Platform(s): PC (version reviewed)
Genre: Racing, Retro, 90s

2024 seems like a good time to release new small indie-made racing games; quickplay-style titles without the frills and fuss from your Gran Turismos, Forza Horizons, and Need For Speed games that are horribly marketed. We got our old-school racing fix with 3D racer Parking Garage Rally Circuit that’s made by one person. And now we have this new title published by Playtonic and developed by Skydevilpalm: Victory Heat Rally.

If the colourful 2D-on-3D aesthetics and curvely-drawn women are of any indication, it’s that this indie title plans to take you back to the late 90s where the racing games are simple and in-your-face. And Victory Heat Rally hits pole position in that regard, though not without its sputtering close to the finish line.

Hot Stuff

The driving factor of this old-school racing game is the controls: they are arcade to a fault and strictly meant for people who aren’t into driving simulators. Essentially, I got on board really quick within my 2-hours of racing time going through the different cups that escalate in difficulty and rubberbanding AI from the opponents.

While the first-ever Cup in the Championship one-player mode will let you take it easy while you get into the controls and racing mindset, the EX and Z Cups will kick your ass to the curb. Still, if you’re fond of arcade racers like the Mario Kart series, you’ll jump right in and enjoy what Victory Heat Rally has in store.

There are a slew of modes to keep you piqued in heat. The regular racing modes include the standard 3/4 lap racing circuits, the Rally mode where you solo a track as fast as possible while getting turn callsigns, the Championship races where you go through 4 heats worth of races against the trophy circuit’s rival, and the Rival battles where you duel a racer by being first and subsequently draining their health bar until it reaches zero.

My favourite races are the Joker challenges where you are given various objectives to complete a course, like passing by as many racers as possible before time runs out, or hitting as many cones as possible before you reach the finish line. The Joker events & challenges do teach you how to maintain a smooth drift and power boost so that you can get better in the game’s tougher challenges, especially the final Rallymania stage where you have to go through 9 heats of racing insanity.

Amidst its positives, there are some rough patches. The last few levels feel a bit unfinished level design wise, and some obstacles that should be there or get you to go off-course do not obstruct you or the other racers. Just like the games of yore, the difficulty spike goes through the roof in the last Championship cup. There’s also the omission of online multiplayer, though that could be added as a patch in future updates for the title.

In Heat

With a unique 2D aesthetic, a rockin’ old-school soundtrack, and fast-and-furious racing and rally action, Victory Heat Rally revs up just fine on the 3D road in its 2D livery. It’s not the most in-depth game and some racing portions and courses feel a bit unfinished.

Still, you’re getting a lot for what you’re paying for if you seek an arcade-y racing experience with cute graphics, 2D artwork, and a bangin’ soundtrack. If you’re in that mindset, go offroad and burn rubber with this flaming hot ride.

Final Score: 80/100