|| REVIEW || 80's Overdrive (PC)
Developed By : Insane Code Published By : Insane Code
Category : Racing, Retro, Indie, Pixel Graphics
Release Date : November 19, 2020
Since I was a kid, racing games have changed a lot over the years. Nowadays, they are these massive open-world adventures, a lot of times carrying narratives with them, and touting hundreds and hundreds of cars. And while it can be quite impressive, more often than not it's too overwhelming and completely kills the experience. So when a game enters the scene that dials it back in almost every possible way, it's usually a sign that the simple formula is more effective.
80's Overdrive is a heavy throw back to the old style of racing games, and it can be played in one of two modes : Career, or Time Attack. Both offer the same experience getting behind the wheel of your car, but in each mode you'll get a bit of a different feel for the game as a whole.
First you'll have career mode. Here you'll buy cars and upgrades for cars as you see fit, while competing on a series of tracks with a range of AI opponents. How well you perform in each of these races nets you some money which goes to your cars and upgrades, and stars. These stars is how you must unlock all of the races available, so you may find yourself replaying tracks in an effort to nudge out some extra stars.
If you're looking for something that feels a bit more retro inspired, you'll be a huge fan of Time Attack mode. Here you'll be given a large map which ends up being a long sequence of connected track segments. Your opponent here will be the clock which you can't let run out. In order to add time to the clock you'll either need to complete segments, or pass very close to the traffic on the tracks. Depending on how pass you close you'll add one, two, or three seconds to your time. It's not a lot, but it could be all you need.
No matter the mode you pick, you'll be treated to some of the most beautiful pixel art racing stretches that you'll experience. Everything about the tracks, from the road itself to the city and landscapes that sprawl out in either direction, is made so well that there are times it doesn't seem like a pixel game.
I grew up playing games like Rad Racer and the Cruis'n games (in arcade and at home). It didn't take very long after firing this game up for me to feel right back in my childhood. The soundtrack (which lets you pick and choose your song at the start of any race), fits perfectly as do all of the sound effects. Insane Code aimed to transport gamers back to the 8- and 16-bit era of racing games, and they succeeded gloriously. Both modes are great to play, whether you experienced retro racing games or not. 80's Overdrive is a good challenge and a lot of fun, and should easily find it's way into your library.
Game Rating : 8.5 / 10
