ArcRacer
- September 22, 2023
- foxel_
Get on Steam"ArcRacer" is a single-player racing game with a pixel-perfect Y2K-inspired artstyle and a full campaign mode. The game offers 14 unique courses, 8 ships with distinct playstyles, and a custom race mode configuration. The fast-paced, aggressive racing is set to a full soundtrack by composer Tempxa, with an in-game tutorial and manual with tips. However, it does not have multiplayer features.
Mac OS
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- ArcRacer offers a unique and engaging take on the anti-gravity racing genre, featuring smooth controls, varied tracks, and a captivating retro aesthetic.
- The game includes innovative mechanics such as energy management for boosts and shields, making for a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience.
- The soundtrack is energetic and complements the racing experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.
- The game is prone to occasional freezing and crashes, which can disrupt the racing experience.
- There is no multiplayer mode or track editor, limiting the game's replayability and social interaction.
- Some players have noted that the AI could use improvements, and the lack of charismatic ship designs makes the races feel less engaging.
- graphics30 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their retro style, evoking a late 90s cyber aesthetic that is both polished and user-friendly. Players appreciate the vibrant, geometric designs of the tracks, which complement the electronic music and enhance the overall experience. While some default settings may not appeal to everyone, the customizable options allow for a more tailored visual presentation that aligns well with the game's unique aesthetic.
“The graphics give a great retro PSX vibe and the music is expertly done.”
“Each track, fitting with their own aesthetic choices, offers a variety of locales that are both a visual treat and a masterful execution of high-tech track design.”
“The art, lore bits, and graphics are all deliberate, bold, delightfully animated, and work in harmony with the music to deliver a stunning, soulful presentation.”
“Default graphics settings (bloom, motion blur, soft filter) are not for me, so I turned them off and cranked up the vertex jitter. It looks a lot better that way, in my opinion, given the aesthetic.”
“No track editor, while not required by any means, could give the game more longevity. With the aesthetic, it doesn't need the full-on approach that requires Unity and Blender to be good.”
“The graphics are a simple retro style, but it works.”
- music28 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ethereal and groovy techno soundtrack, which enhances the overall aesthetic and gameplay experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's quality, with some expressing a desire for more tracks and even offering to purchase the OST. The music is described as a standout feature that harmonizes beautifully with the game's visuals and design, contributing to a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
“The soundtrack is amazing too, to the point where I've been leaving the main menu open while grabbing something to drink because the title track is that good.”
“The art, lore bits, and graphics are all deliberate, bold, delightfully animated, and work in harmony with the music to deliver a stunning, soulful presentation.”
“Truly a game greater than the sum of its parts, the fantastic physics, brilliant track design, and banger soundtrack are all here.”
“The OST is ethereal, but the handling is hard to learn and master. The tracks are nefarious with all the blind turns, and even the novice AI could give a Wipeout veteran like myself a run for her money.”
“Great OST, though it could use some more songs. Custom playlists in the future?”
“From its visual art style to its electronic music choice, it's not something I have really seen.”
- gameplay22 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Arcracer is praised for being easy to learn yet challenging to master, featuring innovative mechanics like an energy bar and strategic item placement that enhance racing dynamics. Players appreciate the fluid controls, diverse ship handling, and the absence of weapons, which shifts the focus to agility and speed choices. Overall, the game successfully combines elements from various anti-gravity racers, creating a unique and engaging experience that encourages mastery and strategic play.
“The gameplay itself is easy to learn and difficult to master.”
“A worthy successor to the Wipeout throne, the presentation and mechanics are utterly brilliant.”
“Side-shunting to close the gap in turns at shield cost (and counter-shunting out of turns to give yourself a boost), banking orbs strategically placed as an alternative to boost pads to either give, on demand, more shield (with brief invulnerability) or give a straight-up forward boost, and of course the airbrakes for when things get too haywire, the mobility options in tandem with gameplay elements are just top notch.”
“While there are a few differences, e.g., the coin-collecting boost/heal mechanic and the seeming lack of weapons and barrel rolls, it doesn’t take long to get used to if you’ve spent hours in Wipeout HD or Omega.”
“There are a lot of mechanics that take cues from various other AG racers released over the years, and it's become its own thing.”
“Ever since BallisticNG ruined my taste in AG racing games, I've been looking for the next thing to provide a similar forehead-against-brick-wall challenge in terms of potential mastery of mechanics, and Arcracer delivers in full!”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by frustration and tension, as players feel penalized for minor mistakes like touching walls, which can lead to significant setbacks. This punitive design creates a high-stress environment, particularly in fast-paced classes, where the pressure to perform can overshadow enjoyment.
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its immersive and nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of classic titles like MGS1 and Wipeout Pure, creating a virtual racing playground that blends art direction with a rich lore set in a limitless cyberspace.
