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.
Reviews
- The game features a diverse and interesting car list, including rare brands and multiple racing disciplines, appealing to car enthusiasts.
- The career mode offers genuine progression with a driver rating system and unlockable events, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
- The sense of speed is well-executed, providing an exhilarating racing experience that feels fast and engaging.
- The AI is poorly designed, often causing collisions and behaving erratically, which detracts from the racing experience.
- The graphics are subpar, with low-quality environments and visual elements that feel outdated, especially on the Nintendo Switch.
- The handling model is inconsistent, with some cars feeling floaty and unresponsive, making it difficult to enjoy the driving experience.
- graphics14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % 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The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing them as outdated and reminiscent of the PS2 era. Critiques focus on low-quality environmental elements, particularly the trees, which detract significantly from the overall visual experience. While some aspects, like car models and menu art, are noted as decent, the general consensus is that substantial graphical improvements are needed to enhance the game's appeal.
“The game is mainly built for the Nintendo Switch, but despite that, I don't mind the graphics of the game.”
“If the game were to receive graphical improvements, the trees would absolutely change the look of the game for the better.”
“- The menu art style and design is pretty nice.”
“The visuals make my eyes burn 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.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % 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.”
“- Steam Deck performance could be improved.”
“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.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with users praising the soundtrack as both great and understated, highlighting it as a standout feature.
“The music is great.”
“Decent soundtrack though.”
“The soundtrack is an understated banger.”
- 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 vehicles, particularly the V10 F1 car. Players find entertainment in these ridiculous scenarios, making the overall experience amusing despite the challenges.
“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
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users express skepticism about the quality of gameplay, suggesting it may not have undergone thorough testing before release.
“Hard to believe it has passed gameplay testing.”
“The controls feel unresponsive and clunky, 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.”
