It’s arguable that NASCAR titles have never really had the same inherent video-game excitement as titles based on Formula 1, CART/Indy, WRC or TOCA. However, Dutch Team6 Game Studios are looking to change that with their latest title that aims to mix NASCAR with the over the top thrills of a kart racer with NASCAR Arcade Rush.
NASCAR Arcade Rush takes ‘rubbing is racing’ world of NASCAR and passes it through a Mario Kart filter in more ways than one, to create a very unique vision of the sport.
NASCAR Arcade Rushed
The first thing that hits you with the game is there is no real story mode as such. The second thing you’ll notice is that NASCAR Arcade Rush doesn’t like hanging around, as it throws you into the action right away.
You take part in the Cup Series which is a series of championships; where you bank points to come out on top as the winner and it’s the closest the game gets to any sort of story mode.
Read More: F1 23 review – Drive to Imbibe
It also highlights a real issue with the game in that it’s all a bit light on content. There are nine cups to race for with four races in each cup. However, there are only twelve tracks in the game in total. This means you’ll be racing on the same tracks at least three times each during your rise to the top.
This is a bit disappointing as the real 2023 series is ran over 23 tracks. And while NASCAR Arcade Rush does feature iconic locations; like Talladega Superspeedway, Daytona International Speedway and Darlington Raceway, it’s sometimes hard to tell which is which.
If it wasn’t for a pre-race announcer and a few landmarks dotted around each, you might not know where you are. The tracks are wild but repetitive rollercoasters, and the lack of wacky powerups only add to the feeling of sameness.
Switching Lanes
When NASCAR Arcade Rush lets you on track it’s fine. It plays exactly like you would expect a kart racer so you’ll be hitting boost pads and speed strips. There are also a few handy shortcuts along the way to bring some whimsy in.
NASCAR Arcade Rush nails the arcade feel that you would expect from a karting title. But it’s all a bit shallow as your first race will feel all most identical to your last. There just is no real progression on the racing front.
Read More: Forza Motorsport review – Access Above All
There is also a rivals system that feels really half-baked. If you bump or crash into another racer they will become a rival – adding a little icon above their car. As far as I can tell there is zero impact to anything beyond the little icon.
Your NASCAR
Your car in NASCAR Arcade Rush is a generic model. You customise this from a selection of 75 years of different NASCAR styles. However, this vehicle can’t be upgraded or tweaked beyond adding a few cosmetic items.
These cosmetics are available to unlock as you progress along with options for your racer character. You only get to see your racer in the post-race and on menus. It adds to the silly fun but also shows the lack of depth on offer.
Read More: The Crew Motorfest review – Hawaiian Horizon’s Near Miss
It’s also a real shame that there are no real world racers here. William Byron, Christopher Bell or Denny Hamlin or even some of the legends of the sport would have given some personality to the license.
Beyond the cup series mode, there is a time attack and quick play mode – which you can play in solo or online. Plus there is a rare split screen mode too, which is a nice touch but again it’s a bit thread bare.
NASCAR Lines
NASCAR Arcade Rush is visually chunky and colourful. This combo carries a bit of aesthetic charm and there are a good few effects on show. Sound is serviceable at best and does an adequate job. This level of adequacy is heard from the voice acting to the soundtrack.
NASCAR Arcade Rush feels like it could have been something really interesting if it would have made better use of its licence or had more time to work out ideas like the rivals system, but ultimately it’s a real flash in the pan title, that plays its cards way to soon.
It’s an average kart racer, but really there are better titles out there, games that from which NASCAR Arcade Rush tries to take inspiration that will hold you over much longer.