Thursday, September 18, 2025

Power Drift for PCE


Image: MobyGames

Power Drift

OutRun meets Street Racer


Genre: racing - vehicle combat

Publisher: Asmik Ace

Year: 1990

System: PCE


Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

The game plays a lot like OutRun, with a low and high gear, long, sweeping turns, opponents to bump into, and hazards that cause a devastating wipeout. However, your sprite is enormous, making crashes even more likely, especially when in high gear when turning is nearly impossible. It's almost a great experience, but not quite.


Level Design Score: 3

Level Design Notes:

The tracks have some verticality, with rolling hills. The game has a distinct look that's similar to Konami's G.I. Joe arcade game. The best description of the track is that it looks like a set of lincoln logs beneath you. There aren't any boosters or other interesting elements, which holds things back.


Theme Score: 4

Theme Notes:

You've got 12 racers to choose from. They're all human and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Thr drivers are highly visible in their karts and give this title a fun, laid back vibe.


Art Style Score: 3

Art Style Notes:

Impressive scaling - or at least fake scaling. However, there's tons of flicker and sprites that often load in before the ground beneath them. Still, you get a great sense of speed. The sprites are also massive and fun to look at. The HUD even includes a headshot of all 6 racers which demonstrates goings-on, such as a sad face when they wipe out or a taunt when they pass someone else. I'm tempted to give it a 4, but I think I'll stick with 3 since the vertical sections actually make it difficult to properly see ahead of yourself. The track just kind of appears without warning. But this is a high 3.


Audio Score: 4

Audio Notes:

Lovely music which doesn't stop betwee races. I was rocking out to the tunes throughout my playthrough. Even the sound effects are lively and not obtusive. There's also some voice samples which don't sound great, although I appreciate the effort.


Overall Score: 63

Review ID: 8103



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