NASCAR Arcade Rush Overview (PS5): Extra Proper Than Left

NASCAR video games are generally dismissed by those that don’t play them for being video games comprised of principally left turns. Whereas that’s right, there’s quite a lot of depth to simulation inventory automotive racing to discover, and prolonged races enable methods to be applied. NASCAR Arcade Rush is a far totally different spin, because it’s an arcade-style recreation that options loads of proper turns and doesn’t resemble the precise sport in any respect.

The good a part of Arcade Rush is that the levels are reimagined variations of 12 precise race tracks, similar to Daytona and Michigan Worldwide Speedway. These tracks usually take inspiration from the cities they’re primarily based on and aren’t afraid of getting ridiculous, like Homestead-Miami Speedway that includes an enormous ring of fireside you leap via. The tracks are the one component that actually elevates what’s in any other case a stable, but largely unspectacular, racing recreation.

The issue with the precise racing is that there simply isn’t a lot to it. Positive, you might have a turbo meter that you should use to achieve velocity, and there are increase strips on the monitor that’ll reward you for driving on them. Nevertheless, there’s no drifting or one other gameplay system on supply that will’ve given the sport the additional layer of depth it may’ve used. For a recreation that wishes to be an over-the-top model of NASCAR, it may’ve dreamed a bit greater with the precise gameplay.

The one distinctive gameplay system on show, and one I actually like because it takes inspiration from precise inventory automotive racing, is that it incorporates pitting. Since races are solely three or 4 laps lengthy, it’s purely elective to pit, and it’s to not gasoline up your automobile or tackle injury. As a substitute, slowing down quickly via the pit lane will see your nitro gauge utterly refilled. It’s a big gamble — as it’s also possible to discover increase strips that provide you with a tiny little bit of nitro — however one which provides some extra technique that the sport undoubtedly wanted.

Finally, with solely 12 tracks, the sport doesn’t have a ton of endurance. You do degree up and unlock a bunch of customization choices (you may get a Tron-style automobile, which is cool), however there aren’t compelling causes to maintain coming again. Unlocking real-life NASCAR legends as racers or throwback autos may’ve been an excellent incentive, however as a substitute, there are solely generic drivers to go up towards. Time trials and on-line play, along with the primary tournaments, add some replayability however aren’t overly compelling.

NASCAR Arcade Rush Overview: Closing Verdict

NASCAR Arcade Rush lives as much as its title and delivers a enjoyable, non-simulation racing recreation that options reimaginings of a number of the most iconic racing tracks within the USA. Nevertheless, it isn’t outlandish and thrilling sufficient to utterly win over a mean arcade racing recreation fan, neither is it a love letter sufficient to NASCAR to make it a must-own recreation for inventory automotive racing lovers. As a substitute, it’s within the center floor, the place for those who dig each, then you definitely’ll have an excellent time, however you’ll nonetheless end up transferring on to different video games sooner somewhat than later.

Disclaimer: This NASCAR Arcade Rush evaluate relies on a PS5 copy offered by the writer. Performed on model 1.001.000.