F1 Race Stars

Hamilton, Button, Vettel, Schumacher. All of these guys epitomise the term ‘F1 race star’. If there was ever a sport that translated seamlessly into a video game format, it’s F1. The fast-paced action, the races that you turn on a dime, the high stakes adrenaline when the lights go out. There is nothing quite like it and F1 Race Cars is a title that allows fans to get in the driver’s seat, roll up to pole position and test their nerve against some of the best in the business, kart racer style.

This game plays like the Official F1 series but also plays like games such as Gran Turismo, Mario Kart 64, Crash Team Racing, Need for Speed, The Crew, Burnout and Forza. This series aims to give you to an authentic and high octane F1 experience from start to finish but with the added twist of a kart racing dynamic. However, does this game finish first or will it pick up a DNF? We find out in our review of F1 Race Stars.

And The Lights Are Out!

Let’s begin with the visuals first of all. It would be very easy to condemn this game for going with a chibi style version of each racer and car. However, we actually think it’s a great way to go for a game like this and it’s really novel and fun. The racers are all distinct and recognisable, they still race for their respective teams and the tracks, kart models and other assets all look the part here. We will admit though, it doesn’t really lean into the world of F1 and does play like a generic kart racer. So perhaps more specific assets would have been helpful here, especially on the tracks.

As for the gameplay, it again, does play like it is a generic kart racer which they have slapped F1 licences and assets to and called it a day. There is nothing that really lures F1 fans in here. No inside jokes, no story mode. Just an arcade style kart racer with limited features and very little that we haven’t seen countless times before.

The upside is that the online functionality of this game is great and allows you to play with/against up to twelve players. Which can make for a very fun few hours. However, after a few races, the tracks blend into one another and the gimmicks the game throws your way become stale.

The Verdict

Overall, we have to say that this game is a shameless cash grab, but to it’s credit, a very well made and enjoyable one. The tracks may be generic but they are fun to race around. The career mode may be lifeless but it does offer an arcade feel and the visuals may be childish and cartoony. However, they have went with the art choice and done it to the best of their ability.

Pros

• Cute chibi art style
• Genuine licences and teams
• Plenty of game modes
• Online functionality

Cons

• Very little original content
• No story mode
• Tracks and gameplay feel generic