So what happens if you make a Sega Saturn game in this day and age? And throw in cars that are turning parking garages into race tracks across the globe? Well, you get the absurdly entertaining Parking Garage Rally Circuit. And the sooner you get it, the better.
This game harkens back to a golden era in gaming where skill is vital with your driving. It helps to grasp the driving controls, sure. But it takes a masterful hand to boost off of turns while avoiding crashes and racing against ghosts. Not to mention avoiding giant boulders and getting the most out of the Sega Saturn era visuals. You guys remember the Sega Saturn, yeah?
Your quest to become the best parking garage rally racer in the world (!) is worthwhile. The gameplay keeps you hooked, as you hit the throttle to see the next course with backgrounds that pixel as they scale out. Wait, is that Mount Rushmore?
Obviously it’s avoiding comparisons with more “serious” racers like Gran Turismo 7. But Parking Garage Rally Circuit warms your heart with sharp controls, ever-changing conditions and, most importantly, fun. It’s one of the best racing games you’ll play this year. And one of the best ever to take place in a parking garage. (OK, maybe the only one so far.)
Walaber Puts Parking Garage Rally Circuit Into Full Gear
Ever hear of Tim FitzRandolph? He’s the one man developer at Walaber, a team that worked on JellyCar. Well, if you’ve gotten into that game’s simple yet joyous nature (the sound effects!), you’re in for a treat here.
Parking Garage Rally Circuit works with a 3D engine, where the goal is to complete laps as fast as possible. That’s easier said than done, thanks to obstacles (boulders?!) and tricky level design. Luckily, there’s a drift system here that is absolutely brilliant.
By holding down a certain thing on your controls, you initiate the drift. Of course, you have to steer your vehicle as well to avoid collisions with walls, cars and other things. But holding the drift enables you to build up a boost meter, via car sparks. Once released, you come off with a blast of acceleration. This enables you to not only shave precious seconds off your time, but also potentially pass ghost drivers.
We’ve seen such a boost system in the past. But it’s implemented within Parking Garage Rally Circuitbeautifully. It feels just right, to the point that if an error is made, you’re to blame. Period. Some later courses take time to master, especially with so many corners to contend with. But the game is never unfair (even with some of its placed checkpoints). And what’s more, it pushes you to become even better at parking garage racing. Yeah, you, rookie.
All throughout, you unlock new cars, including Heavy and Ultra ones that pose even more of a challenge. But they’re just as much fun to play as the “airier” ones, and force you to change your game a slight bit. Don’t worry, you’re still a drifting champ.
There are a lot of cars and courses to unlock. But eventually, the game does come up light on content. I mean, you won’t find a field of Forza Horizon-themed garages or anything like that. But it works on such a general level that it’s shocking. It’s a gas (ahem) to play, and offers tons of value for its price tag. Not to mention the smile that will pop up on your face as you play. You won’t even realize it’s missing multiplayer (for now – the dev could be working on patching it in).
Honestly, for ten bones, it’s hardly a gamble at all. You get a wildly addictive game that takes its wacky racing concept and makes it natural. You may never drive through a parking garage the same way again. (“Can I master this corner?”)
Also, yes, it works on Steam Deck. Flawlessly, I might add. Just make sure you get a controller for maximum effect.
Back To the Old School
As if the controls aren’t enough of a victory, Walaber packs Parking Garage Rally Circuit with amazing old-school visuals. Anyone who grew up with the Sega Saturn will immediately recognize this dedicated engine.
The game features old-school pixels in both its course and car design. You’ll see this from the condensed drift effects (particularly within mud) and sparks emitting from your vehicle. But you’ll also spot the static backgrounds and insane level design, with only a mild bit of pop-up.
So, yeah, next-gen this isn’t. Hell, previous-gen this isn’t. But it throws back to an older era in gaming, a much missed one at that. The frame rate is rock solid throughout, and the challenges around every turn are greatly appreciated. Even with the plastered on background details, it just looks like an absolute winner. This one would be right at home with a console release, tell you what. (No pressure though, Tim. Heh.)
On top of that, the developer also piles on the old-school charm with the audio. The announcer is a bit on the brief side, but has a tone akin to 90s-era racing games. The sound effects are excellent, particularly with the drifting noises on the car. And the soundtrack is a mix of cheesy ska and rock tunes, creating an aura of a simpler time. I’m a bit shocked that Walaber didn’t send out old-school CDs to hype it. (Remember game soundtracks?)
But with its “basics”, Parking Garage Rally Circuit channels back to a more wondrous time in gaming. When mega-timely patches weren’t the name of the game and you simply got into a game. The more inspired stuff we get like this, the better.
Alright, Let’s Go Do Some Crazy Parking Garage Racing
I’m shocked at how fundamentally well Parking Garage Rally Circuit executes. Walaber has done a bang-up job recreating a classic Saturn era on every front. The controls feel just about perfect (even with collisions). And the presentation is so nostalgic it makes us want to break out our Mighty Mighty Bosstones shirts. (C’mon, some of you own one.) It may be lacking in long-term content, but it sounds like more is coming – for free! We all know that a good parking garage isn’t built in a day, after all.
Parking Garage Rally Circuit is proof positive that the indie circuit isn’t just alive and well. It’s thriving. And rampaging through parking garages against snowplows and other devastating dangers in your way. No matter. You’ve got a mindset to conquer parking garages, and rightfully so. With a love for the Sega Saturn days, no less.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got turns to master. And to a ska beat, no less. Did we mention we can still sort of do the dance…?
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Walaber for providing us with a review code. Get the game on Steam now!
Oh, you want more retro goodness from Gamerhub UK? We got you. Check out our coverage on Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Iron Meat and Castlevania Dominus Collection!
