Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Newman/Haas IndyCar featuring Nigel Mansell delivers a gameplay experience that balances accessibility with depth. You can jump straight into a single race or tackle the full championship season, where you’ll face off against 12 rival drivers over 15 distinct tracks. Whether you’re new to racing or a veteran wheel-shifter, the controls feel responsive: acceleration, braking, and steering all react with minimal input lag, making the cars feel lively on both tight street circuits and high-speed ovals.

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Multiplayer options enhance replayability. Split-screen head-to-head lets you challenge a friend in local competition, while a three-way split-screen mode pits you and a friend against AI opponents. Although practicing ahead of a single race is slightly hidden behind interface menus, once you find it, you can fine-tune lines and braking points. In championship mode, the risk-reward loop intensifies: consistency across the season can net you the title, but a single crash or disqualification might derail your campaign.

A central draw is the choice between Arcade and Simulation modes. Arcade mode loosens damage limits and handling for a more forgiving, pick-up-and-play session, while Simulation mode enforces strict rules, realistic tire wear, and damage thresholds that can end your race early. Fine-tuning your car’s setup—such as wing angles and suspension stiffness—is crucial in Simulation, adding a strategic layer that hardcore racing fans will appreciate. Overall, the gameplay strikes a strong balance by letting players dial in the level of realism that suits their skill and patience.

Graphics

Graphically, Newman/Haas IndyCar stands out on 16-bit platforms thanks to its clever use of polygonal buildings scattered around each circuit. These low-poly structures frame the track, providing a sense of depth and context rarely seen in contemporaries. The environments feel alive, whether you’re roaring past a grandstand packed with spectators or weaving through city streets lined with blocky skyscrapers.

Car models are succinct but recognizable. Each IndyCar silhouette leans into Mansell’s iconic red and white livery, and the shading along the bodywork underscores the sensation of speed. Track surfaces feature subtle variations: you’ll notice different tarmac tones, kerb textures, and painted gridlines, which enhance visual clarity during high-speed cornering and overtaking maneuvers.

Frame rates remain steady even when the action intensifies with multiple cars on screen, preserving smooth handling and responsive steering inputs. Particle effects—such as dust plumes when you run wide—add polish without sacrificing performance. Overall, the graphics may not match the polygon counts of later consoles, but they deliver an immersive sense of velocity and atmosphere suited to the CART racing world.

Story

Racing games seldom prioritize narrative, and Newman/Haas IndyCar is no exception. Rather than a traditional story, the game offers a simulation of a real-world CART season endorsed by Nigel Mansell. From the season opener in Queensland, Australia, down to the final checkered flag in North America, the progression through 15 tracks gives players a sense of journey and milestone achievement.

The presence of Nigel Mansell’s name and likeness injects authenticity, evoking the thrill of sliding into the cockpit of a top-tier racing machine. Although there are no cutscenes or voiced dialogue, you can almost feel the tension at the starting grid thanks to the UI cues and strategic setup screens. Each race becomes its own mini-drama, with qualifying sessions and rule enforcement in Simulation mode heightening the stakes.

In lieu of a conventional storyline, the game’s real narrative lies in your personal performance arc. Will you master Monaco-style street turns or dominate the long straights of Michigan? The narrative drive comes from chasing lap-time improvements, managing car wear, and battling for championship points—elements that together craft a satisfying, self-directed storyline for racing enthusiasts.

Overall Experience

Newman/Haas IndyCar featuring Nigel Mansell offers a robust racing package that caters to different playstyles. With its dual Arcade and Simulation modes, solid split-screen multiplayer, and a full championship season to conquer, the title provides significant replay value. The controls are intuitive yet nuanced, and the damage model in Simulation mode adds real tension to every corner and straightaway.

Graphically, the game punches above its weight on 16-bit hardware, using clever environmental details and smooth frame rates to convey speed and immersion. While it lacks a traditional story mode, the authentic CART championship progression and Mansell endorsement deliver a compelling context for racing fans. Each race feels like a chapter in your own motorsport saga.

For potential buyers, this title shines as a slice of early-’90s racing history. If you’re seeking a lightweight arcade thrill, the simpler handling in Arcade mode will satisfy casual sessions. If you prefer methodical, rule-enforced competition with precise car setups, Simulation mode deepens the experience. Overall, Newman/Haas IndyCar is an engaging, well‐rounded racer that honors its real-world inspiration while remaining approachable and fun.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10