Atari, a company known for its classic racing games, is attempting to recapture the magic of their pioneering racer Sprint 2 with its new game NeoSprint. The game aims to fill a gap in the market for a modern retro-style racing game that appeals to fans of older top-down racing games such as Micro Machines and Super Off Road. However, despite its charming concept, NeoSprint falls short of expectations due to its odd design decisions, skill-free driving mechanics, and poor AI.
The game’s tutorial is simple and straightforward, focusing on basic driving mechanics without any power-ups or upgrades to master. The controls feel responsive, but the hitboxes of the cars are uniform, leading to certain crashes when driving anything other than a square vehicle. The game’s casual approach to collision detection forces players to rely on their judgment rather than skill, especially when navigating close encounters with other racers.
NeoSprint’s AI is a major disappointment, failing to match the level of artificial intelligence set by its predecessor Sprint 2. The AI drivers exhibit poor decision-making skills, often crashing into each other or getting stuck in loops. The game’s camera angles also pose challenges, particularly on larger tracks where the fixed full-track view makes it difficult to navigate obstacles and respond to hazards.
Despite its shortcomings, NeoSprint offers a track builder suite and an Obstacle Course mode for players to enjoy. The track builder can be challenging to use due to the isometric grid system, but once players get the hang of it, they can create custom tracks with creative elements. The Obstacle Course mode provides a real challenge as players set fast lap times while avoiding various obstacles on the track.
Ultimately, NeoSprint has the potential to be a great local multiplayer game where players can enjoy its quirks and downsides together. However, in single-player mode, the game feels dull, broken, and lacking in satisfaction. At a price point of $25, NeoSprint may not be worth the investment for solo players. It is recommended to wait for a sale or explore other retro-inspired indie driving games that offer a more fulfilling experience.
