NeoSprint, developed by Headless Chicken Games for Atari, is a spiritual successor to the classic Super Sprint games, but with a fresh, modern take. Available on all major platforms including the PlayStation 5, this single-screen arcade racer features the single and multiplayer action you’d expect, but also a robust track-building feature and a few extra game modes to keep players engaged. However, while it brings a lot to the table, NeoSprint isn’t without its hiccups. Time for a closer look.
At its core, NeoSprint is of course a clear homage to the classic early arcade racing games, featuring top-down or isometric racing with precise, arcade-style controls. As per the norm for the genre, players can quickly get a handle on the basics, but mastering the intricacies and subtle details of drifting and overtaking takes practice. The game offers a variety of cars, each with unique handling characteristics, adding depth to the racing mechanics.
The campaign mode provides a solid single-player experience, letting players race against increasingly tough AI opponents across multiple cups. As you progress, you also unlock new decorations and car liveries, which add a rewarding element and sense of progression. The alternate game modes, such as Grand Prix, Obstacle Courses, and Time Trials, offer additional layers of challenge and variety, ensuring there’s a good degree of variety here.
One of NeoSprint’s standout features is its track-building tool. The game allows players to create intricate tracks with ramps, jumps, and a variety of environmental elements across four distinct biomes: forest, desert, winter, and city. The customization options are vast, letting players design unique or crazy tracks. This feature not only extends the game’s replay value but also fosters a creative and competitive community spirit.
Visually, NeoSprint features crisp, colorful graphics that pay tribute to its retro roots while offering a polished, contemporary look. The different track themes are all nicely rendered, each with its own distinct aesthetic, enhancing the overall racing experience. The audio complements the visuals well, with upbeat music and sound effects that add to the arcade atmosphere.
While the controls are designed to emulate the simplicity and precision of classic arcade racers, they can sometimes feel overly sensitive, especially when navigating tight corners or executing drifts. This can lead to frustrating moments, particularly in more challenging races or custom tracks with more complex layouts. Additionally, the game’s performance is generally smooth, but we surprisingly noticed a few frame rate drops as well.
What NeoSprint does well is to blend nostalgia with modern gameplay elements. The track-building and sharing feature is a significant highlight, offering endless replayability and a platform for creative expression. The wealth of game modes and customizable cars add depth to the racing experience as well, keeping it fresh and engaging. However, the sensitivity of the controls can detract from the overall enjoyment, particularly for those who prefer a more forgiving racing experience.
Ultimately, however, NeoSprint successfully revitalizes a classic, and its nostalgic appeal makes it a worthwhile addition to any racing fan’s collection as long as they have an affinity for the classics.
Score: 7.2/10
Press Play Media