Pocket Cars
- January 10, 2020
- Gen90Software
"Pocket Cars" is an arcade combat-racing game featuring RC cars that race through dynamic tracks with real-life obstacles. The game offers 140+ single-player challenges, 4-player split-screen, and 8-player online multiplayer. With 15 customizable cars, 16 unique weapons, and a stunt arena, "Pocket Cars" provides a thrilling and personalized racing experience.
Reviews
- The game features excellent physics and controls that closely mimic real RC car handling, making it enjoyable for both casual and experienced players.
- Graphics are visually appealing, with diverse environments and a good variety of customization options for vehicles.
- The game offers a straightforward progression system without grinding, allowing players to unlock new cars and races by completing specific challenges.
- The game suffers from optimization issues, leading to frame drops and performance problems, especially in areas with dense foliage.
- Driving assists can make the game feel artificial and detract from the challenge, as they can overly simplify control mechanics.
- The multiplayer experience is currently lacking, with few players online, making it difficult to find matches.
- graphics34 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their quality and modern aesthetic, offering a significant upgrade from typical cartoonish styles found in similar titles. However, players have reported issues with optimization, including FPS drops and graphical glitches, particularly in dense environments. While many enjoy the visual appeal, some feel that certain elements lack detail and that performance can be inconsistent, especially on specific systems.
“The graphics are very nice, and my computer plays the game at all ultra settings without issue at the full 144fps with adaptive sync on.”
“I love this game, the graphics are beautiful, it is using its source of inspiration well, and having its own take on the source material.”
“I am glad there is a toy RC game with modern graphics and sound now.”
“On Linux, with several computer-controlled players present, I experience very long graphical stutters - often lasting over a second.”
“Strange as other more complicated titles (like Dirt Rally) don't struggle with graphics speed or quality in the same way on my machine.”
“The graphics are a welcome upgrade from most cartoon-like RC game graphics.”
- music26 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it generic and uninspiring, leading some to turn it off after a few races. While the ability to import custom music is a positive feature, there is a strong desire for a more engaging and diverse soundtrack in future updates. Overall, the music is considered a tertiary aspect of the racing experience, with room for improvement.
“You can import your own custom music into the game.”
“A positive is the ability to copy your own music files into the game’s folder.”
“You can adjust torque, steering assist, and stability assist, and the music isn't too bad either.”
“Booting up, the first thing you might notice is the soundtrack which consists of generic rock music.”
“I turned the music off after the first two races, but to be fair, this is the first game made and published by gen90software and it is understandable they would rather invest their money elsewhere than a licensed soundtrack.”
“I still wish they implement a better fitting soundtrack in the future; maybe even consisting of house, trance and similar genres, much like in re-volt.”
- gameplay18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Pocketcars is praised for its fun and engaging mechanics, reminiscent of the classic 'Re-Volt,' featuring RC car racing with weapons like missiles and mines. While the physics simulation is well-executed and the environments are beautifully detailed, some players feel that the experience could be enhanced by removing steering and acceleration assists, as well as adding more content and environmental obstacles. Overall, the gameplay is considered solid but has room for improvement.
“My first half hour with this game had me absolutely gushing with how fun and amazing the gameplay is.”
“Drive RC cars for racing, with missiles, mines, and other weapons at your disposal, and with environments and gameplay style like the 1999 classic 'Re-Volt'.”
“Pocketcars is a nice RC combat racing game with a lot of potential. It looks great and has very nice physics simulation; it does lack in content for now, but the gameplay is already extremely solid.”
“A very good system, but it would be much better and have a deeper meaning for gameplay if there were no steering/acceleration assists.”
“The developers should add more vibrant colors and more environmental obstacles to spice up the atmosphere and the gameplay.”
“Pocketcars is a nice RC combat racing game with a lot of potential. It looks great and has very nice physics simulation, but it does lack content for now.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players report good performance and high FPS, there are notable issues with FPS stuttering that require attention. Some users have found temporary fixes, such as adjusting the mouse and keyboard polling rate, but the need for further optimization is a common concern, particularly regarding resource-intensive elements like grass textures. As an early access title, players are somewhat forgiving, but improvements are still necessary.
“Good performance, high FPS.”
“Performance & support: 8/10.”
“As an early adopter, I guess I can't complain too much about the code at this early stage, but it is in need of some optimization.”
“It is good they changed the grass textures, because I spotted them being very performance hungry.”
“Just about the only complaint I have is the optimization.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game currently has limited replayability, but the introduction of online and split-screen modes is expected to enhance it significantly. The randomness factor adds an element of unpredictability, which can contribute to replay value, though opinions on its effectiveness vary.
“The randomness factor always brings some chaos and unpredictability, which adds to the replayability of the game.”
“The endgame content significantly enhances the replayability, making each playthrough feel fresh and engaging.”
“The unpredictability in the game mechanics contributes to a high level of replayability, encouraging players to return for new experiences.”
“For now, it lacks in replayability, but online and split screen will change this for sure.”
“Not sure if this is a better or worse system, since a randomness factor always brings some chaos and unpredictability, and as a consequence, replayability to the game.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players report that while the game features some minor glitches and occasional graphical issues, these do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. Full controller support is appreciated, though it has its own bugs.
“A lot of fun to play, but the regular graphical glitches are irritating.”
“Edit: full controller support is nice but a little buggy.”
“Some small glitches here and there, but very tolerable when the game is as much fun as I've had so far.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is not a primary focus, as players emphasize the nostalgic racing and stunt missions reminiscent of the original 1999 Revolt game. While the gameplay mechanics, such as car physics and suspension, are praised, the mission selection interface and racing HUD are noted as areas needing improvement for better clarity.
- grinding2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the absence of grinding in the game, highlighting its straightforward system that allows for a more enjoyable and streamlined experience.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Reviewers feel that the atmosphere could be significantly enhanced by incorporating more vibrant colors and additional environmental obstacles, which would enrich both the visual experience and gameplay dynamics.
“The devs should add more vibrant colors and more environmental obstacles to enhance the atmosphere and the gameplay.”