Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Speed Racer in The Challenge of Racer X places you firmly behind the wheel of the iconic Mach 5, tasking you with outpacing your enigmatic rival, Racer X, across seven adrenaline-fueled campaign tracks. Each course is loaded with hairpin turns, treacherous road gaps, and opportunistic opponents intent on forcing you off the tarmac. With clever track layouts and environmental hazards, mastering each segment feels like a genuine test of reflexes and strategy.

What truly sets the gameplay apart are the Mach 5’s special features, mapped intuitively to the controller buttons A through G. Whether it’s activating the jump jacks for clearing massive chasms (button A), engaging the cutter blades to slice through obstacles (button C), or deploying the underwater stabilizers for submerged tunnel sections (button D), the game rewards you for timing these gadgets perfectly. Learning when to deploy each function transforms standard lap racing into a tactical duel of gadget mastery.

Progression comes in the form of discrete “episodes,” each culminating in a decisive showdown with Racer X. After each victory, you’re handsomely rewarded with bonus cash that can be used to level up your Mach 5’s performance, offering slight boosts to acceleration, top speed, or traction. This simple upgrade system keeps you invested and provides a tangible sense of growth as you tackle increasingly fiendish courses.

For those seeking a more social or competitive twist, the game supports two-player action either locally on the same machine or online via modem. Both modes mirror the intensity of the solo campaign, letting you challenge friends or rivals in specially designed episodes. The head-to-head battles deliver a satisfying balance of skill, gadget deployment, and split-second decision-making.

Graphics

Visually, Speed Racer in The Challenge of Racer X captures the colorful, high-octane aesthetic of the American remake of the 1960s Japanese anime. Character portraits and cutscenes are rendered in a cel-shaded style that pays homage to the classic source material, while maintaining sharpness on modern displays. Each racer’s likeness—Speed, Racer X, Trixie, Pops, and even Spritle with Chim-Chim—is instantly recognizable and brimming with nostalgic charm.

Track environments are vibrant and varied, ranging from desert cliffs and industrial tunnels to underwater domes and mountain passes. Textures are crisp, and environmental details—such as drifting dust, roaring waterfalls, or flickering neon lights—add a layer of immersion that keeps each episode feeling fresh. Animations of the Mach 5’s signature features, like the retractable saws or aquatic propulsion, are smooth and visually satisfying every time they’re activated.

Obstacles and fellow racers are clearly visible from a comfortable distance, giving you a fair chance to react before danger strikes. The frame rate remains stable throughout most high-speed segments, ensuring you don’t miss a beat during tight corners or gadget-enhanced jumps. Overall, the graphical presentation strikes a fine balance between nostalgic homage and functional clarity, providing a delightful feast for Speed Racer fans and newcomers alike.

Story

Although primarily a racing game, The Challenge of Racer X weaves in a simple but effective narrative that channels the spirit of the original anime. You slip into the role of Speed Racer, determined to uncover the mysterious identity of Racer X—who’s none other than your own brother Rex in disguise. Along the way, familiar faces like Trixie, Pops, and Mom offer encouragement (or gentle chiding) through charming interstitial dialogue.

Each episode represents a new “race mission” tied to a chapter-like progression, giving the game episodic pacing reminiscent of a television series. After securing victory, you’re treated to a brief story beat where characters react, plot points advance, or Racer X issues a cryptic challenge for the next round. This structure keeps the stakes feeling personal rather than generic, reinforcing why each race matters beyond just crossing the finish line first.

The inclusion of Spritle and Chim-Chim adds lighter, comedic moments, ensuring the tone never becomes overly serious. These brief side antics and cameos provide a nice contrast to the intense high-speed action, reminding players that Speed Racer has always balanced gravity-defying stunts with family-friendly fun. For longtime fans of the franchise, these touches will feel like a warm reunion with beloved characters.

Overall Experience

Speed Racer in The Challenge of Racer X delivers a thoroughly enjoyable racing package that appeals to both nostalgic enthusiasts and newcomers. Its blend of intuitive gadget-based mechanics, varied track design, and faithful anime-inspired presentation creates a unique identity in the crowded racing genre. You’ll find yourself returning to polish your skills, shave seconds off lap times, and unlock every Mach 5 feature.

The game’s learning curve strikes a satisfying middle ground: it’s accessible for casual players drawn in by the Speed Racer license yet offers enough depth—through precise gadget timing and adaptive upgrades—to challenge hardcore racers. Multiplayer modes, especially the modem-based duels, extend replayability considerably, making it a solid party pick or a competitive late-night showdown with friends.

While the story isn’t the main draw, its episodic delivery and faithful character portrayals enhance the experience without bogging down the racing action. Ultimately, whether you’re seeking a lighthearted trip down memory lane or a crisp, gadget-fueled racing adventure, Speed Racer in The Challenge of Racer X stands out as an entertaining title worthy of a spot in your collection.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10