Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Car and Driver delivers a robust driving experience by putting you behind the wheel of ten of the best cars on the market, each meticulously modeled to reflect real-world performance characteristics. From the sinewy curves of a high-performance sports coupe to the raw power of a muscle car, you’ll feel the nuances of each vehicle as you tear down straightaways and hug hairpin turns. The variety doesn’t end with the cars themselves: there are ten unique tracks to master, ranging from the professional tarmac of Monterey Raceway to a makeshift circuit carved out of a mall parking lot. This breadth of environments ensures that no two races feel the same.

The game’s structure borrows heavily from the format of Car & Driver magazine, presenting each event as though you’re reading the latest issue. Before you even hit the accelerator, you’re treated to data-packed car profiles, expert commentary, and comparative performance charts that help you decide which vehicle suits your driving style. Whether you prefer nimble precision or reckless speed, the in-game “editorial” format primes you for what to expect on track, making every test drive feel like a thoughtfully curated feature.

When it’s time to race, you can tackle the tracks solo against the clock or face off against multiple opponents. The AI is adjustable—ranging from casual weekend drivers to seasoned pros—so you can tailor the challenge to your skill level. For those who crave head-to-head competition, Car and Driver supports modem play, letting friends challenge each other in real time. These multiplayer showdowns capture the tension of real racing duels, especially when you’re side by side on a narrow straightaway, each driver battling for the slightest advantage.

After each run, the game’s replay system kicks in, offering a suite of camera angles that enhance both analysis and excitement. Switch between cockpit, chase, and overhead views to dissect your racing line or simply soak in the action. This feature not only lets you relive your most thrilling passes but also provides invaluable insight into braking points and cornering techniques, making it an essential tool for improving lap times.

Graphics

Visually, Car and Driver strikes a balance between realism and performance. Car models showcase authentic bodywork details—accurate wheel rims, paint finishes that catch the light just so, and nuanced aerodynamics that you’ll notice when you watch them slice through the air. While the polygon counts won’t rival today’s cutting-edge sims, the game’s artistry shines through in the way each vehicle feels distinct and true to its real-life counterpart.

The tracks themselves are a delight to explore. From the sun-drenched hills of Monterey Raceway with its sweeping elevation changes to the stark fluorescent lighting of the mall parking lot course, each venue has its own personality. Surfaces react differently under your tires: you can almost taste the grip of freshly paved asphalt or feel the slight slide of scuffed concrete under braking zones. These environmental details help reinforce the sensation that you’re truly testing cars in varied real-world settings.

Replay mode further elevates the graphical appeal. Cinematic camera sweeps showcase vehicles in motion, capturing dramatic drifts and high-speed passes from multiple perspectives. The transitions between camera angles are smooth, and the in-game HUD recedes just enough to maintain immersion without sacrificing important telemetry data. If you have a capable rig, frame rates remain stable even as you crank up resolution and texture options, ensuring that the visual fidelity never comes at the expense of gameplay responsiveness.

Overlay elements borrow directly from the magazine’s design language—info panels resemble editorial sidebars, and performance charts pop up with the same crisp typography found in print. This cohesive visual identity reinforces the Car & Driver brand, making the UI feel less like a game menu and more like a high-end automotive publication come to life.

Story

While Car and Driver isn’t a narrative-driven racing game, it still tells a cohesive story through its editorial framework. Each event reads like a feature article, complete with background on the car’s engineering lineage, track history, and expert opinions. As you progress, unlocking new cars and circuits feels akin to flipping through the latest issues of a magazine, each with its own thematic focus and technical deep dives.

The progression system mimics how real-world car reviews are conducted: you’re not just collecting trophies, you’re gathering insights. Every race victory unlocks in-depth remarks from “columnists,” dissecting your performance, lauding your line choice, or critiquing your braking technique. This commentary shapes your understanding of high-performance driving and gives you a sense of achievement beyond mere lap times.

There’s also an implied narrative of automotive mastery unfolding as you climb the ranks. You start with more forgiving vehicles on simpler tracks, then graduate to high-powered beasts on circuits that test every facet of your skillset. This gradual escalation creates a subtle storyline of driver development—transforming you from a weekend hobbyist into a track-savvy aficionado confident in the cockpits of the world’s most prestigious cars.

Though there are no cutscenes or voiced characters, the magazine-esque presentation and expert voiceover snippets imbue the entire package with a distinct personality. Instead of following a driver’s personal saga, you engage with the world of automotive journalism, making every race feel like a chapter in a definitive guide to performance driving.

Overall Experience

Car and Driver offers a comprehensive racing simulation that doubles as an interactive magazine, appealing equally to gearheads and gamers. Its well-rounded gameplay, combined with the authentic Car & Driver editorial style, makes it a standout title for anyone fascinated by both the technical and visceral aspects of high-performance driving. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned sim racer, the game’s adjustable difficulty and broad feature set ensure there’s always something new to master.

Multiplayer enthusiasts will appreciate the modem-based head-to-head mode, which—despite its era—delivers genuine excitement and tension. Meanwhile, solo players can refine their skills through time trials and AI matchups, buoyed by replay tools that turn every lap into a lesson in precision. The meticulous car and track details, from the pristine sweepers of Monterey to the gritty realism of a parking-lot circuit, foster an immersive experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Graphically, Car and Driver strikes an effective compromise between performance and fidelity, providing enough detail to make each vehicle and track memorable without overwhelming mid-range hardware. The dynamic replay system adds a cinematic flair that enhances both entertainment value and practical racing insight. Coupled with the magazine-like UI and expert commentary, the game maintains a cohesive identity that sets it apart in the crowded racing genre.

In sum, Car and Driver succeeds not only as a racing simulator but also as a digital extension of a respected automotive publication. It’s an engaging package that informs as much as it entertains—making it an ideal pick for players who crave both the thrill of the race and the depth of a professionally produced automotive review. If you’re in the market for a racing title that marries speed with substance, this game is well worth your consideration.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10