WHAT THE CAR?

Racing games. They woo us with their fast-paced action, occasionally impressive visuals, and an unparalleled sense of accomplishment each time we achieve the precious podium. On the other hand, there's What the Car, a game about an anthropomorphic car that has to reach the finish line in any way it can. Beautiful.

From the same folks that brought us classics such as What the Golf and What the Bat, this "racing" game takes you on some of the most outlandish tracks you've ever seen. From navigating tight corridors on a tipsy car to finishing a course on a car with long legs, What the Car is everything except for a racing game.

The game's mobile-inspired gameplay is perfect for short sessions of sheer insanity. However, that same level structure might be one of its detriments, especially for players looking for a more substantial experience. I mean, as substantial an experience as you can find in a game where you can play as a car with a cold.

Mechanical Madness

Like the other games in this wacky series, What the Car is mostly a physics-based puzzle game. Sure, there are cars and "racing" involved, but most of the time you'll be just navigating a short maze-like level fulfilling a set of requirements.

There's no realistic racing action to be found here. In fact, most of the time, the so-called "car" won't even use its wheels. Car enthusiasts might not be the right target for What the Car – and that's okay. That would be like saying that people who actually enjoy golfing ever improved their handicap playing What the Golf.

Variety is the Spice of Life

What the Car presents us with multiple levels of vehicular mayhem. Considering the game began its life as an Apple Arcade exclusive, it makes sense that most levels can be completed in a few minutes. However, for PC players, the game's short levels become a bit of a detriment.

After a while, you'll notice What the Car reuses some of the same maps and objectives, adding only minimal differences. That makes the game feel more repetitive than its predecessors. The sheer creativity of games like What the Golf isn't on full display here, and that's a shame, considering the developer's unique sense of humor.

Visual Comedy

Triband, the developers of the entire What The series, are known for their quirky humor. Their games never take themselves too seriously, and What the Car is no exception. To achieve the right tone they go for, Triband always uses a minimalistic presentation that does wonders to bring their bizarre scenarios to life.

As a port of a mobile game, expect small worlds and an overall simplistic presentation. That said, the level and character variety give What the Car some extra points in my book. Still, a bit more challenge would have come a long way in making this game shine as much as its predecessor.

Pros

• Immensely entertaining bite-sized gameplay
• Tons of levels and challenges
• Quirky humor with a colorful presentation

Cons

• Some physics-based challenges can glitch out easily
• Repetitive challenges after a while
• Not as ambitious as What The Golf?