Re-Volt

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Re-Volt is an arcade-style racing game featuring local multiplayer for up to 2 players and a variety of single-player modes. Players control remote-controlled cars as they race through oversized environments, with 28 cars and 13 tracks to choose from. The game offers good mechanics, pretty visuals, and a sensational music, with additional digital extras including artworks, manual, quick reference card, and soundtrack.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

Reviews

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 814 reviews

music42 positive mentions

story6 negative mentions

Re-Volt is a nostalgic classic that holds up well, providing a fun and unique racing experience with its arcade-style gameplay and engaging power-ups.
The game features a charming soundtrack and well-designed tracks that evoke fond memories for many players, making it a beloved title from the late 90s.
Despite its age, Re-Volt runs smoothly on modern systems and offers a variety of cars and game modes, appealing to both new players and those revisiting their childhood.

The controls can be frustratingly slippery, making it difficult for players to handle the cars, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with the physics.
This version lacks significant updates and features found in other ports, such as split-screen multiplayer and additional content from the Dreamcast version.
Many players recommend using the community-made RVGL mod instead, as it offers better performance and additional features that enhance the overall experience.

music
82 mentions
51 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its energetic and catchy soundtrack, often described as iconic and reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s techno scene. Reviewers highlight how the soundtrack enhances the gameplay experience, making it memorable and enjoyable, with many considering it one of the best in racing games. Despite some dated elements, the music remains a standout feature that evokes nostalgia and complements the game's vibrant atmosphere.
- “The soundtrack is still to this day one of the best in any racing game in my opinion.”
- “In conclusion, I would give a fair recommendation to Re-Volt in its rerelease here for offering a unique racing experience not seen elsewhere, as it only helps that the music for its time is a genuine banger to listen to, with some particularly amazing techno tracks that only the 90's can produce.”
- “The soundtrack slaps, the tracks are fun and the pick-ups are the cherry on top.”
- “Btw what the hell is this cheesy music they've added to the game”
- “The soundtrack is still the weird late 90's early 00's style of techno and boy did I miss that!”
- “The soundtrack in the digital extras folder takes you back to the 2000s techno scene.”
graphics
64 mentions
28 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game, originally released in 1999, have aged remarkably well, with many players praising the vibrant colors, detailed environments, and solid performance on modern hardware. While some suggest that updates could enhance the experience further, the overall aesthetic and art style continue to evoke nostalgia and remain visually appealing even in the 2020s. Players appreciate the game's ability to maintain a charming presentation that complements its gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience for both new and returning fans.
- “The graphics are insane for a game of its time, especially on modern hardware, and it's only $5.99.”
- “When I first saw this game on the Dreamcast, I thought the graphics were indistinguishable from real life.”
- “The graphics have also aged very well in my opinion given how old the game is (1999).”
- “The game has graphics and shadows which are truly out of another time.”
- “Clearly not a graphical marvel but the base game mechanics still hold up.”
- “It really does need a couple of improvements but it's playable for nostalgia and some fun, but as I said it does need some patches, like some trading cards, achievements and some graphic updates considering that they're charging for the game and that there are free ports of it online.”
gameplay
48 mentions
38 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its smooth mechanics and nostalgic appeal, reminiscent of classic racing games like Mario Kart, with a variety of modes, vehicles, and power-ups enhancing the experience. However, some players find the controls to be slippery and challenging, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite minor issues like occasional freezes, the game offers a fun and versatile racing experience that many players recommend.
- “The gameplay is very versatile with a nice range of different racing/arcade or realism modes, a good selection of vehicles with varying performance attributes, power-ups, weapons, and some real funky EDM soundtracks to spice up the gaming experience.”
- “With its smooth gameplay, catchy soundtrack, and variety of cars, it offers a unique racing experience.”
- “A fully enjoyable game, filled with fun car and map mechanics and power-ups to blast your opponents with.”
- “But the mechanics were terrible for me.”
- “One annoying issue is sudden freeze during gameplay.”
- “Seeing as the first thing that stands out gameplay-wise is how this game handles its physics where driving these RC cars are concerned, since this is a critical point for those who do not like Re-Volt for its 'slippery' controls and how easy it is to lose control of your car.”
stability
12 mentions
