Rolling start
I loved playing racing games in the arcade as a teenager. Titles like San Francisco Rush and Virtua Racing are relics of the past that so few game developers get right these days. Hotshot Racing feels like someone from my generation was also tired of the lack of these games in our current game world. I felt like I was back at an arcade while digging through this game’s career mode. The characters are quirky, the driving is over-the-top, and the visuals just scream 90s aesthetic. For fans like me this is a game that just begs to be played.
Jumping right into the action feels good. Cars all handle like I would expect a classic Sega racer to feel. Developers Lucky Mountain Games and Sumo Digital have nailed the drift mechanic down to a science. I was immediately taking turns sideways and drafting behind opponents to slingshot into first place. The cast of characters remind me of the goofy ones I would see in every game growing up.
MSRP: $19.99 (Included in Game Pass)
Platforms: Xb1, PS4, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $19.99
There is a career mode that uses a Mario Kart style progression. Each circuit consists of four races across a set of tracks. There are multiple difficulties for each one, and completing them unlocks new customization items for both the driver and the car. It runs out of steam quickly, but the racing is always fun.
One of the most appealing things about the game is the diversity of tracks. Everything from standard circuits to dinosaur-filled adventures are included. I was constantly impressed with each new one I came across.
The game feels great to play but is hampered by some steep difficulty. This is the most aggressive rubber-band AI I have seen in quite a while. I never had a massive lead even on the easiest difficulty. AI cars are always a split second behind. It also works in reverse though. If I took a bad turn, I was always able to make it up and get back into first within a given lap. This keeps races stressful at all times, as a win is never guaranteed.
The visuals are absolutely incredible. As mentioned, the stages really pop, and the thick defined polygons really capture that 90s feel. The game runs at a wonderful clip and the colors simply pop off the screen. The music is fun, and the characters all have unique attitudes, even if they wear out their welcome quickly.
Hotshot Racing is an incredible nostalgia trip that I cannot recommend enough. Game Pass owners should note that the game is included in Microsoft’s service, so there is no excuse not to give it a try. This is the most fun I have had with a racing game in quite some time.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
