Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Beanotown Racing delivers an energetic kart-racing experience that feels both familiar and distinct, thanks to its blend of classic power-ups and uniquely British humour. You’ll zip around six themed tracks—ranging from the bustling Beanotown high street to the rolling countryside—each sprinkled with ramps, shortcuts and environmental hazards. The core mechanics focus on tight handling and responsive drifting, ensuring races remain competitive whether you’re battling the AI or duking it out with friends.

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Wacky weapons and power-ups sit at the heart of the action. From banana peels dropped by Bananaman to explosive custard pies launched by Desperate Dan, every item injects a dose of unpredictability. Speed boosts can be chained through skilful driving, and unlocking each character’s signature ability offers strategic depth. Dennis the Menace’s mischievous smash attack or Roger the Dodger’s speed-based steal move can turn the tide in a close race.

The rubber-banding AI keeps things close, so expect tense finishes even when you’re miles ahead. While this ensures excitement, veteran players may find it less forgiving when trying to pull away. Multiplayer modes shine brightest in local split-screen, where up to four players can battle through cups or custom races. Online multiplayer is serviceable, though matchmaking times and connection stability can occasionally dip during peak hours.

Between cups and single races, a simple progression system lets you unlock new karts, cosmetic upgrades and bonus tracks. Though not revolutionary, these rewards provide incentive to revisit earlier circuits and experiment with different character-vehicle combinations. Overall, the gameplay strikes a fine balance between accessibility for newcomers and layers of strategy for kart-racing fans.

Graphics

Visually, Beanotown Racing embraces a bold, cell-shaded aesthetic that looks as if it were lifted straight from the pages of Beano and Dandy comics. Characters sport thick outlines and vibrant colours, and each track feels like a living cartoon backdrop. From the scribbled shopfronts on Market Street to the exaggerated hills of Beanotown Hill Climb, the art direction is consistently playful and full of personality.

Frame rates remain stable even during chaotic four-player splits, with minimal slowdown when multiple projectiles fill the screen. Lighting effects—such as sparkles on speed pads or glowing blasts from weapons—pop against the hand-drawn environments. Occasional texture pop-in on distant scenery surfaces underlines the modest hardware demands, but it rarely distracts from the fast-paced action unfolding in the foreground.

Character animations are a standout. Bemused grins, over-the-top victory poses and comedic reactions to crashes all contribute to the title’s humor. Each racer feels alive, whether it’s Minnie the Minx cackling as she powers past opponents or Plug desperately clutching the steering wheel mid-air. The attention to detail makes every race feel like an interactive comic strip.

While the presentation won’t challenge high-end AAA racers in terms of photorealism, its stylistic consistency and charm more than compensate. For fans of the source material, seeing these beloved characters animated with such flair is a genuine treat, and newcomers will appreciate the lively, easy-on-the-eyes visuals.

Story

Beanotown Racing abandons a heavy narrative in favor of a lighthearted competition premise: the Beanotown Championship Challenge. This simple setup allows each character—from the rebellious Dennis the Menace to the laid-back Bea—to pursue victory across varied race circuits. While there’s no deep storyline, short cutscenes between races offer comic relief and character banter that fans will recognize.

Dialogues are peppered with classic Beano and Dandy one-liners, ensuring that each victory or defeat feels like part of an ongoing comic strip feud. Desperate Dan’s macho boasts, Brain Duane’s intellectual quips and Gnasher’s mischievous growls add flavor without bogging down the pace. These snippets provide enough context to feel like a cohesive contest without overstaying their welcome.

The lack of a branching plot or character-specific missions might disappoint players seeking a narrative-driven experience. However, the whimsical trophy room and unlockable “beanopedia” pages for each racer compensate with collectible lore entries. As you progress, you unlock fun facts and mini-comics that expand on each character’s background in the Beano universe.

Ultimately, the story functions as a charming framing device. It fuels the sense of progression through the championship and gives each victory a bit more meaning—turning what could have been a generic racing game into a celebration of British comic culture.

Overall Experience

Beanotown Racing stands out as a family-friendly kart racer with a unique British twist. Its lively tracks, memorable cast and playful humour create a joyful atmosphere that suits both casual gamers and series aficionados. The blend of straightforward racing mechanics with inventive power-ups ensures a fun, accessible experience from the first lap to the final trophy ceremony.

Local multiplayer remains the game’s strongest suit, fostering lively competition and laughter around the TV. While online modes are a welcome addition, slight connection hiccups and the absence of cross-platform play limit their appeal. Solo players can still enjoy hours of content through championship cups, time trials and unlockables, though a deeper challenge mode or character-specific story arcs would have been a nice touch.

The soundtrack complements the visual style with upbeat tunes and energetic sound effects, though voiceovers are limited to brief exclamations rather than full dialogue. Audio clarity shines during races, especially when power-ups are deployed or characters taunt each other across the track. Subtitles are available throughout, ensuring no gag is missed even in the noisiest living rooms.

In summary, Beanotown Racing offers a refreshing, laughter-filled karting adventure steeped in comic nostalgia. If you’re seeking light-hearted competitive fun with a distinctly British flavour—and a roster of beloved characters—this title delivers. Whether you’re a longtime Beano fan or simply in search of an amusing multiplayer racer, Beanotown Racing should be on your shortlist.

Retro Replay Score

null/10