Hotshot Racing

 Switch
Hotshot Racing Image
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 23 Ratings

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  • Summary: A blistering arcade-style racer fusing drift handling, razor-sharp retro visuals and an incredible sense of speed.

    Hotshot Racing is a blisteringly fast arcade-style racing game fusing drift handling, razor-sharp retro visuals and an incredible sense of speed to create an exhilarating    A blistering arcade-style racer fusing drift handling, razor-sharp retro visuals and an incredible sense of speed.

    Hotshot Racing is a blisteringly fast arcade-style racing game fusing drift handling, razor-sharp retro visuals and an incredible sense of speed to create an exhilarating driving experience.

    16 racing circuits provide the twists, turns and straights conducive to searingly quick racing. Take in coastal, jungle, alpine and Las Vegas desert environments, with each course modelled with the most vivid colours and blue skies for miles.

    Time Trial and Grand Prix modes cater to those who like to compete in classic racing formats, while ‘Cops and Robbers’ and ‘Drive or Explode’ modes offer exhilarating new ways to play.

    Each mode is available in single-player, four-player split-screen and eight-player online, while Time Trial is single-player only. Single-player modes run at a blistering 60FPS to deliver one of the fastest depictions of racing possible.

    Smash lap records to rise-up the global online leaderboards or download ghost laps to match your racing lines against the very best.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. The Games Machine
    Sep 21, 2020
    85
    Hotshot Racing is a rare and precious work that hearkens to the spirit of 90s racing games without being bound by it. A great title for players of all ages and backgrounds, its modern and fresh driving system provides endless joy, challenge and enjoyment. And it has both local and online multiplayer!
  2. Vooks
    Sep 10, 2020
    80
    Hotshot Racing is a window back into the 1990s, not only in looks but how it plays with some old some fashioned rubber banding. The look and gameplay might not be for everyone, but it's authentic and it's a tonne of fun. I just wish there was more of it. You don't need to be an arcade fan of old to enjoy this, but you'll enjoy it even more if you are.
  3. Nintendo Insider
    Sep 21, 2020
    80
    If you miss the days of insane drifts, loud announcers and time-extending checkpoints then Hotshot Racing fills that gap nicely. While this arcade racing competitor certainly has a few dings in it, Hotshot Racing manages to nail the truly important areas. It handles well, feels fast and has that ‘one-more-go’ feel you want from games of this genre. Veteran or newcomer, Hotshot Racing is an exhilarating time.
  4. Gaming Age
    Sep 17, 2020
    75
    If Hotshot Racing were just a little more balanced, it would’ve been something special, but as it stands, it feels more like a missed opportunity.
  5. Ninty Fresh Magazine
    Dec 21, 2020
    75
    Racing down memory lane has never felt so good. With that being said, it’s unlikely you’ll stay there for too long as there isn’t too much to see. [Issue #2, p.60]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Gamezebo
    Oct 25, 2020
    70
    It all results in a game that is enjoyable enough while you’re playing it, but it doesn’t leave a massive or lasting impression.
  7. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Apr 12, 2021
    60
    A successful attempt to reincarnate arcade races with everything. Perhaps more interesting circuits are missing, but in the whirl of racing, every fan of arcade titles will quickly forget about it. [Issue#309]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 4 out of 15
  1. ntg2978
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    I got this game about a year ago, and played it a few times, and then got The Need for Speed Hot Pursuit. I played Need for Speed quite aI got this game about a year ago, and played it a few times, and then got The Need for Speed Hot Pursuit. I played Need for Speed quite a bit, and didn't play this one for a long time. Recently, I came back to this game, and my review takes into account the NFS game (controls, content, etc) to compare HSR to that.

    When I first got this game, I definitely undervalued it. I played it a few times, and then forgot about it. It's only after playing NFS quite a bit, and coming back to it, that I've found I'm really appreciating it.

