World Circuit
Genre: racing - overhead
Publisher: Namco
Year: 1991
System: PCE
Gameplay Score: 3
Gameplay Notes:
I've come to the conclusion that I like uncomplicated, forgiving racing games. This title, despite being by far the simplest overhead racer of this generation, is more fun than most. It's in the same class as R.C. Pro-Am (having released only a year after) or the Micro Machine games. Unlike those games this one has you perpetually driving up the screen, with turns always followed by an opposite direction correction. Movement is slow enough that turns are not a problem, but fast enough to keep you engaged and on your toes. Other cars have no collision so they may as well be painted on the screen. The only challenge is staying on the road and crossing that finish line. Again, uncomplicated fun.
Level Design Score: 3
Level Design Notes:
For such an early title, it's remarkable how much content is packed in here. The modes include Free Run, Trials, Sprint, and Endurance. The first two are practice modes where you can choose any of the 14 tracks while Sprint is the career mode equivalent. Endurance is essentially an endless mode. I love that you can simply jump straight into a race straight from the title screen. You can also configure your car from a quick and easy UI on the Setup screen. Ah, simplicity. The tracks themselves have no defining features. They all look identical to these eyes.
Theme Score: 4
Theme Notes:
I love the simple pick up and play nature of this game. Forget all the pomp and F1 licenses - I'll take ease of use over it all.
Art Style Score: 2
Art Style Notes:
Very 8-bit. No variety in the tracks. Just a blacktop and green grass.
Audio Score: 2
Audio Notes:
A charming chiptune song is your only track to hear along with the standard whiny engine noise.
Overall Score: 57
Review ID: 8150
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