Classic Racers Elite: Review

This game was reviewed on Playstation 4.

Reviewed by: Ke'Juan Valentine

Hello to all you gamers! One fact about me: I have never been interested in other racing games if it wasn't Mario Kart, so it is nice to try something new for a change. So, come with me as I buckle up and prepare for a journey back to the glorious 60s, where true racers ruled the roads and iconic cars roared to life. Classic Racers Elite, developed for PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, invites players to step into the driver's seat of vintage automobiles and embark on adrenaline-fueled races to establish their dominance. While the game provides moments of excitement, it falls short in some areas, leaving me with mixed feelings about the overall experience.

From the moment you hit the ignition, Classic Racers Elite's graphics envelop you in a slightly realistic atmosphere, capturing the essence of the era it aims to celebrate. The attention to detail in the car models is commendable, showcasing the sleek lines and classic charm of these legendary vehicles. The option to switch to first-person mode further immerses you in the heart-pounding action, giving you a sense of what it was like to be behind the wheel during this golden age of racing.

However, while the tracks themselves are unique in their layouts and settings, there is a certain sameness that permeates the overall design. The lack of diversity in track aesthetics becomes apparent after spending some time racing through different locations. A wider variety of visual elements, such as alternate weather conditions or dynamic environments, would have added depth and kept the visual experience engaging throughout.

The game succeeds in offering accessible and intuitive controls, allowing players of all skill levels to jump right into the driver's seat. The inclusion of steering assistance options is a welcome addition, providing a customizable experience tailored to individual preferences.

The core gameplay revolves around beating each race track within a set time limit, testing your reflexes and driving skills. The initial rush of nostalgia and excitement that comes with maneuvering vintage cars and pushing them to their limits is undeniably enjoyable. However, as you progress, the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks the variety necessary to keep players engaged in the long run.

While the tracks themselves offer distinct layouts and challenges, the repetitive nature of the overall experience might leave some players craving more diversity. Introducing additional gameplay modes, such as circuit races or multiplayer competitions, could have injected much-needed variety and prolonged the game's appeal.

I must say, the game begins on a high note with its main menu screen, featuring a catchy rock-and-roll soundtrack that perfectly captures the spirit of the 60s. The energizing music sets the tone and raises anticipation for the racing experience that awaits. However, the absence of in-game music during actual gameplay dampens the overall atmosphere and leaves a void that's hard to overlook.

Imagine hurtling down the track, engine roaring, with only the sound of wind and tires screeching to accompany your drive. While the sound effects are adequately executed, the lack of accompanying music during races creates a sense of emptiness, making the experience feel incomplete. The inclusion of race-themed music tracks could have added depth to the gameplay, heightened the excitement, and kept players fully immersed in the action.

In Classic Racers Elite, the focus remains purely on the racing experience, and rightfully so. As a racing game, it doesn't burden itself with an intricate storyline or complex narrative. Instead, it celebrates the essence of classic racing by delivering a straightforward and no-frills approach. While some players may appreciate this back-to-basics approach, others might yearn for a deeper immersion through the inclusion of a meaningful career mode or engaging story elements.

Classic Racers Elite invites players to relive the thrill and excitement of the "Gentlemen Drivers" era, showcasing slightly realistic graphics, accessible controls, and a no-nonsense approach to racing. However, the lack of visual diversity in track design and the repetitive nature of the gameplay limits the long-term appeal of the game. The absence of in-game music during races also leaves a void that diminishes the overall experience.

With further development and enhancements, Classic Racers Elite has the potential to become a more captivating and engaging racing title. Introducing a wider range of track aesthetics, additional gameplay modes, and an immersive soundtrack would enrich the gameplay, prolong player engagement, and truly bring the golden age of racing back to life.

Overall, I would like to give this game a rating of 6 out of 10. While it offers a nostalgic and accessible racing experience, there are areas where it falls short of delivering a truly outstanding and memorable adventure on the virtual racetrack.

Reviewed by: Ke'Juan Valentine