Atari’s on a huge resurgence right now. Along with celebrating its original home and arcade classics with excellent compilations like Atari 50, it’s also just picked up the Intellivision brand, along with Berzerk, and is set to give them revivals too.
But, out of nowhere, it’s decided to give its classic Sprint racing series some love. Originally released in the 70s (!) and continuing with the Championship and Super Sprint arcade games, it’s back in, ahem, full gear with the lively revamp NeoSprint.
Some may argue that the $25 price tag is a bit much, but the truth is you get a lot of classic racing action for your buck here. The developers at Headless Chicken Games (another great dev name, by the way) know how to keep things simple here, while piling on loads of content, including some Atari-themed goods that fans are going to love. Plus there’s a track builder that enables you to build your own racing utopia.
Though not as complex as, say, Gran Turismo, NeoSprint takes us back to a simpler time of racing. And one that’s just as entertaining.
Sticking To Formula
As with previous Sprint games, Headless Chicken (seriously, we love saying that) packs NeoSprint with classic racing goodness. It all takes place on a single screen for the most part (unless you choose to zoom in on your car, a nice touch), so you can see the turns that lie ahead and keep ahead of the competition. With each new campaign, you’ll have a chance at a first place victory, enabling you to eventually win the circuit and move on to the next set.
What amazes us is how well the classic gameplay of NeoSprint is nailed down. It may not be packed with technicality, but handling is done incredibly well, and the sense of speed is perfect, especially as you master the drifting and drafting systems. What’s more, the unlockables are exceptionally worthwhile, including some retro Atari goods that you can soup up your car and driver with. Ever want to race around in Asteroids-labeled gear? You sure can.
There’s also a track editor, in case you feel like building your own dream (or nightmare) course. The tools are exceptionally easy to use, and you can set up ones loaded with traps and jumps however you see fit. You can also upload yours and try out others, adding to the game’s already significant replay value.
If you’re up to it, the game also supports local racing. Since it’s all on one screen anyway, it’s easy to keep track of the up to eight players that can take part in a race. Alas, the game is missing competitive leaderboards and online play, though the option to add them via a patch later on is certainly on the table. We’ll see what happens. As it stands, though, the couch experience is a good time.
Overall, there’s more than enough value here to justify the somewhat higher $25 price tag that Atari is asking for this game. Some may balk at that and merely dismiss NeoSprint as a mere “arcade racer,” but it’s how much stuff that comes loaded with the experience that’s sure to impress. I mean, the obstacle courses alone, man!
This Presentation Will Make You Nostalgic
As I noted above, Headless Chicken (yes, saying it again!) knows what makes a game like NeoSprint work. The single player experience is excellent, as you can see the entire track and plan ahead for your victory, as well as being aware of any obstacles and shortcuts. The zoom-in option is good, too, even if your view is limited. And the menus are a nice touch.
That said, we did notice a couple of small glitches with certain races. They’re not deal breakers, and more than likely will get patched up anyway. So unless you’re truly a stickler, you won’t mind too much.
Regarding the audio, the classic engine noises definitely revved us up, though the music could’ve used a little more variety. Imagine being able to unlock some classic Atari theme songs. But even without them, it’s good enough that you won’t mind it.
This One’s Got the Checkered Flag
There are minor issues that could use ironing over with NeoSprint, but overall the experience is just as good – if not better – than the classic games that came before it. It handles wonderfully, looks glorious and comes packed with abundant extras. And what it lacks in online play, it makes up for with a track builder and sharing system that will keep you busy for hours.
Chalk up another victory for Atari in the racing world. Now let’s enlist Headless Chicken to give Road Riot 4WDa comeback shot.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Atari and UberStrategist for the review code! Get the game now for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and Steam/PC!
