NASCAR video games are typically dismissed by those that don’t play them for being video games comprised of principally left turns. Whereas that’s appropriate, there’s a whole lot of depth to simulation inventory automobile racing to discover, and prolonged races permit methods to be carried out. NASCAR Arcade Rush is a far totally different spin, because it’s an arcade-style sport that options loads of proper turns and doesn’t resemble the precise sport in any respect.
The best a part of Arcade Rush is that the levels are reimagined variations of 12 precise race tracks, equivalent to Daytona and Michigan Worldwide Speedway. These tracks typically take inspiration from the cities they’re primarily based on and aren’t afraid of getting ridiculous, like Homestead-Miami Speedway that includes a large ring of fireplace you soar by. The tracks are the one factor that basically elevates what’s in any other case a strong, but largely unspectacular, racing sport.
The issue with the precise racing is that there simply isn’t a lot to it. Positive, you have got a turbo meter that you should utilize to achieve velocity, and there are increase strips on the observe that’ll reward you for driving on them. Nevertheless, there’s no drifting or one other gameplay system on provide that might’ve given the sport the additional layer of depth it might’ve used. For a sport that desires to be an over-the-top model of NASCAR, it might’ve dreamed a bit greater with the precise gameplay.
The one distinctive gameplay system on show, and one I actually like because it takes inspiration from precise inventory automobile racing, is that it incorporates pitting. Since races are solely three or 4 laps lengthy, it’s purely optionally available to pit, and it’s to not fuel up your car or tackle injury. As an alternative, slowing down briefly by the pit lane will see your nitro gauge fully refilled. It’s of venture — as it’s also possible to discover increase strips that provide you with a tiny little bit of nitro — however one which provides some further technique that the sport undoubtedly wanted.
In the end, with solely 12 tracks, the sport doesn’t have a ton of endurance. You do stage up and unlock a bunch of customization choices (you may get a Tron-style car, which is cool), however there aren’t compelling causes to maintain coming again. Unlocking real-life NASCAR legends as racers or throwback automobiles might’ve been incentive, however as an alternative, there are solely generic drivers to go up in opposition to. Time trials and on-line play, along with the primary tournaments, add some replayability however aren’t overly compelling.
NASCAR Arcade Rush Evaluate: Remaining Verdict
NASCAR Arcade Rush lives as much as its title and delivers a enjoyable, non-simulation racing sport that options reimaginings of a few of the most iconic racing tracks within the USA. Nevertheless, it isn’t outlandish and thrilling sufficient to fully win over a mean arcade racing sport fan, neither is it a love letter sufficient to NASCAR to make it a must-own sport for inventory automobile racing fans. As an alternative, it’s within the center floor, the place in the event you dig each, then you definitely’ll have time, however you’ll nonetheless end up transferring on to different video games sooner moderately than later.
Enjoyable driving
A number of customization choices
Colourful ranges primarily based on actual tracks
No licensed drivers
Gameplay is a bit too easy
Comparatively sparse content material
Disclaimer: This NASCAR Arcade Rush assessment relies on a PS5 copy supplied by the writer. Performed on model 1.001.000.