Formula Retro Racing

Formula Retro Racing is far from a bad racing game. It's perfectly fine, it handles well enough and it does a good job of replicating the art style of the early '90s arcade era. But its performance issues on Switch and the frustrating AI behaviour means that it should only really be considered if you've absolutely rinsed everything to do in Sega Ages Virtua Racing and are looking for something else to scratch a similar itch.

So, the game could do with a bit of polish. But the developer cares about this game. There were a few other issues that I had while playing that had already been fixed before release day.

A missed opportunity to build and improve upon the legacy of Virtua Racing, Formula Retro Racing instead opts to replicate large portions of Sega’s 90’s racer. Sure, there’s more tracks and a larger number of cars to race against but a lack of modes and modern features means that this retro inspired title doesn’t do enough to take a victory lap. Fans of Virtua Racing without a Nintendo Switch will get a kick out of the nostalgia Formula Retro Racing induces. For everyone else, there are better examples of modern takes on retro inspired racers.

Formula Retro Racing is a true love letter to SEGA's arcade racers of old, nearly nailing the landing. Though the collision detection leaves something to be desired, those who have fond memories of blue, blue skies will enjoy racing in its low-poly world.

If it featured a variety of vehicles and more tracks, Formula Retro Racing would be a fantastic game for fans of early '90s racers.

The amount of mileage you’ll get out of Formula Retro Racing will depend heavily on your level of patience, probably more so than your love of the retro style. There not a lot of content on offer here and what is, is pretty basic. I’d hoped for a quality little arcade racer and whilst it nails the the look and feel, I’d rather have my, well let’s just leave it there shall we…