Old School Rally
- July 18, 2024
- Frozen Lake Games
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"Old School Rally" is a retro-style racing game with fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay. Race across diverse rally tracks from around the world in a variety of classic-inspired rally cars. Compete against other drivers on the leaderboards and earn achievements, while providing feedback to help the game evolve over time.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- Captures the nostalgic feel of classic PS1-era rally games, providing a fun and engaging experience.
- The driving mechanics are enjoyable, with a good balance of arcade-style handling that is easy to pick up.
- The game runs smoothly on various platforms, including Steam Deck, and offers a decent amount of content for its price.
- The car handling can feel inconsistent, with issues related to braking and cornering that may frustrate players.
- Pace notes from the co-driver are often too late or inaccurate, leading to confusion during races.
- The game currently lacks depth in terms of content, with limited tracks and no AI opponents, making it feel repetitive over time.
- graphics116 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their nostalgic, retro aesthetic reminiscent of PS1-era racing games, effectively capturing the charm of classic titles with pixelated visuals and texture warping. While many players appreciate the art style and overall design, some note that the environments can feel sparse and certain graphical elements, like hitboxes and terrain textures, may need refinement. Overall, the visuals successfully evoke a sense of nostalgia while providing a satisfying gameplay experience.
“The graphics are gorgeous and capture that retro PS1 charm, with inbuilt texture warping and dithering (that can be toggled on or off at your leisure).”
“Everything from the graphics, cars, and tracks bring massive nostalgia from those PS1-era rally games.”
“The pixel-perfect graphics transport you back to the golden age of gaming, yet the gameplay is smooth and exhilarating, capturing the essence of rally racing flawlessly.”
“The only thing I do have to complain about is the graphics; they are very simple and lack shadows where the source of light should be blocked.”
“Sorry for the thumbs down, but in this state, especially the pixelated graphics on the road, I don't really enjoy it.”
“The only issues I noted were some graphical problems with holes in the terrain and the occasional texture glitching on some of the road textures.”
- music67 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives a generally positive reception, with many players appreciating its nostalgic vibe and catchy tracks that complement the gameplay. However, some users express a desire for more variety in the soundtrack, as the limited selection can become repetitive. Overall, while the music enhances the experience, there are calls for additional tracks and customization options to further enrich the auditory experience.
“I love the aesthetic and the music.”
“The soundtrack is amazing!”
“Driving feels nice and music is great, you can enjoy it for what it is, but it has absolutely no spice to it.”
“The music and track scenery is quite basic when compared to a classic like Need for Speed III (1998).”
“The driving is very good, the in-game music is terrible though (had to mute it) and the first person view is disappointing but I really enjoy the drifting and the scenery and handling of the different cars.”
“I expected similar music, as in the video trailer, more acid electronics with a 90s atmosphere, but most tracks are not like that (poor music).”
- gameplay46 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its fun and engaging mechanics, reminiscent of classic rally games, with a straightforward driving experience that appeals to both seasoned and casual players. However, some users noted issues with physics and collision detection, particularly with walls and damage mechanics, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game successfully captures the essence of old-school rally racing, offering a nostalgic yet enjoyable gameplay loop.
“Super fun game when it comes to its mechanics. The game isn't just for hardcore gamers, but for anyone who wants an awesome arcade experience. If you're reading this, spend 10 dollars for this game; the mods are top-notch, it runs at 120fps with no problems, and it's super fun when it comes to driving. You can also play with a steering wheel, which is amazing! 10/10.”
“The smooth gameplay complements the graphics, creating a racing experience that’s both satisfying and engaging.”
“This game is a good example of when gameplay is prioritized and creates replay value.”
“The setting is nice, but the physics and collision are a buggy mess. Cars don't slide like they should, yet you can't grip the corners either, making the gameplay quirky to say the least. The worst part is that walls are like glue; China is the absolute worst map because the walls trap you so hard. I understand it's to keep people from wall riding, but even a slight tap and you have to reset. There's no coming back from it.”
“Damage is a pointless addition because in time trial it only seems to serve as a distraction, and in rally mode it's frustrating when you pick up damage from invisible walls (and the repair mechanic isn't explained).”
“It feels like an unnecessary grind that doesn't align well with the core gameplay experience.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with players noting good performance and low battery usage on devices like the Steam Deck. However, some users have reported issues with FPS stuttering and a desire for more distinct vehicle performance metrics and environmental variety. While vehicle damage does not seem to impact performance, the customization options available for tuning are appreciated.
“The controls feel great, the performance is good, and battery life is excellent.”
“- Basic car customization (tuning): certain parts for performance tuning, for example, tires for better handling, etc.”
“I've been playing on my Steam Deck and it's been great; battery usage is low and performance is steady, which is good.”
“Vehicles as a whole are really nice to look at, but they all have pretty similar performance that you can’t tell apart until you start comparing them side by side.”
