Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Toy Racer picks up the spirit of its predecessor, Toy Commander, but refocuses entirely on multiplayer racing. With no AI opponents to speak of, each race hinges on human competition, whether locally or online. The game supports up to four players in split-screen or networked matches, making it a natural choice for small gatherings or casual online meetups.

Tracks are laid out in oversized “real world” environments—think bathroom tiles, kitchen counters, and backyard patios—where everyday objects become ramps, obstacles, and shortcuts. This scale gimmick feels fresh and playful, though it also demands a bit of spatial awareness as cars can easily get lost behind a soap dish or stuck between toy blocks. Races are typically short and frantic, lending themselves to pick-up-and-play sessions rather than marathon playthroughs.

Controls are simple and accessible: accelerate, brake, and a light drift mechanic. While purists may miss more advanced handling options or power-up systems, the straightforward setup ensures that new players can join the fun without a steep learning curve. The lack of a single-player mode means you’ll often wait on friends (or online opponents) before you can dive in, but once everyone’s connected, the emphasis on pure head-to-head racing shines through.

Graphics

Visually, Toy Racer leans into a bright and colorful palette that evokes the joy of childhood playrooms. Car models are chunky and toy-like, with exaggerated proportions that match the oversized environments they zoom around. You’ll recognize bathroom tiles that look like giant floors, rubber ducks that tower over your car, and spilled shampoo bottles that double as checkpoints.

The textures are serviceable rather than cutting-edge, reflecting the game’s budget price point of £5. Yet the low-poly charm works in its favor, maintaining consistent frame rates even when four cars jockey for position amidst a flurry of everyday props. Lighting is basic but effective, with simple shadows that help cars stand out from the background without taxing less powerful systems.

Track details offer occasional surprises—sparkling puddles in a tiled sink or a flickering night-light in a kid’s bedroom raceway—but overall the visual design prioritizes legibility over spectacle. While you won’t mistake Toy Racer for a AAA title, its aesthetics fit the toy motif perfectly and never become a distraction from the core racing action.

Story

Toy Racer intentionally sidelines story in favor of pure multiplayer escapades. There is no narrative campaign, no character arcs, and no in-game lore beyond the playful urban-scale environments. For fans expecting a sequel to the story-driven Toy Commander, this departure may come as a surprise.

That said, the game’s premise is clear and uncomplicated: gather friends, pick a toy car, and race through playful renditions of everyday spaces. The lack of narrative can actually be freeing, allowing you to jump into competition without worrying about cutscenes or mission briefings. It’s an experience built around quick bursts of fun rather than an immersive tale.

Anyone seeking a tale of heroic toy soldiers or elaborate plot twists will need to look elsewhere. Toy Racer’s “story” is the banter flying across the room during a hotly contested race. If you embrace that, the bare-bones setup feels intentional—a simple framework for social, competitive play.

Overall Experience

At its budget price of £5 — with £1 of every sale donated to charity — Toy Racer offers surprising value for players seeking lighthearted multiplayer thrills. The small investment lowers the barrier to entry, especially for those curious about a Toy Commander spin-off but wary of a premium purchase. You’ll likely get your money’s worth within a few sessions, especially if you rally a group of friends to join in.

The absence of AI and single-player options makes Toy Racer a niche offering: perfect for local parties or online meetups but lacking content for solo grind sessions. If your library is already packed with solo-focused racers, this title adds a distinct social angle. Conversely, solo racers may find the game’s reliance on human opponents frustrating.

In the end, Toy Racer succeeds as a low-pressure, high-fun homage to its predecessor’s toy-sized charm. It won’t redefine the racing genre, but it delivers buoyant, competitive entertainment in bite-sized chunks. For groups of friends looking to spice up game nights or online lobbies hungry for a quick, whimsical race, Toy Racer is an affordable joystick-passing delight.