NASCAR video games are generally dismissed by those that don’t play them for being video games comprised of largely left turns. Whereas that’s appropriate, there’s numerous depth to simulation inventory automobile racing to discover, and prolonged races enable methods to be applied. NASCAR Arcade Rush is a far completely 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 phases are reimagined variations of 12 precise race tracks, comparable 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 means of. The tracks are the one aspect 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. Certain, you will have a turbo meter that you should use to achieve pace, and there are enhance strips on the monitor that’ll reward you for driving on them. Nonetheless, there’s no drifting or one other gameplay system on supply 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 larger 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 non-obligatory to pit, and it’s to not fuel up your car or tackle harm. As a substitute, slowing down briefly by means of the pit lane will see your nitro gauge utterly refilled. It’s a bet — as you can too discover enhance strips that offer you a tiny little bit of nitro — however one which provides some further technique that the sport undoubtedly wanted.
Finally, 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 a great incentive, however as an alternative, there are solely generic drivers to go up towards. Time trials and on-line play, along with the principle tournaments, add some replayability however aren’t overly compelling.
NASCAR Arcade Rush Assessment: Remaining Verdict
NASCAR Arcade Rush lives as much as its identify and delivers a enjoyable, non-simulation racing sport that options reimaginings of a few of the most iconic racing tracks within the USA. Nonetheless, it isn’t outlandish and thrilling sufficient to utterly win over a median arcade racing sport fan, neither is it a love letter sufficient to NASCAR to make it a must-own sport for inventory automobile racing lovers. As a substitute, it’s within the center floor, the place for those who dig each, then you definately’ll have a great time, however you’ll nonetheless end up transferring on to different video games sooner quite than later.
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Enjoyable driving
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A number of customization choices
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Colourful ranges primarily based on actual tracks
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No licensed drivers
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Gameplay is a bit too easy
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Comparatively sparse content material
Disclaimer: This NASCAR Arcade Rush evaluate relies on a PS5 copy supplied by the writer. Performed on model 1.001.000.