Top-down F1 racing action with RPG elements? Sign me up!
Racing is a tried and true game genre. It's pretty simple, really, you just try to go faster than everyone else (with perhaps some dirty tactics, like in Mario Kart). But New Star Grand Prix is a little bit different. And I think that makes it cooler.
Pure Racing With a Twist
The top-down racing isn't exactly what you might expect after playing Forza or something, but it is surprisingly addictive. Learning the course becomes more important than just braking correctly, as you practice for several days before qualifying and the big race. Also, each race earns you money which can go to buying yourself houses and cars. You can even drive the cars on the racing track, which gives you a reason to try and get them all. The game becomes more about you than just how fast your car goes
Dealing With Your Boss Was Never So Fun!
Besides all that, you get bonuses for keeping good relationships with your boss, fans, pit crew, and friends. The boss and fans are mostly impressed by you getting good times on the track, the pit crew likes you better if you don't wreck your car, and other special events can throw all those for a loop. It's just a cool new way of doing a racing game.
It's $10 for a Reason
No, this game isn't that graphically advanced. It's better than, say, Nobunaga's Ambition, which I reviewed last week, but definitely not anywhere near Gran Turismo or anything. Plus, the character growth isn't as good as New Star Soccer 4, from the same developer, but the gameplay is a bit better. Try the demo, and if you like the simple racing gameplay as much as I did, then this is an easy game to buy and play on any PC (or Mac).
New Star Grand Prix Rating:
Price: $10 download
ESRB Rating: Not Rated
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