Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bigfoot throws you behind the wheel of the world’s most legendary monster truck, tasking you with an epic cross-country journey from sun-soaked Los Angeles to the bright lights of New York City. Each leg of the trip unfolds in two distinct phases: a top-down qualification round and a side-view head-to-head showdown. In the qualifier, you’ll zip around tight tracks, snatching power-ups and cash bonuses while dodging frantic opponents. Success here isn’t just bragging rights—it’s the income you’ll need to supercharge your rig for what comes next.

Once you’ve secured enough earnings and boosted your engine, you’ll face off in a variety of side-scrolling events that keep the action feeling fresh. One moment you’re crushing cars under your tires in the Car Crush challenge; the next you’re sloshing through mud bogs, balancing momentum in the Mud Race, or hammering the gas pedal in a straight-line Drag Race. The constant switch between strategic top-down qualifying and adrenaline-fueled side-view races ensures that you’re always adapting and refining your approach.

Adding further depth, players must spend their qualifier cash on truck upgrades before each main event. Do you boost suspension to tackle uneven terrain, reinforce your chassis for maximum car-crushing carnage, or pour it all into nitro for blistering straight-line speed? These decisions significantly affect race outcomes, and experimenting with different builds is key to mastering each unique challenge. Plus, with two-player support, you can drag race or mud-sling against a friend on the same screen—turning every pit stop into a high-stakes workshop of friendly rivalry.

Graphics

Visually, Bigfoot captures the gritty, larger-than-life spirit of monster truck culture. Tracks are rendered with vibrant pixel art that brings out the fiery glow of exhausts and the gleam of steel under midday sun. From the palm-lined freeways of California to the industrial backdrops of the Midwest and the skyline horizon of New York City, the game’s environments are varied and packed with small details that reward exploration and repetition.

The shift in camera perspectives is handled gracefully, with the top-down segments offering clear, easy-to-read layouts, while the side-view races leverage dynamic animations to convey weight and power. Watching your truck’s tires bulge and chassis flex under heavy landings gives every jump and crush a visceral punch. Occasional weather effects—such as dust storms in the desert or rain-slicked mud tracks—enhance the atmosphere without bogging down performance.

Even on split-screen, frame rates remain steady, ensuring tight control when it matters most. Menus and HUD elements are tastefully integrated, presenting upgrade stats and power-up inventories with straightforward clarity. While Bigfoot doesn’t chase photorealism, its stylized approach feels perfectly suited to the arcade-style thrills at the core of its design.

Story

Bigfoot’s narrative is lean but effective: you’re an underdog driver determined to prove yourself on the national monster truck circuit. Each stop along the LA-to-NYC route introduces a charismatic rival or fan favorite, creating a light thread of competition that fuels your motivation. Between races, brief cutscenes and title cards hint at rival grudges and personal stakes—enough context to keep you invested without slowing down the pacing.

The sense of progression is palpable: earning an upgrade package becomes a personal triumph, and toppling a notorious opponent at the end of a grueling qualifier feels like a genuine victory. By the time you reach the neon glow of Times Square for the final showdown, you’ve built not only an unbeatable truck but also a compelling underdog-to-champion arc. It’s a concise storytelling approach that mirrors classic arcade racers—quick to pick up yet satisfying to see through to the end.

For players who crave more depth, unlocking optional side-quests and hidden tracks adds extra context to Bigfoot’s rise. Scattered collectibles and photo ops along the way hint at Bigfoot’s legacy in the monster truck world, rewarding explorers who take a moment to veer off the beaten path. Though not a sprawling RPG narrative, these touches add flavor and invite multiple playthroughs.

Overall Experience

Bigfoot delivers a balanced blend of strategic planning and high-octane action. The dual-phase race format keeps gameplay loops engaging: you’ll constantly weigh the risk of zipping for extra cash in the qualifier against the reward of a beefed-up truck in the main event. This push-and-pull of resource management elevates what could have been a straightforward arcade racer into something far more tactical.

The multiplayer component shines in local two-player mode, where side-by-side split-screen rivalries can get delightfully heated. Sharing power-ups, racing for upgrade money, and battling in head-to-head matches ensures no two sessions feel the same. Even solo players will find that chasing faster lap times and optimal upgrade paths offers plenty of replay value.

Ultimately, Bigfoot is an accessible yet deep monster truck odyssey. Its varied race types, compelling upgrade system, and spirited sense of progression make it a must-try for fans of off-road racing. Whether you’re bulldozing through a muddy swamp or launching over car carcasses, this cross-country cruise from LA to NYC delivers a satisfying, turbocharged ride that will leave you itching to hit “Next Race” again and again.

Retro Replay Score

5.5/10