“Car performance is measured by an arbitrary 1-10 bar for acceleration, top speed, handling, and braking.”
“FPS stuttering: the FPS limit helps with negating as much of the problem as it can, but I want to be able to play this on a 1080 card for a laptop while on the go.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its charming retro vibe and nostalgic elements, enhanced by atmospheric menu music that sets the tone for the experience. While the level design features daring tracks and solid layouts, some players noted a disconnect between their expectations for the music and the actual in-game soundtrack. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a significant strength, contributing to an enjoyable gaming experience despite minor gameplay inconsistencies.
“I absolutely love the vibes this game gives, fantastic atmosphere, perfectly simple controls, and some daring tracks in the level design.”
“Still, I think the devs have done an amazing job creating a charmingly retro atmosphere, which is the biggest selling point for me.”
“Complementing the in-game action is the atmospheric menu music, which sets the perfect tone for this nostalgic journey.”
“I expected similar music, as in the video trailer, more acid electronics with a 90s atmosphere, but most tracks are not like that. The music is disappointing.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted as a nostalgic tribute to classic racing games, evoking feelings of admiration for the genre's history. However, players express frustration with gameplay mechanics that feel unbalanced, detracting from the immersive experience. Despite these issues, moments of exhilaration, akin to the thrill of legendary rally drivers, still resonate with some players.
“Old school rally isn't just a game; it's a heartfelt tribute to a bygone era of racing games.”
“Made me feel like Ari Vatanen - surgically cutting through stages.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and exhausting, particularly when it comes to unlocking cars and completing competitions for gold. Many express a desire for more rewarding mechanics, such as earning coins from time trials, to alleviate the repetitive nature of grinding through the same circuits. Overall, while the grind is seen as a necessary part of the game, it can detract from the overall enjoyment.
“Something to make unlocking the cars not so tedious.”
“Rest of the content is grinding the finished competitions for gold to buy missing cars and driving to get 1000km done.”
“But the next almost 8 hours was pretty much exhausting for the money prize grinding in order to get the overall car's collection.”
- stability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's stability is marred by significant physics and collision issues, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences, particularly on certain maps like China where walls can trap players. While it runs smoothly on platforms like Linux and Steam Deck, users report buggy controls and unintentional texture glitches that detract from the overall experience.
“The game runs great on Steam Deck and plays super smooth.”
“Runs great on Linux too!”
“Runs great on my deck, unlike a certain other rally game.”
“The setting is nice, but the physics and collision are a buggy mess. Cars don't slide like they should, yet you can't grip the corners either, making the gameplay quirky to say the least. The worst part is that walls are like glue; China is the absolute worst map because the walls trap you so hard. I understand it's to keep people from wall riding, but even a slight tap and you have to reset. There's no coming back from it.”
“The worst part of the game is that controls are buggy sometimes, making the car stop responding to keyboard controls.”
“If I had to be nitpicky, there are some unintentional glitches with the texture work, and you have to get used to the brakes that are very strong.”
- humor5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as hit-or-miss, with some players finding amusement in quirky details like the unrealistic car idling and the funky unlockable cars. However, the frustrating driving mechanics and poorly timed pacenotes detract from the overall enjoyment, leading to moments that are unintentionally funny rather than genuinely humorous. Overall, while there are some humorous elements, they are overshadowed by gameplay issues.
“Third and finally... now this is such a tiny thing, but I just wanted to bring it up: cars don't idle at 200 RPM. I don't know if it's just the car I was using, but I just found that funny as hell.”
“The extra cars are quite funky; it's very funny what you can unlock.”
“Pacenotes can be ill-timed, leading to a situation where, unless you've played through a particular map previously, you will not be able to react accordingly before being thrown into a wall or off of a cliff (kind of funny, though).”
“I personally find it really unfunny when the physics and driving model are actively fighting against you when racing. It's a really cool game, but sadly the handling of the cars and the fact they drift too much over the slightest movements makes it really hard to enjoy.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game's focus on simple yet engaging gameplay significantly enhances its replayability. The inclusion of features like Dirt 4-style track generation further contributes to an infinite variety of experiences, making it a title that players can return to repeatedly. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers strong replay value.
“Dirt 4-style track generation offers infinite replayability.”
“Sometimes simplicity equals replayability.”
“This game is a good example of when gameplay is prioritized and creates replay value.”
“Definitely replayable.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy in the game has been criticized for its intrusive advertising, which disrupts immersion, particularly during key gameplay moments. However, players appreciate the absence of microtransactions and filler content, suggesting a focus on delivering a more genuine gaming experience.
“The game offers a fair monetization model that respects players' time and investment.”
“I appreciate that the developers focus on delivering quality content without pushing for additional purchases.”
“Brushing an advertising tarp is like hitting a wall of titanium, which you're forced to do at the end of the second Finland stage - it's like there's no value given to a sense of immersion.”
“No microtransactions or filler content.”