50 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally positive, with users reporting that it runs well on the Steam Deck and is mostly bug-free. While some minor glitches were noted, they did not significantly impact the enjoyment of the game. However, there are expectations for better support and effort from the publisher regarding the game's port.
- “Runs great on Steam Deck.”
- “This still runs great.”
- “Bug free (almost)”
- “Not that I was expecting much to begin with, but I did expect some form of effort from the publisher for a working port (however buggy or patchless it may have been).”
- “While there were some minor glitches and bugs that I encountered while playing, they did not detract from the overall fun I had with Re-Volt.”
- “☐ bug free”
optimization
12 mentions
33 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game receives mixed reviews; while some players praise its smooth performance and lack of bugs on modern systems, others report severe stuttering and unplayable conditions. Overall, the game offers versatile gameplay modes and a good selection of vehicles, but optimization issues may hinder the experience for some users.
- “The developers have done a very good job; I have not experienced any bugs or performance issues.”
- “The game play is very versatile with a nice range of different racing/arcade or realism modes (to adjust the game play mechanics), a good selection of vehicles (with varying performance attributes), power-ups, weapons, and some real funky EDM soundtracks to spice up the gaming experience.”
- “That Steam version runs smoothly on modern systems, but it's pretty barebones.”
- “Terrible stuttering and unplayable performance.”
- “>properly optimized”
- “The game play is very versatile with a nice range of different racing/arcade or realism modes (to adjust the game play mechanics), a good selection of vehicles (with varying performance attributions), power ups, weapons and some real funky edm sound tracks to spice up the gaming experience.”
story
12 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The game lacks a traditional narrative, with multiple users noting that there is no story to follow. However, this absence of a storyline does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “While there is no story to follow in this game, it does not take away from the overall experience.”
- “There is no story.”
- “There is no story.”
monetization
10 mentions
10 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
30 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy for the "Re-Volt" series has drawn significant criticism, as the developers initially released a free ad-supported version but later stripped content to sell it back as microtransactions in "Re-Volt 2." This approach has been described as predatory, particularly in the mobile-exclusive "Re-Volt 3," which continues the trend of monetizing content that was once freely available. Overall, players feel that the series has devolved into a cash grab, undermining the nostalgia associated with the original game.
- “Initially, they released a straightforward ad-supported port of Re-Volt, and this was fine enough, but after that, they stripped out a significant amount of content from it and started selling it again with the content added back in as microtransactions and called it 'Re-Volt 2'.”
- “It's an RC car racing game full of predatory microtransactions exclusively on a mobile platform.”
- “So today I wanted some of that OG PlayStation nostalgia injected directly into my retinas and so I bought this disappointment of a cash grab repack.”
- “The company which outsourced an iOS/Android port of the game released that in the broken state they were in, took that broken port, filled the game with microtransactions, and released it as Re-Volt 2.”
grinding
6 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Players consistently note that the grinding in the game is extensive, often requiring 60 to 100 hours to progress significantly. Many express that the time commitment feels overwhelming, likening it to needing a "second life" to manage the grinding demands.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Grindy (60 - 100 hours).”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
atmosphere
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is consistently praised for its strong atmosphere, with many reviewers considering it a standout title that captures a unique and immersive experience.
- “A very atmospheric and good game, a gem of its time.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the quirky mechanic of driving over lightning/thunder symbols, which grants players one of ten amusing items for their vehicles, adding a lighthearted and entertaining element to the gameplay.
- “By driving over a lightning/thunder symbol, your vehicle will be equipped with one of ten funny items.”
replayability
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game offers an average playtime of 10 to 20 hours, but players find it to be infinitely replayable, suggesting a strong appeal for returning to the game multiple times.
- “The game offers an average playtime of 10 to 20 hours, but it's infinitely replayable.”
- “With an average duration of 10 to 20 hours, the game remains endlessly enjoyable for multiple playthroughs.”
emotional
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Users express a strong emotional response to the game, with one reviewer noting that they were nearly brought to tears just from viewing its store page. This suggests that the game has a powerful emotional impact even before gameplay begins.
- “My eyes damn near welled up when I saw this on the store page.”