Rider's Spirits

While I’m all for game preservation, it’s hard to justify this one. Ratalaika and other indie publishers make questionable decision when it comes to re-releasing older, lesser known games. Rider’s Spirits is a prime example of a game that has not aged well. At all. Barely any gameplay options, controls feel off and it’s boring. It’s baffling that this game released TWO years after Nintendo’s classic kart racer and it’s this bad. Unless you have a sentimental attachment to the 1994 original, this is an easy pass.

Overall, if it weren’t for the multi-billion dollar elephant in the room, Rider’s Spirits would have fared much better. As things are, though, there are much more convenient and better alternatives out on Switch that overshadow this game in just about every department. In terms of historical significance, it follows the same round as Ratalaika’s previous releases, providing a chance for those looking to collect otherwise rare and obscure, but not necessarily great games. In the grand scheme of their catalog so far, Rider’s Spirits ranks somewhat lower than the rest of the pack, not quite reaching the podium.

Still, when games like Top Racer or Stunt Race FX exist on the same system, it’s hard to argue that Rider’s Spirits tries to approach that high bar, because it just doesn’t. A truly middle of the road, fun obscurity for racer fans wanting to check add another one to their backlog.

A different and novel take on the classic Super Mario Kart look and feel, but certainly not better

If you see the screenshots and expect something on the Super Mario Kart level, you’ll be sorely disappointed. If you want a decent 16 bit race title that’s a bit unfair in solo mode, then we’ve got the game for you. Rider’s Spirits is a fun couple of hours with friends or a decent thirty minutes by yourself, and that’s more than enough incentive for retro enthusiasts to take a peek. And honestly, for about five bucks, you’ll get your money’s worth by the time the last checkered flag gets waved.

The driving is snappy and satisfying, the light simulation elements add a touch of strategy, and the Mode 7 experience goes a long way. A lack of backdrop variety is a bummer, as is the screen-hogging rear-view mirror, but the pros outnumber the cons in this spirited racing game.