When a racing game leans into nostalgia, it runs the risk of feeling derivative – or it can capture something of the spirit that made classics memorable. 4PGP: Four-Player Grand Prix landed with that exact challenge on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2: can an indie take on formula racing really evoke the arcade magic of the 90s while satisfying today’s expectations? On the strength of its confident design and clear reverence for the genre, it largely succeeds, even if it never quite transcends its inspirations.
At its core, 4PGP trades on familiarity. The title itself – shorthand for Four-Player Grand Prix – signals a straightforward ambition: local multiplayer racing built for four across split-screen, with a suite of modes including Quick Race, Time Attack, and a full Championship series. This isn’t a title that’s trying to reinvent the wheel, but there’s a coherence to how it assembles its elements that makes it feel like a classic reborn rather than a retrospective exhibit. The sense of speed here is palpable: races are short, visceral bursts, and the cars’ pace keeps the player engaged even when the courses are deceptively brief.
The gameplay mechanics lean hard on the fundamentals. Steering and throttle response are crisp, and there’s a satisfying balance between accessibility and challenge, particularly with the multiple difficulty tiers on offer. Veteran and Expert settings demand precision and split-second reactions, while Rookie and Novice allow moments of joy even for players brand new to arcade racing. There’s also an emphasis on strategy beyond raw pace – managing tyre wear and turbo (effectively a fuel gauge) adds a layer of tactical thinking that belies the game’s arcade sheen. The mechanics don’t descend into simulation complexity, and that’s largely a strength; 4PGP knows what it wants to be and avoids overreaching.
Where 4PGP stumbles occasionally is in its deeper structural design. The progression curve, largely built around unlocking new vehicles and tracks through Championship success, can feel binary: newer cars are almost always statistically superior to earlier ones, leaving little room for creative choices or personal playstyle preferences. This diminishes the subtle meta-strategies that defined great racers of the past, where vehicle selection could be as much a tactical decision as driver skill. It’s a minor gripe, but in a game that wears its lineage on its sleeve, it’s one that stands out.
Visually and sonically, the game balances charm with restraint. The aesthetic doesn’t strive for realism – surfaces, crowds, and scenery are rendered with an oversaturated, arcade-leaning style that feels intentional rather than cheap – and that works in the context of what the game is aiming for. Tracks evoke recognizable circuits while still being pared down enough to keep the action tight. Audio is used sparingly during races, with music entering more fully on final laps, which may surprise players expecting constant background tracks, but this choice mostly enhances race intensity rather than detracting from it.
Multiplayer on 4PGP is one of its most infectious draws. Four-player split-screen feels vibrant and chaotic in the best ways, giving local sessions the sort of competitive energy that couch racers have always been about. That said, the absence of online matchmaking does limit the longevity for players who don’t have frequent local co-op sessions – a noteworthy omission in an era where online connectivity is fairly standard, even for indie racers.
In the end, 4PGP doesn’t eclipse the classics it clearly admires, but it offers a genuinely fun arcade racing experience that stands on its own merits. For players seeking a lively, approachable racer with a retro heartbeat and modern polish, it’s easy to recommend. Fans of deeper mechanics or simulatory nuance might find it wanting – but that’s almost part of its charm: 4PGP isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, just a spirited, energetic racer that brings friends together in short bursts of high-octane joy.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 