    Hot Shot Racing on the switch has fantastic controls; you can drift and change your trajectory while drifting. You can smash into objects and other cars, and feel the vibration in the controller (or handheld) when you do.

    You can race as multiple characters; and even win Grand Prix's when you do.

    You can earn rewards the better you race, as you get paid, and can use that "money" for suping up cars and characters in the game.

    Each character has their own back story, and when they win a Grand Prix, it shows how it affected their life (pretty cool concept - makes it much more engaging).

    Overall, I've actually found myself playing this game MORE than NFS - this actually shocked me, as NFS is definitely a good game as well, and very interesting and challenging.

    The graphics on Hotshot Racing are not as good as NFS, but that's about the only thing that it's lacking, and in my opinion, it's good enough for the game.

    I would definitely recommend this game, as it's become one of my favorites to play.    … Expand
  2. Rasheedb
    Sep 14, 2020
    10
    Fantastic arcade racing game. Reminds me of the classic Sega arcade games like Outrun, Daytona and Virtua racing. The action is fast andFantastic arcade racing game. Reminds me of the classic Sega arcade games like Outrun, Daytona and Virtua racing. The action is fast and frantic. One of the best games this generation.… Expand
  4. StrikerXL
    Jun 30, 2021
    9
    I don't understand the reviews placed here by the users. This is very nice arcade racing game and with some nice mechanics skidding theI don't understand the reviews placed here by the users. This is very nice arcade racing game and with some nice mechanics skidding the corners/turns where you'll gain more nitroboost by doing this correctly and gaining extra speed by driving behind (slipstream) the other racers. The steering is good, not perfect but solid. Also the performance on the Switch is very good with quick load times and the overall sound is nice with some icon polygon retro gfx from yesteryear and super cool announcer. You win races in 4 GP (3 difficulty modes) or play single-player/multiplayer with different modes like arcade, cops & robbers, ... and also some classic time trails. With the winnings you can buy cosmetic upgrades for your drivers and cars. For the price you can't go wrong!… Expand
  5. Pete112
    Dec 9, 2020
    7
    Nice looking arcade racer with a similar visual style to daytona racing.

    The drifting is a bit over the top and the rubber banding does spoil    Nice looking arcade racer with a similar visual style to daytona racing.

    The drifting is a bit over the top and the rubber banding does spoil the experience slightly. On easy mode the rubber banding actually helps the player when behind but on normal and hard, it doesn't matter how well you race, the computer opponents will be right behind you within seconds.

    Its good value for money though and definitely one of the better racing games on the switch. Would score 10 /10 without the rubber banding.    … Expand
  6. jens76
    Nov 11, 2021
    7
    Solid fun here, a polygon racer that reminds me of a quick hitch. Good times in short and sweet bursts.
  7. Supersequin
    Feb 20, 2021
    7
    If you spent a lot of times in arcades in the 90s playing Daytona USA and the like, you'll love this. Nostalgic sights and sounds, withIf you spent a lot of times in arcades in the 90s playing Daytona USA and the like, you'll love this. Nostalgic sights and sounds, with challenging racing, smooth visuals and a pulsing retro soundtrack. Hotshot Racing proves that great gameplay didn't need to be accompanied by photorealistic graphics.

    As noted by other reviewers, there are some niggles, which whilst not detracting from the game, may impact longevity. There aren't that many tracks and some are quite similar (although, it must be noted, there are many more than the arcade games this plays homage to). Gear changing is tricky and the leap from automatic to manual shifting may be met with frustration. In addition, the occasional spin can lead to huge time losses as you find yourself trying to complete a 17 point turn to point your nose back in the right direction. However, these are really minor issues when the racing is this much fun. For the price you can't go wrong. For lovers of racing games this is a must have.    … Expand
  8. Zentriefugal
    Nov 7, 2020
    0
    This game looks so great and even feels good but then comes the AI... never played a game that had such a terrible rubber band feeling.

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

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