Game: NeoSprint
Genre: Action, Racing, Arcade
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows), PS4, Xbox and Atari VCS)
Developer|Publisher: Headless Chicken Games | Atari
Age Rating: EU 3+ | US Everyone
Price: US $24.99 | UK £22.49 | EU € 24,99
Release Date: June 27th, 2024
A review code was used, with many thanks to Uber Strategist.
NeoSprint Racing Towards a New Generation
Sprint was one of the OG arcade racers released all the way back in 1976. A simple pick-up-and-play arcade racer, you could play alone against CPU opponents or with a buddy head-to-head. Nearly 50 years later, the racing genre in gaming has evolved, with the dominant players in the genre focusing more on racing simulation than just the simpler, fun roots of the arcade days.
NeoSprint is another title where Atari has handed the keys of a classic IP to a new developer to see what they can do with it. NeoSprint feels like a respectable homage to the series. Making its gameplay simple and accessible for new players whilst still maintaining the need to develop skill through play for experienced racers. On top of that, the addition of a track creator makes this an appealing pick-up over the Summer, especially if you just want to get straight into the gameplay and not be delayed by the plot.
Get Ready To Race
NeoSprint really is just a simple racing game. Race around some tracks, aiming for the top spot above the competition. The game features a variety of familiar modes, such as a single-player campaign, which is like a Grand Prix where you race through three tracks and then go head to head with a single racer. Then, of course, you have a Grand Prix mode where you play four tracks of your choosing.
Single race, time trial, and even an obstacle course are where you race around a track once as quickly as possible, avoiding hazards like cones and oil spills. The game can be played solo with CPU bots or up to 8 players locally if you’re able to get that many rounds for a game night. I’m certainly not that lucky. Strangely, in Campaign, you can’t adjust CPU opponent difficulty, but generally, it’s fairly easy even for novice players. You can, however, adjust difficulty in all other modes.
Just Tight Racing
Unlike many other racing games, NeoSprint doesn’t come with any gimmicks in its gameplay. There are no power-ups, boost pads, or shortcuts to cheat your way to victory. It’s you and your skill that will see you to victory. Since there is not a lot to the gameplay, the controls are very easy to pick up. They are presented in a handy-to-the-point tutorial if you are totally new to the genre.
For more experienced players, the mechanic that requires the most skill is drifting. With careful use of the hand brake, you can swing around corners and accelerate ahead of the completion. It’s not an easy skill to get down, but it’s enjoyable to take the risk. Although it’s a simple control scheme, it’s very responsive despite the game’s lack of gimmicks. I found myself keen to jump into the next race. A feature I really liked is that if you and an opponent are close to the finish line on a final lap, a small screen will pop up showing whose wheel gets past the finish line first. Adding quite the adrenaline rush to the experience.
The Cars in NeoSprint
NeoSprint offers 9 different cars to choose from. The designs vary widely from F1-style vehicles to what looks like a 5-door family hatchback. It’s rather a weird mix of vehicles on the road, but I was perfectly okay with it. What really makes each vehicle stand out is the 3 core stats of max speed, acceleration and turning. Each vehicle feels quite unique, and I thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with each to see what fit my racing style. Various cosmetics can be unlocked for each car by playing the game, but I was a bit disappointed by the lack of new cars or, dare I say, the ability to customise your own car with stats since the game features a track editor.
Track Editor
Speaking of track editors, I was quite impressed with NeoSprints’ features. The game once again provides a simple, to-the-point tutorial to teach you how to create your own track with the tools at hand. Using a simple grid-based design, you can add pieces to the board to create your own circuit, including turns and jumps if you fancy.
You can also add cosmetics around the track, like audience members and trees, to give it that extra little polish. Once you’re ready, the game will prompt you if there are any errors with the track. Then, you’re allowed to test it out to make sure it feels right. This process is easy to jump in and out of and, unlike many creation tools, won’t take up a huge amount of time.
So, if the idea of creation in small bursts sounds good to you, NeoSprint has you covered. You can then play your track with friends or CPU opponents or share it with folk online. What seems a little odd is that you can share tracks online and not play with opponents online; it appears that you can only do it locally, which feels a bit disappointing if you have friends out of reach.
Graphics and Performance
Graphics are kept relatively simple. A soft, colourful 3D design suited to all audiences. Being a racing game a lot of your focus will be on the road, giving little time to stop and look at the details. But there are a few small artistic touches to take note of. All tracks can be played at various points in the day, morning, afternoon, and night, giving different perspectives on the same track.
The soundtrack and effects are upbeat and positive, adding to NeoSprint’s arcade feel. Performance is generally good in both handheld and TV modes on Nintendo Switch. However, in handheld mode, graphics do take a bit of a blurry hit. This is more noticeable if you opt for the camera option, which focuses on following your car rather than the whole track. Considering this is a racer, I commend the developers for focusing on performance over looks, but if you do choose to play with friends, TV might be the best way to go.
Conclusion: The Finish Line
Although I’m not overly familiar with the original arcade game, I really enjoyed my time with NeoSprint. A back-to-basics approach to a racing game with tight controls and fun pick-up-and-play gameplay to enjoy alone or with friends locally.
The track editor also provides extra value, allowing you to exercise your creative skills or, if you prefer, just download other players’ tracks and enjoy them at your leisure. Content seems a touch lacking in places with no online play and new cars to unlock. NeoSprint took me back to a simpler time in the racing genre without the gimmicks, and I was very happy with the time I spent there. If nothing else, it is a highly recommended game night game with loved ones.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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