Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Grand Prix Selection brings together three arcade classics—Championship Sprint, Super Hang-On, and Super Sprint—offering an eclectic mix of racing styles. Whether you’re navigating top-down circuits or leaning into hairpin turns on a high-speed motorcycle, the controls feel tight and responsive. Each title retains its original handling quirks, so veterans will appreciate the authentic steering feedback, while newcomers can master each game’s nuances through practice modes and adjustable difficulty settings.

(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 👍)

Championship Sprint’s overhead view demands strategic cornering and precise throttle control as you jostle for position on compact tracks. Super Sprint modernizes that formula with sharper visuals and slightly more forgiving collision detection, making it easier to snatch last-second overtakes. Meanwhile, Super Hang-On transports you into the saddle of a superbike, emphasizing high-speed reflexes and line discipline as you weave through traffic and chase the clock in time-attack stages.

The compilation also shines in its competitive aspects. Local multiplayer allows up to four players to duke it out on split-screen, and time trial leaderboards encourage repeat runs to shave milliseconds off your best laps. With configurable race lengths, AI difficulty, and controller presets, Grand Prix Selection tailors its arcade roots to modern sensibilities—delivering quick pick-up-and-play thrills as well as deeper challenges for dedicated racers.

Graphics

Despite their early-’90s origins, the visual presentation in Grand Prix Selection remains striking. The pixel art in Championship Sprint and Super Sprint boasts vivid trackside details—flags waving, crowd sprites cheering, and pit buildings lining each circuit. These vibrant backdrops, combined with fluid sprite animations, preserve the sense of speed that defined the original arcade cabinets.

Super Hang-On steps into the third dimension with scaled sprites and simulated depth, creating immersive cityscapes and winding mountain roads. The sense of velocity is heightened by dynamic roadside scenery and responsive camera zooms that lean into each turn. While the resolution is faithful to the originals, an optional CRT filter and scanline effect add authentic arcade ambiance for enthusiasts craving that retro sheen.

Performance is rock-solid across all three games. Frame rates remain locked even during hectic four-player splits and on-screen debris. Transitioning between titles feels seamless, as the compilation’s menu system preserves each game’s distinct aesthetic. Whether you prefer the bright, cartoonish palettes of top-down racing or the more detailed landscapes of early 3D motorbike action, the graphics suite hits a nostalgic sweet spot without sacrificing clarity or speed.

Story

Racing games rarely hinge on narrative, and Grand Prix Selection is no exception—but each title offers its own progression framework that keeps you invested. In Championship Sprint, you climb through tournament tiers, unlocked by finishing each cup in the top ranks. Super Sprint amps up the rivalry with increasingly complex tracks and rival AI drivers who won’t hesitate to bump you off line for position.

Super Hang-On takes a more open-ended approach: you chase the global Grand Prix calendar, traveling from Tokyo to New York in pursuit of the fastest lap times. While there’s no dialogue or cutscenes, the rising intensity of each stage and the pressure of beating the clock create a compelling sense of journey. Each checkpoint reached adds a slice of satisfaction akin to narrative momentum.

Though characters and backstories are minimal, the games communicate a sporty storyline through leaderboard tables, trophy icons, and victory fanfare. The progression loop—qualify, race, upgrade your standing—serves as a functional storyline, motivating you to refine lines, memorize track layouts, and ultimately claim championship glory across all three classics.

Overall Experience

Grand Prix Selection is a nostalgia-packed joyride that caters to both retro aficionados and newcomers seeking fast-paced arcade thrills. The value proposition is strong: three full games, each with unique mechanics and replay hooks, bundled at a reasonable price. With options to tweak difficulty, race length, and visual filters, runners of all skill levels will find reasons to keep coming back.

The compilation excels as a social experience. Split-screen multiplayer remains as chaotic and entertaining as ever, with room for up to four racers to battle head-to-head. Local gatherings quickly transform into spirited tournaments, while solo players can chase time trials and global leaderboards for an endless chase of personal bests.

Minor quibbles—such as the absence of online multiplayer or deeper customization—do little to dampen the fun. Grand Prix Selection succeeds in preserving the soul of arcade racing, delivering an approachable yet challenging package that stands the test of time. Whether you grew up at the coin-op or are discovering these classics for the first time, this compilation offers a high-octane ride that’s hard to resist.

Retro Replay Score

null/10