Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Crazy Car puts you behind the wheel of two high-octane supercars—a red Ferrari and a blue Porsche—on an unpredictable C64 racetrack built with the Shoot ’Em Up Construction Kit. From the moment you hit “Start,” you’ll find yourself weaving through tight turns, dodging enemy fire, and lining up the perfect shot to take down rival vehicles. The four-directional movement feels crisp and responsive, giving you the freedom to dart in and out of danger at a moment’s notice.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game’s cooperative mode shines when playing with a friend on the same screen. You and your partner can coordinate missile strikes—one focusing on crowd control while the other threads the needle through congested segments of the track. This split-screen-free design means you’re always aware of each other’s position, which can be both a blessing when executing tandem maneuvers and a challenge when you accidentally block each other’s line of fire.

Beyond the basic shoot-and-dodge loop, Crazy Car layers in environmental hazards and purpose-built boss chases, keeping each lap feeling fresh. Random missile turrets spring to life at unexpected points on the course, and explosive barrels litter the edges, rewarding risky maneuvers that send opponents flying. Even after multiple runs, the tension of navigating this “crazy track” remains high, thanks to cleverly placed surprises and escalating enemy patterns.

Graphics

While Crazy Car’s visuals are firmly rooted in the Commodore 64 era, the team behind the game manages to pack remarkable detail into each sprite and background tile. The Ferrari and Porsche models are instantly recognizable thanks to their bold color palettes and distinct silhouettes. Even at low resolution, each vehicle’s personality shines through, making it easy to track your car during intense firefights.

The most delightful aspect of the graphics lies in its nostalgic cameos. As you zoom along the asphalt, you’ll encounter the iconic maze walls of Pac-Man, the lily pads and flitting frogs from Frogger, and even ragged pirate hordes straight out of Pirates. These lovingly rendered tributes blend seamlessly with the chaotic racetrack, giving you plenty of “spot the reference” moments as you accelerate past.

On the technical side, Crazy Car leverages the SEUCK engine to its fullest. The scrolling backgrounds stay remarkably smooth, and the missiles’ explosion animations pack a satisfying punch. You’ll notice occasional sprite flicker when too many enemies appear onscreen, but this minor hiccup only adds to the retro charm, reminding you that you’re experiencing a genuine C64 production.

Story

Crazy Car keeps its narrative light, opting for an “arcade adrenaline” approach rather than a deep, plot-driven campaign. The premise is simple: you and a partner must conquer a surreal race filled with hostile vehicles, unexpected obstacles, and pixelated cameos from classic gaming history. This pared-down storyline ensures that you’re always on the gas, focused on reflexes and strategy rather than cutscenes or dialogue.

Despite the minimal narrative, the game manages to convey a sense of progression through its track design. Early laps introduce you to basic enemy cars and gentle curves, while later stages thrust you into multi-tiered routes complete with branching shortcuts. Each new segment tells its own miniature story—whether you’re narrowly escaping a pack of missile-launching foes or discovering a secret pathway through a Frogger-themed swamp.

The cameo landscapes also serve as storytelling devices. Spotting Pac-Man ghosts skittering alongside the road or pirate ships firing cannons from the shoreline adds context to the game’s wacky universe. It’s as if the world’s most famous 8-bit personalities have decided to crash the biggest race of the century—a premise that, while lightweight, infuses the experience with a fun, tongue-in-cheek charm.

Overall Experience

For fans of retro arcade racers and C64 enthusiasts alike, Crazy Car delivers a thrilling blend of nostalgia and nonstop action. The two-player cooperative mode is a highlight, fostering moments of shared triumph and humorous collisions that you won’t soon forget. Even solo players will find plenty to love, thanks to adjustable difficulty and dynamic track elements that ensure no two races feel quite the same.

Crazy Car’s straightforward controls and jump-in-and-go design make it perfect for quick gaming sessions or friendly competitions at parties. The game’s challenge curve is well-tuned, ramping up the heat just as you master the basics. Those who appreciate pixel-perfect precision will enjoy the satisfying burst of speed as your tires grip the retro asphalt, while completionists will chase high scores and hidden shortcuts across its imaginative course.

Ultimately, Crazy Car stands out as an inventive use of the SEUCK toolkit, showcasing what passionate homebrew developers can achieve on classic hardware. With its mix of frantic shooting, deft maneuvering, and playful references to arcade legends, it offers an engaging ride that’s sure to please anyone seeking a dose of old-school racing madness. Strap in, hit the gas, and prepare for a wild sprint through gaming history.

Retro Replay Score

null/10