.
For a game that embraces arcade-style simplicity, this isn’t a deal-breaker. However, compared to modern arcade racers like Horizon Chase Turbo or Cruis’n Blast, Hotshot Racing feels like it could have offered a bit more personalization.
4. Short Career Mode and Limited Progression
The Career Mode in Hotshot Racing is fairly basic, with a straightforward progression system that doesn’t offer much incentive for long-term play. Once you’ve completed the Grand Prix races and tried out the extra modes, there’s little reason to keep playing unless you’re invested in online multiplayer.
Some players have expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful progression, such as unlocking new tracks, vehicles, or challenges over time. As a result, Hotshot Racing can feel like a game best enjoyed in short bursts rather than a long-term commitment.
Reception and Player Feedback
Upon release, Hotshot Racing received generally positive reviews from both critics and players. Many praised the game’s vibrant visuals, smooth performance, and enjoyable arcade racing mechanics. The multiplayer component, particularly the inclusion of split-screen, was a highlight for many.
However, some players found the game’s AI frustrating and criticized the lack of track variety. Others felt that while Hotshot Racing is fun, it doesn’t have enough content to keep them engaged for long periods.
On aggregate review sites like Metacritic, Hotshot Racing holds a score in the mid-70s, indicating a solid but not groundbreaking reception.
Final Verdict: Is Hotshot Racing Worth It?
Hotshot Racing successfully captures the essence of classic arcade racing, delivering fast-paced action, smooth handling, and stylish visuals. Its emphasis on drifting and boosting makes for an exciting experience, and the multiplayer options add significant value, especially for fans of couch co-op gaming.
However, the game does have its flaws, including limited track variety, aggressive AI, and a lack of long-term progression. While it excels as a quick, pick-up-and-play racing game, it may not offer enough depth for players seeking a more expansive experience.
Final Score: 7.5/10 – A fun and stylish arcade racer with nostalgic charm, but lacking in variety and long-term depth.