Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Impact Racing delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that puts raw speed and combat at the forefront. From the moment you blast off at the starting line, the game’s Wipeout-esque influence is unmistakable: high-octane pacing, precision cornering, and a constant barrage of weapon fire keep you fully engaged. Unlike many futuristic racers, however, Impact Racing grounds its vehicular combat in the realm of conventional racing cars, albeit outfitted with an arsenal that includes mines, heat-seeking missiles, lasers, and smart bombs.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

To succeed in Impact Racing, merely completing laps under the time limit isn’t enough. You’re tasked with destroying a set number of rival vehicles before the clock hits zero. This dual objective injects a frantic layer of strategy: do you take tight racing lines to shave off seconds, or weave through enemy traffic to secure those critical weapon kills? Collectible power-ups—time bonuses, armor shields, and energy packs—dot each circuit, while special handicap items can even flip your screen upside-down, forcing you to adapt on the fly.

The progression system is equally engaging. You start with a basic car and weak weaponry, but by collecting upgrade icons scattered around the track, you unlock stronger armaments and improved performance stats. Each upgrade triggers a bonus stage challenge; complete it to save your game progress and upgrade your loadout. With five distinct vehicle chassis—each balancing speed, handling, and firepower differently—Impact Racing encourages experimentation and mastery of multiple playstyles.

Graphics

Visually, Impact Racing strikes a balance between futuristic flair and gritty realism. The city circuits gleam with neon signs, reflective glass surfaces, and bustling traffic, while mountain tracks showcase rugged terrain and sweeping vistas. Even the space-themed courses feel grounded, thanks to detailed starfields and massive orbital structures that dwarf your car. The polygonal models are crisp, and environmental effects—such as lens flares, explosions, and dynamic lighting—heighten the sense of speed.

Vehicle designs are a highlight: each car model exhibits sleek lines, realistic paint jobs, and visible weapon mounts that glow or pulse as you charge them. When you fire a heat-seeker or drop a mine, the resulting explosion is accompanied by shaders and particle effects that pop against the track’s backdrop. Performance remains smooth even when half the screen flashes from multiple impacts and power-up pickups, underscoring Funcom Dublin’s optimization prowess.

The game’s HUD is both informative and unobtrusive. A small radar shows approaching opponents—perfect for timing your mines—while clear gauges display your remaining time, armor level, and weapon charge. The track variation system (reverse, night, reverse at night) further extends the visual appeal, transforming familiar layouts into atmospheric new challenges with shifting lighting conditions and color palettes.

Story

Impact Racing forgoes a traditional narrative in favor of pure arcade intensity. There is no deep lore, no character-driven cutscenes, and no sprawling universe to explore—just you, your car, and the next high-stakes race. This minimalist approach keeps you locked into the action; every menu interaction funnels you straight back to the cockpit, emphasizing the immediate thrill of combat racing.

Though lacking in plot, the game builds its own sense of world through track design and in-game announcers. Short commentary snippets during races hint at underground tournaments, ruthless competitors, and escalating wagers. These touches are light, but effective: they suggest a larger, unseen community of racers vying for supremacy without pulling you out of the fast-paced gameplay.

For players craving backstory, the lack of a formal campaign may feel underwhelming. However, the absence of narrative fluff ensures that each race feels crisp and purposeful. Impact Racing trusts players to craft their own stories—overtaking rivals, surviving ambushes, and mastering bonus stages become defining moments in a career arc that you imagine rather than watch unfold.

Overall Experience

Impact Racing excels at delivering a no-nonsense, high-speed combat racer that hooks you from start to finish. Its blend of time-trial urgency and vehicular warfare keeps each lap fresh, while the upgrade-bonus stage loop offers a satisfying sense of progression. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a quick adrenaline rush or a completionist aiming to conquer all track variations, the game caters to multiple skill levels.

The track variety—city streets, winding mountains, and cosmic circuits—combined with reverse and night modes, ensures replayability and depth. Collecting power-ups and timing weapon deployments create dynamic moments where split-second decisions can swing a race’s outcome. Multiplayer enthusiasts will appreciate the head-to-head showdown potential offered by local split-screen or online lobbies, turning every battle into a personal vendetta.

While the lack of narrative might deter story-focused gamers, Impact Racing’s core strengths lie in its responsive controls, polished visuals, and relentless pace. This title stands out as a must-try for fans of arcade racing who crave weaponized competition. Strap in, rev your engine, and prepare for some of the most heart-pounding races you’ll find this year.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10