Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Disney’s Herbie: Rescue Rally delivers a straightforward yet charming racing experience tailored for the Nintendo DS. Players take the wheel of Herbie, the iconic Love Bug, guiding him through four distinct courses filled with branching paths. Each track presents unique hazards—ranging from sudden avalanches to swirling tornadoes—that not only keep the action unpredictable but also reward quick reflexes and strategic decision-making.

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The game offers four race modes to test different skill sets. In classic circuit races, you compete against AI or a human opponent (local multiplayer requires both players to own a copy) to finish ahead of the pack. Head-to-head duels refine this competition into a one-on-one sprint, while Time Trials challenge you to last as long as possible by grabbing clock tokens. Speed Trials, meanwhile, force you to cover maximum ground within a time limit, with speed boosts scattered on the track for extra adrenaline.

Controls are intuitive: the D-pad or face buttons guide Herbie around corners, while shoulder buttons trigger temporary speed boosts when available. The DS’s dual screens help keep track of your lap times and the mini-map, making it easy to monitor opponents or spot upcoming hazards. Although the handling leans toward arcade simplicity rather than simulation depth, the responsive steering and well-timed drift mechanics make every twist and turn feel satisfying.

Graphics

On the graphical front, Rescue Rally makes excellent use of the DS’s limited 3D capabilities. Tracks are rendered with bright, playful textures that evoke the lively spirit of Herbie’s world. Background environments—like sunlit canyons, misty forests, and windswept plains—are rich in color and occasionally feature dynamic elements such as falling rocks or swirling debris to emphasize each track’s triggered event.

Herbie himself is faithfully recreated in a smooth, cartoony style, complete with his trademark racing stripes and cheerful ‘53 license plate. Opponent cars sport varied designs that help you distinguish them at a glance during tight races. While polygon counts are modest and textures can appear a bit blurry up close, the overall visual presentation remains charming and well-suited to a family-friendly racer on handheld hardware.

The dual screens are used thoughtfully: the top display focuses on the action, while the bottom shows a clean HUD with lap counters, time remaining, and a simplified track map. Frame rates stay stable even when multiple racers and environmental effects are on screen, ensuring that the gameplay never stutters during key overtakes or near misses.

Story

Herbie’s latest adventure centers on Louise Noble, the spirited new owner of the Love Bug, who faces a dire threat: the E. Vile corporation plans to turn her family’s beloved animal sanctuary into a garbage dump. To save their furry friends and preserve their home, Louise accepts E. Vile’s challenge—a cross-state race with a $1 million prize on the line, pitting her and Herbie against the villain himself.

The narrative unfolds through brief cutscenes before and after each race, combining lighthearted humor with genuine stakes. Dialogue is presented as text bubbles accompanied by simple character portraits, giving players just enough context to care about the outcome without bogging down the pace. E. Vile’s snide taunts and Louise’s earnest determination add personality to what might otherwise be a generic racing setup.

Although the story doesn’t take long to complete—roughly three to four hours for a full run—it weaves a satisfying underdog arc that keeps you motivated to unlock all events. The promise of saving adorable animals provides a sweet incentive to master each course’s shortcuts and timely boosts.

Overall Experience

Disney’s Herbie: Rescue Rally is a delightful racer for younger audiences and casual players seeking an uncomplicated, upbeat handheld experience. Its variety of modes, coupled with track hazards and branching paths, ensures a decent amount of replay value. Collecting tokens, experimenting with shortcuts, and improving lap times all contribute to a satisfying loop that encourages multiple playthroughs.

Multiplayer adds another dimension, though you’ll need two copies of the game for direct DS-to-DS races—a minor drawback in an era when download play was becoming more common. Still, if you and a friend each have a copy, the head-to-head battles are spirited and fun, especially on the more hazard-packed circuits.

Ultimately, Rescue Rally strikes a solid balance between accessibility and challenge. Its bright visuals, responsive controls, and heartwarming story make it an appealing pick for Disney fans, younger racers, or anyone looking for a breezy diversion on the go. While it may lack the depth of more advanced racing titles, its charm and variety ensure that Herbie’s comeback is one worth driving.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10