Hot Lap Racing
- July 16, 2024
- Zero Games Studios
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam"Hot Lap Racing" is a thrilling "simcade" racing game featuring a dynamic physics engine and over 50 licensed and customizable cars from various motorsport classes and eras. Compete in over 70 track layouts spanning GT to Formula 1, including real-world circuits like Zolder and Salzburgring. Embark on a career as a young driver, challenge real champions, or race against friends and online opponents in this immersive motorsport experience.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a diverse and interesting car list, including rare brands and a variety of racing disciplines, which appeals to car enthusiasts.
- The career mode offers genuine progression with a driver rating system and unlockable events, making it engaging and rewarding.
- The sense of speed is well-executed, providing an exhilarating racing experience that feels fast and exciting.
- The AI is poorly designed, often showing no awareness of the player, leading to frustrating collisions and a lack of competitive challenge.
- The graphics are subpar, with many elements feeling outdated and poorly rendered, detracting from the overall visual experience.
- The handling model is inconsistent, with some cars feeling floaty and unresponsive, making it difficult to enjoy the driving experience.
- graphics15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing them as outdated and reminiscent of the PS2 era, particularly criticizing the low-quality tree sprites and overall visual fidelity. While some elements, like car models and menu art, are noted as decent, the general consensus is that significant graphical improvements are needed to enhance the gaming experience. Users express frustration over the poor visuals, suggesting that they detract from the enjoyment of the game.
“The game is mainly built for the Nintendo Switch, but despite that, I don't mind the graphics of the game.”
“The menu art style and design is pretty nice.”
“If the game were to receive graphical improvements, the trees would absolutely change the look of the game for the better.”
“The visuals make my eyes burn (for lack of a more detailed explanation) and the camera makes every car feel uncontrollable.”
“The trees are mainly just low quality sprites and whilst serviceable, dent the graphical fidelity of the game much more than one would think.”
“Graphics are generally poor, environments look straight out of the PS2 era even if the car models and cockpits are pretty good.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with users praising the soundtrack as both impactful and enjoyable. Many describe it as a "hard-hitting" and "understated banger," highlighting its quality and contribution to the overall experience.
“Also, they weren't kidding; the music goes hard.”
“The soundtrack is an understated banger.”
“Good music.”
“Decent soundtrack though.”
“Soundtrack is an understated banger.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization on the Nintendo Switch is inconsistent, with smooth performance on certain tracks but significant frame drops on others, indicating a need for improvements, especially given its status as a premier racer. Additionally, performance on the Steam Deck could be enhanced, as the current focus on realism detracts from potential optimizations that could benefit gameplay.
“The game can run smoothly on some tracks and have significant frame drops on others; bots don't affect the frame rate too much, and the game visually looks decent.”
“Optimizations would be great as this game was mainly targeted as a premier Switch racer.”
“The performance on the Nintendo Switch is lacking.”
“Steam Deck performance could be improved.”
“Instead of opting for a cool stylization that might have helped with performance on the Switch, we get a realism overload.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is derived from its absurdly poor AI, which leads to comically frustrating moments, such as the AI's tendency to crash or mishandle situations, particularly with the V10 F1 car. Players find entertainment in these ridiculous scenarios, making the overall experience amusing despite the flaws.
“The AI is absurdly awful, like 'getting lapped in a 4-lap race' awful, but it's funny to watch.”
“In particular, the V10 F1 car in T4 has a massive likelihood to trip over any curb you look at, which is quite funny.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users express skepticism about the quality of gameplay, suggesting it may not have undergone thorough testing before release.
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging and keeps you on your toes.”
“I love how the mechanics are intuitive yet offer a deep level of strategy.”
“The variety of gameplay options ensures that every session feels fresh and exciting.”
“Hard to believe it has passed gameplay testing.”
“The controls feel clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to play.”
“The gameplay mechanics are overly complicated and not intuitive at all.”
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The "story mode" of the game is described as fun, indicating that players find the narrative engaging and enjoyable.
“The story mode is incredibly engaging and keeps you hooked from start to finish.”
“I loved the depth of the characters and the intricate plot twists throughout the story.”
“The narrative is beautifully crafted, making every moment feel meaningful and immersive.”
