June 27th 2024.
NeoSprint, also known as Super Cars 3, has recently made its way back into the gaming world with its latest release. This classic Atari franchise has been revived in the form of a top-down racing game called Sprint. The game offers local co-op for up to eight players, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of the gameplay.
Atari has always been an interesting brand, having started the commercial video game industry, but has since faced some challenges in the late 80s. With the failure of its handheld console, the Lynx, and the misguided Jaguar console, Atari has gone through several corporate takeovers. Despite this, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many players, with its iconic logo still appearing on t-shirts.
Back in its prime, Atari was a dominant force in the gaming world. One of its most successful releases was Sprint 2, an isometric arcade racing game that took the gaming world by storm in 1976. This was followed by Sprint 4 and 8, which simply added more players, and the famous Super Sprint in the 80s, which saw multiple home conversions.
After the release of Badlands in 1989, a post-apocalyptic version of Championship Sprint, the franchise seemed to disappear for a whopping 35 years. That is, until now, with the release of NeoSprint.
NeoSprint is a straightforward game that stays true to its roots as an isometric arcade-style racing game. With the ability to play with up to eight players on the same console, the game offers a fun and interactive experience with friends and family. The retro visuals, with cel-shading and smooth textures, add to the charm of the game. The analogue-style sound effects also enhance the gameplay, making it feel like you're driving a remote control car.
The fixed top-down view allows players to see the entire track at all times, which can be challenging when driving towards the camera, but surprisingly intuitive and manageable. However, the view also presents some obstacles, such as not being able to see your car when driving under bridges or past larger trackside scenery. Although the game attempts to solve this issue by making these objects transparent, it only works for certain types of scenery.
Driving behind trees or foliage also remains a challenge, as they remain opaque and can cause unexpected collisions. Additionally, the fixed viewpoint makes it difficult to interpret banked corners and slopes, which can greatly affect the handling of your car. While the handbrake feature helps with drifting around corners, it only works with cars that have lower cornering abilities, making it essential to switch cars as you progress through the game's championships.
NeoSprint also offers a TrackBuilder, allowing players to create their own tracks as they progress through the single-player championships. The tool is user-friendly but can be tricky to use from a diagonal viewpoint.
Unfortunately, despite its potential, the game falls short in terms of fun and gameplay. The controls and handling model are too primitive, making the driving experience lack excitement. The random factor of competitors bouncing off each other and barriers adds to the frustration, especially in single-player mode. It can also be challenging to keep track of your car amidst the chaos, even with the option to show an arrow over it.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Atari's legacy in the game feels half-hearted, with their old games randomly scattered around the tracks. This lack of thought and attention to detail is evident in other aspects of the game as well.
Overall, NeoSprint is a disappointment, especially when compared to modern racing games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The lack of online multiplayer options and outdated graphics and gameplay make it difficult to recommend. The limited charm and nostalgia it offers are not enough to make up for its flaws. With its crude controls and basic handling model, NeoSprint falls short and fails to deliver a satisfying gaming experience.
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