At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss New Star GP as just another in a line of charming, but not necessarily overly deep and rewarding racing games in a nostalgic, minimalist aesthetic. I’m thinking primarily of titles like Art of Rally, Circuit Superstars and Horizon Chase. All entertaining and extremely competent games in their own way, but not exactly something you sit and enjoy lap times for hour after hour, day after day.
Nor can it be said that the studio New Star Games has made any great impression, at least not on the console or PC market. No, their claim to fame is rather mobile games, and the fact that they now suddenly choose to make a more large-scale, serious venture for both console and PC is startling. Especially considering that the genre is completely new to them, that the team is small and that New Star GP is actually good.
If we look past the deliberately stripped-down exterior, where the contrast-filled polygon world does its utmost to remind us of 90s arcade racing, we find a surprising amount of substance and depth. So if you want to progress in the game’s career mode and experience more than the first race or the freeplay mode, far more is required of you as a player behind the wheel than you might think.
It doesn’t do to hold the throttle and slide around the corners like it was Cruis n’ USA or Ridge Racer, and New Star GP quickly bites back with a good dose of reality if you try to play it like any other arcade racer . Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t something that’s trying to compete in realism with EA and Codemaster’s F1 series, but the dissonance between presentation and actual driving experience is surprising and gratifying.
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New Star GP Once you get over the initial shock, it’s actually quite fun to fight against the computer opponents in the battle for the top places, while trying to balance aspects such as tire wear, fuel level, weather and much more. Yes, it’s a delight and surprisingly engaging. In addition, you also have depot stops that play into the strategy and act as little mini-games in themselves where you manually control your depot crew as they change tyres, refill soup or repair damage to your car.
The game is engaging on every level, and you never feel relegated to the back seat, but are constantly offered to be in control, without it ever feeling overwhelming. The balance between arcade and simulation is found in a smart and nice way, a seemingly strange mix, but which in the case of New Star GP really works and makes the title stand out from the crowd of other nostalgically stylized racing titles on the market.
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In addition, we also have an exquisite career mode that allows you to drive from the early 80s with its eye-catching, small, howling F1 cars right through to modern times. All together with constantly new tracks and the appearance of cars as the years go by. Although New Star GP has no official affiliation or license with the sport, there is plenty of recognition for fans of the sport, with a total of 34 tracks. Everything from Silverstone in England to Monaco with its treacherous bends.
Yes, there are many reasons to appreciate the New Star GP, which is filled with both charm and passion. As the studio’s first racing game, it’s an even more impressive feat that it manages to balance the fine line between frivolous and engaging. It’s a love letter to the glory days of the 90s, when Virtua Racing dominated the arcades, but at the same time filled with a modern sensibility that will quickly get under your skin. New Star GP is arcade racing at its best, and the split screen mode is perfect for sharing the fun with your friends on the couch.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan of the sport or just looking for some simple racing, there’s something for you here. New Star GP is fast-paced and equally challenging, with lots of charm and personality and an impressive career mode. For the price, this is a nostalgic and surprisingly challenging racing experience that everyone should give an honest shot.
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