{"id":1051,"date":"2020-12-04T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-hotshot-racing\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T19:18:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T17:18:24","slug":"review-hotshot-racing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-hotshot-racing\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Hotshot Racing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I’ve always enjoyed racing games, but I’ve never been drawn to the hyper-realistic simulations that strive to replicate every minute detail of the driving experience. Games that emphasize minute road surface details and excessive vehicle vibration, such as Project CARS<\/strong><\/a>, don’t appeal to me. My preference lies with the over-the-top, high-speed, arcade-style racers like Burnout<\/strong> and the classic Out Run<\/strong>. The question is: can Hotshot Racing<\/strong> earn a place among these titles?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hotshot<\/a>
Press images in this article. Photo: Andy Griffith \/ Curve Digital<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hotshot Racing<\/strong> slots comfortably into the arcade racing category. Realism is not a primary concern, neither in the visual presentation nor the vehicle handling \u2013 but that’s entirely acceptable. The gameplay is fast-paced, engaging, and highly addictive, creating a compelling “just one more race”<\/em> dynamic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hotshot<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the game’s suitability for the Nintendo Switch<\/a><\/strong> is a definite advantage. It performs equally well on the Switch’s smaller screen while commuting or when played on a TV at home. The controls are responsive and precise, making executing smooth drifts through corners satisfying. However, utilizing a manual gearbox can present a challenge, as acceleration is mapped to the right<\/em> trigger, and upshifting is assigned to the right<\/em> bumper. This control scheme demands considerable dexterity for comfortable execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hotshot<\/a>
(Press image Andy Griffith)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Victories earn in-game currency, which can be used to purchase upgrades for both vehicles and drivers. The game offers a diverse selection of tracks and playable characters, and a recent free expansion further enhances the value proposition of Hotshot Racing<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hotshot<\/a>
Fun to play the Cops and Robbers mode! (Press image Andy Griffith)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The game’s visual style employs a relatively low polygon count, resulting in a somewhat angular and simplistic aesthetic reminiscent of the SEGA classic Virtua Racing<\/strong>. Consequently, scenes with significant on-screen action can exhibit some visual flickering as the rendering engine manages pixel allocation. While not a critical flaw, and a contributing factor to the game’s overall performance, this can occasionally impact visual clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, Hotshot Racing<\/em> delivers an enjoyable arcade racing experience, particularly well-suited for the Nintendo Switch. I offer a strong recommendation for this title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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