Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Andretti Racing breaks new ground by letting you pilot both NASCAR and Indy cars across 16 intricately designed tracks. Whether you’re weaving through high-speed ovals or battling it out on technical road courses, the handling feels tight and responsive. The three camera views—cockpit, hood, and chase—offer different perspectives, letting you choose between immersed realism or an arcade-style overview.

The inclusion of dynamic events such as pit-crew mistakes and mechanical failures adds an unpredictable edge to every race. A flawless drive can still be derailed by a slow pit stop or an overheated engine, demanding that you manage not only your driving line but also your team’s performance. These random occurrences create memorable moments and keep even the most experienced racers on their toes.

Commentary from Derek Daly and Bob Jenkins enhances the action by providing real-time insights into your performance, rival positions, and strategic advice. Their banter feels authentic and keeps the tension high, especially during close finishes. AI opponents display varied driving styles—some aggressive, others more cautious—so you’ll need to adapt your approach on the fly.

Beyond single events, the full career mode offers long-term progression: earn sponsorships, unlock new car liveries, and climb leaderboards. With each season you complete, the stakes rise, and the competition grows tougher. This structured path gives a satisfying sense of achievement and replay value as you aim to etch your name in racing history.

Graphics

Visually, Andretti Racing strikes a nice balance between arcade flair and realistic detail. Car models feature crisp, colorful liveries, and each vehicle type exhibits unique design cues. Reflections on the bodywork and subtle damage details—scratches, dents, and tire wear—lend authenticity to every collision.

Track environments are rich with detail, from painted curbs to background scenery that captures the atmosphere of iconic venues. While the draw distance occasionally shows pop-in of distant objects, it rarely disrupts immersion. Dynamic lighting effects, such as changing shadows and sunset hues, help tracks feel alive.

Performance remains stable across all three camera modes, even when the action heats up in a crowded field. Frame rates stay consistent, and transitions between views are seamless. The HUD is clean and unobtrusive, showing lap times, position, and damage indicators without cluttering the screen.

Story

As an arcade racer, Andretti Racing doesn’t offer a cinematic narrative in the traditional sense, but its career mode functions as a compelling progression arc. You start as an underdog rookie and, through skill and strategy, rise through the ranks of both NASCAR and Indy circuits. This ascent provides a simple yet effective storyline of ambition and triumph.

The running commentary by Derek Daly and Bob Jenkins plays a key role in fleshing out your journey, reacting dynamically to your track performance and rival antics. Their observations—ranging from tactical pit advice to lighthearted jabs at opponents—fill in the gaps where a scripted story might usually dwell.

Your off-track decisions, like choosing which series to focus on or balancing upgrades, add a strategic layer that feels story-driven. Each successful season brings new challenges—faster cars, tougher rivalries, and higher stakes—creating a sense of character growth and narrative momentum even without cutscenes or voice-acted drama.

Overall Experience

Andretti Racing delivers a well-rounded arcade racing experience that balances accessibility with depth. Novices will appreciate the forgiving handling and adjustable difficulty, while veterans can dive into masterful cornering and risk-reward strategies in career mode. The variety of tracks and vehicle classes ensures there’s always a fresh challenge on the horizon.

Immersion is a standout feature—between the polished visuals, engaging commentary, and unpredictable race events, you’ll find yourself genuinely invested in each lap. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or battling for the championship lead, the game keeps the adrenaline pumping from green flag to checkered.

While there’s no sprawling storyline, the career progression offers enough narrative hooks to keep you coming back. Unlocking new liveries, facing tougher AI rivals, and managing your pit crew’s performance all contribute to a satisfying journey from rookie to racing legend.

For anyone seeking a definitive arcade racer that merges the excitement of both NASCAR and Indy circuits, Andretti Racing is a solid choice. It combines varied gameplay mechanics, strong presentation, and enough strategic depth to reward continued play—all wrapped up in a polished, user-friendly package.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10