Occasionally, an indie developer emerges as a consistent performer, delivering exceptional titles time and time again. New Star Games exemplifies this trend, having previously garnered commendable ratings on Nintendo Life for its releases, scoring 8, 9, and 8 respectively.
In addition to its presence on the Switch platform, New Star Games has left an indelible mark in the realm of mobile gaming with acclaimed titles such as the renowned New Star Soccer series, New Star Cricket, and New Star Baseball. While the studio undeniably excels in various game genres, it has carved a niche for itself in crafting retro-style sports games.
With its latest offering, New Star GP, the studio ventures into uncharted territory, diverging from its signature 2D sports simulations with lifestyle elements. Instead, it presents a polygonal F1 racing experience that deviates from the norm.
Fortunately, New Star Games proves its versatility with New Star GP, showcasing the same level of entertainment, engagement, and addictiveness synonymous with its previous releases. However, there is a particular issue that warrants attention.
Let’s delve into the positives first. The game features two primary modes: Championship and Career. In the former, players select an F1-style car from different eras—ranging from the ‘80s to the 2020s—and choose a manufacturer to personalize their vehicle’s color scheme.
Championship mode offers a series of multi-race championships, each comprising a themed selection of the game’s 34 courses. For instance, the Hill Climb Track Cup emphasizes courses with challenging inclines.
While Championship mode caters to quick gameplay sessions, the heart of New Star GP lies in its Career mode. Similar to other titles from New Star Games, Career mode immerses players in a comprehensive racing journey intertwined with various strategic elements.
Embarking on your racing career in the 1980s, you progress through five decades by competing in races and accumulating points in true F1 fashion. What sets New Star GP apart is its approach to qualifying sessions, offering optional challenges with distinct rule sets before the main race.
These challenges include Checkpoint races, Elimination races, Time Trials, among others, injecting variety into the gameplay loop and steering clear of monotony.
Moreover, akin to previous New Star titles, New Star GP incorporates a management aspect outside the racing arena. Players must balance team dynamics, making tough decisions that can impact team morale and performance.
Whether attributing a race mishap to engineers or commercial managers, these choices add a layer of depth to the gameplay experience. While not groundbreaking, these decisions introduce a refreshing twist to the standard racing game progression.
In terms of gameplay, New Star GP shines with its polished handling and visually appealing polygonal graphics reminiscent of Virtua Racing. The game strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility, offering a rewarding racing experience.
However, one notable drawback is the game’s inconsistent frame rate across different camera angles, impacting the overall smoothness of gameplay. Despite this issue, New Star GP remains a commendable racing title that pays homage to classic polygonal racers while infusing fresh ideas.
In conclusion, New Star GP upholds the tradition of engaging gameplay associated with New Star Games, catering to fans seeking a captivating racing experience with a nostalgic twist.