We’ve seen a number of racing games step up with an overwhelming amount of content as of late, including the current king of the road, Forza Horizon 6. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take a simple approach if you’re a smaller team like 3goo. That developer released 4PGP for Steam a little while back, introducing an experience akin to racing classics like Virtua Racing. And now that experience has come to more consoles recently, allowing everyone to partake in the high-speed fun. As you should.
While the game doesn’t overcomplicate with its gameplay, it does get speed and control just right. Taking control of these F1 cars is a great deal of fun, even with cornering or trying to regain turbo for that last-second burst for the finish line. There are also a variety of tracks which you can race backwards and forwards – not bad for variety.
The game also has leaderboards and time trials to take on, along with four-player split-screen racing. And let me tell you, I haven’t had this kind of entertainment with friends locally since M2’s stunning port of Virtua Racing for Switch years ago. The game could’ve benefitted from online play, which is sorely missing, but this is ideal to pull out at parties.
Add in great (if not overwhelming) visuals and an old-school soundtrack, and 4PGP will keep you doing laps well into the night. Nothing wrong with keeping it simple, and this game proves it.
4PGP Builds Upon an Easygoing Concept
In 4PGP, arcade racing is the name of the game. You jump into a number of F1-style race cars and compete for a first-place victory or a record time on the track. That’s…about it. But the racing itself is really well done, allowing you to choose between four difficulty settings and then hitting the road across 14 tracks, which are reversible. There are also 19 cars to choose from, though the differences are somewhat minimal. At least they’re based on real Formula-style behavior.
The game does have some competitive angles. You’ve got Time Attack, where you can go for the best times; and, of course, leaderboards. But the big plus here is the split-screen racing, in which four folks can take part. It makes 4PGP an outstanding local racing romp, where you can compete with others and try to speed your way in for the victory. It’s razor sharp, moving at a very smooth 60 FPS, and is even good for on-the-go play.
Just remember, though, this is in place because there’s no online multiplayer. This will bum a few of you out, and it is a negative worth mentioning. But remember this is a smaller developer and, well, not Sega, so it’s understood why it’s not included.
Aside from that, however, the gameplay is handled very well. The cars feel natural, like old-school arcade counterparts should, and the cornering is exceptional so you don’t go careening into a wall. Plus the use of arcade-style elements to gain the lead is a nice touch, and you can change the difficulty depending on your style of play. Plus you can unlock a Safety Car!
There could’ve been more weather variants and maybe a bit more car customization – maybe it might be too simple for some. But 4PGP feels like an impressive throwback that fans of Sega’s and Namco’s arcade racers won’t want to miss.
4PGP’s Presentation Doesn’t Go Over the Top – But It Doesn’t Have To
Now let’s get into 4PGP’s visuals. As I said, the tracks are neatly laid out, but there aren’t too many side elements, such as weather or debris. But that’s fine, as the game runs incredibly smooth. It continues to roll along at 60 FPS, without missing a beat, and the various camera angles are quite useful. Plus the cars look great, performing like their real counterparts.
The soundtrack won’t overwhelm you, but it’s quite pleasant, with arcade-style themes that will leave a lot of you feeling nostalgic. Plus the sound effects are good. Again, not over the top, but just right.
Get Revved Up With 4PGP
Sometimes you just want to keep it simple, stupid. 4PGP isn’t the most complicated racer out there, and it is missing a couple of crucial elements. But what remains is a fundamentally sound – and joyous – racing experience that you won’t mind getting behind the wheel with. Plus it’s top notch when it comes to local multiplayer, making this a real hoot at parties.
This is well done on 3goo’s part, and now I kind of want to see them take on stock car racing, ala Daytona USA. Complete with a goofy soundtrack. Wishful thinking!
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to PR Hound for providing us with a review code! The game is available now for Steam, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation!
Don’t forget to check out our review of Forza Horizon 6!
