In the realm of racing games, where the tarmac is often crowded with both big licensed titles and smaller racing games, New Star GP stands out as a refreshing indie offering that carves its own path through the annals of motorsport history as well as video game history. Developed by New Star Games and published by Five Aces, this arcade racer with sim touches takes players on a nostalgic journey from the roaring engines of the 1980s Formula One circuits to the sleek machines of the modern era.
One of the most striking aspects of New Star GP is certainly its homage to the age of arcade racing games, with visuals that are very reminiscent of SEGA classics like Virtua Racing – which together with Virtua Cop and Virtua Fighter ushered in a new generation of graphics. The visuals, with their clean polygonal aesthetics, evoke memories of those classic arcade cabinets, while the retro soundtrack sets the perfect mood for some adrenaline-fueled racing action.
But beneath its retro arcade-like exterior lies a surprising amount of depth when it comes to gameplay. While New Star GP still excels as a pick-up-and-play arcade racer that delivers what you’d expect, it also offers layers of strategy and simulation that will appeal to more seasoned racing enthusiasts. Every decision, both on and off the track, appears to hold weight, from managing your team’s technological advancements to fine-tuning your race strategy. The inclusion of elements like tire wear, fuel load, and even your pit stop strategy adds a level of complexity that keeps races engaging and unpredictable if that’s the type of experience you want.
The career mode is where New Star GP shines and goes well beyond a simple arcade game, with a mode spanning five decades of motorsport history. As you progress through the years, you’ll face new challenges, upgrade your car, and navigate the politics of the racing world. The inclusion of a rivalry system (akin to what we’ve seen in games like GRID 2) adds an extra dimension to the gameplay, as your interactions with other drivers can influence their behavior on the track.
While New Star GP’s career mode offers a surprising wealth of content to sink your teeth into, there are a few areas where it falls short. The absence of online multiplayer is a notable omission, though local split-screen multiplayer provides a really fun alternative for couch co-op sessions. Additionally, the lack of a qualifying phase before races feels like a missed opportunity to add another layer of strategy and realism to the gameplay for more sim-oriented racers.
Overall, New Star GP delivers an enjoyable racing experience that successfully blends arcade thrills with simulation depth. Its charming retro presentation, engaging career mode, and strategic gameplay make it a worthy addition to any racing fan’s collection. While it may not be perfect, its unique take on the genre ensures that it stands out in a crowded field of contenders.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 