Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Track Pack expansion for Have a N.I.C.E. day! breathes new life into an already frantic top-down racer by introducing twelve meticulously designed courses. Each track showcases unique height differences, chicanes, and varied pavements that force players to master cornering, braking points, and throttle control. The added complexity keeps even veterans on their toes, and learning each track’s quirks becomes an addictive challenge.

(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 👍)

One of the most welcome additions is the ability to construct your own championship. By selecting your favorite tracks from the new roster, you can tailor the difficulty curve and race length to your preference. This custom tournament mode extends replayability significantly, as you’re no longer bound to a fixed series of races and can mix-and-match layouts for maximum unpredictability.

Combat and resource management see meaningful tweaks as well. Upgradable weapons mean you can specialize in explosive mines, homing missiles, or oil slicks depending on your driving style. Automatic repairs and refilling between races smooth out downtime, allowing you to dedicate more time to racing rather than fiddling with menus. This streamlining keeps the flow relentless and exhilarating.

Graphics

While Have a N.I.C.E. day! is rooted in the late ’90s aesthetic, the Track Pack’s new environments feel like a tasteful facelift rather than a modern overhaul. Pavement textures vary from slick city asphalt to dusty desert roads, each with subtle color palettes and surface details that reflect their setting. It might not rival contemporary 3D racers, but it captures a charming retro vibe.

The inclusion of height differences adds a pseudo-3D sensation to an otherwise 2D engine. Ramps and dips cast dynamic shadows and shifting perspectives as cars crest hills or dive into valleys. These visual cues are crucial for anticipating track hazards and give the game greater depth—both figuratively and literally—on the racetrack.

Particle effects for dust, skid marks, and weapon impacts have also been polished. When you unleash a missile or trigger a smoke bomb, the on-screen flourish feels satisfying even under the game’s stylized graphics engine. The result is a consistent visual package that complements the frantic pace of the races and reinforces each car’s weight and momentum.

Story

Being a pure arcade racer, Have a N.I.C.E. day! Track Pack doesn’t weave an epic narrative or character arcs. Instead, its “story” unfolds on the tarmac: the rise of an underground championship, ruthless rival drivers, and the quest to dominate your personal circuit. This minimalist approach keeps the focus squarely on the races themselves.

If you look deeper, each custom championship you build tells its own tale of triumphs and near-misses. You’ll remember that time you eked out a win by a single pixel, or the heart-stopping chicane where you narrowly avoided disaster. In that sense, the Track Pack’s story emerges organically through gameplay rather than cutscenes or dialogue.

The light framing narrative—of an over-the-top, no-rules racing league—adds a sprinkle of humor and flair. From cheeky announcer quips between heats to the flash of victory fireworks, the expansion maintains a playful tone. The story is short and sweet, serving as the perfect backdrop for your high-speed antics.

Overall Experience

Have a N.I.C.E. day! Track Pack is a love letter to arcade racing fans. Its combination of varied new tracks, customizable championships, and improved in-race systems ensures you won’t tire of its burning tyres anytime soon. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer, the expansion strikes a fine balance between accessibility and depth.

The lack of a deep narrative won’t bother thrill-seekers one bit, as the core appeal lies in mastering each course and outgunning opponents. With adjustable weapon upgrades and seamless repairs, each race feels fast, fair, and fiercely competitive. You’ll find yourself returning to tweak your championship lineup or chase better lap times well into the night.

Value-wise, the Track Pack delivers on its promise of fresh content and improved mechanics. For fans of the base game, it’s a no-brainer purchase that significantly extends longevity. Even if arcade racers aren’t your usual genre, the intuitive controls and pick-up-and-play nature make this expansion an engaging detour worth exploring.

Retro Replay Score

null/10