Rally Arcade Classics

Rally Arcade Classics is not a racing game we can recommend to everyone; it’s more of a nostalgic throwback. If you’re looking for a simple, lightweight racing game that carries a bit of retro charm, you’ll find in it a br ef, temporary kind of fun—like a short break between bigger titles. But if you’re seeking a rich or deep experience, you won’t find it here. Unfortunately, what the game offers doesn’t even match the quality of titles released 10 or 15 years ago, and it fails to recapture the joy of those good old days.

In principle, Rally Arcade Classics does a lot of things right. It offers crisp rally action on short stages, which are also very atmospheric. The “just one more stage” effect quickly sets in. Racing through the stages in numerous cars from various decades of rally history is a lot of fun. On paper, the scope of the game alone is impressive, with 420 individual tour race events in four different locations. Additional game modes such as Arcade and Rally also provide entertainment. After the exorbitantly high prices for the vehicles in the game were significantly reduced via a patch, the game progress is very pleasant. Ultimately, the biggest drawback is the number of countries we travel through. Even though all four areas are beautifully designed, they become repetitive relatively quickly as the game progresses. We would like to see a little more variety here, preferably in the form of additional countries being added later. Nevertheless, Rally Arcade Classics definitely stands up to comparison with art of rally or the rally mode in Super Woden GP II – on the contrary. As the debut work of the small Spanish development team NETK2GAMES, I can only say: hats off and keep up the good work!

The end result is an above average racing experience. It's definitely not a bad game but it lacks a certain je ne sais quoi that would keep me returning in lieu of competing titles. If you have played out your digital copies of the aforementioned games and hunger for a new experience, Rally Arcade Classics is indeed worth your time and money for a quick rally romp on the go.

Rally Arcade Classics is a title that blends nostalgia and depth, suitable for both casual players and rally enthusiasts. The lack of different rally stages and occasional repetitiveness make it a title recommended for the latter category of players we mentioned.

Ultimately, Rally Arcade Classics is a title that may seem simple at first glance, but beneath the surface it hides a solid and enduring structure. It’s a game that will be loved by those seeking a nostalgic experience, filled with fast-paced races, unlockable objectives, and methodical progression, but it may bore players who are looking for a quick and carefree arcade experience. It’s not a “triple-A” game, nor does it aim to be, but within its niche it fully achieves its goal: delivering an old-school, authentic race that is challenging just enough and surprisingly rich in content.

Rally Arcade Classics manages to blend excellent qualities with somewhat annoying flaws. The competent handling, satisfactory track performance, and large amount of content are counterpoints that even overcome the heavy grinding and the subpar presentation. Ultimately, it's an interesting option for those looking for a more arcade-style rally with a touch of simulation.

Old-school-inspired rally racing game on PS5.

Bite-sized racing could be of interest to some, but on the whole it makes for a shallow and less satisfying experience

I was pleasantly surprised by Rally Arcade Classics, and I’ve had a ton of fun dipping into the huge feast of content on offer. If you’re a fan of older rally games such as V Rally or Colin McRae, then, like me, you’ll enjoy your time with this.

From NETK2GAMES out of Barcelona comes one of the most enjoyable arcade racing you’ll play: Rally Arcade Classics is no fluff, all fun.