Speed Factor is a retro-style racing game published by Ratalaika Games. There isn’t a whole lot of depth, but it wouldn’t be fair to complain considering the meager $5 asking price.
The gimmick of this modern retro digital download comes from the cool visual style. In combination of the fast sense of speed and 2D sprites, the presentation looks good in motion. There is something about the way the sprites move from the background to the foreground that creates a 3D-like effect… it is one of those things you need to see for yourself. But the nifty visuals don’t stop there. The soundtrack is also excellent and really shouldn’t be this good for a $5 game.
Unfortunately, once the visual novelty wears off, it is easy to see the tedium and repetition. There are fifty tracks but they all pretty much look and act the same. The lack of verticality, jumps, speed boosts, weapons, and power-ups don’t help either. Winning rewards the player with money that can be spent to unlock a few upgrades, but it is nothing major. Being able to hold an extra speed boost is nice but it isn’t going to sway a match. Further, there are a few drivable cars but they all act the same. It isn’t like the purple car has better handling in comparison to the unlockable orange car.
There are two features that need highlighting though: the level selection interface and the option to keep the car on the track. Instead of simply choosing a race from a menu, the player controls a little driver guy platformer-style complete with an unnecessary jump and ladder climbing ability. This interface is totally unnecessary but very welcomed because it shouldn’t be in a racing game.
Then, available as an option, the game can help keep the driver on track. This might sound a little silly, but it is something that I couldn’t bring myself to deactivate once I realized its wonder. The coolest part of any racing game is flooring it to top speed. The downside is, you often then fly off the road and crash into the billboards on the side of the road, and it takes forever to restart and re-build acceleration. In other words, crashing slows down gameplay and makes it tedious. Here, you can just hold the gas the entire time. The only thing you need to maintain is positioning to pass the AI racers. It works well for a retro-style game like this.
I do have a few complaints even with the low price point. First, there is no radar map while driving which feels weird because you have no clue when the finish line is approaching or the location of your closest opponent. Second, the fuel system shouldn’t have been implemented. In addition to MPH and RPMs, the game keeps track of gasoline for some reason. There are collectable gas cans on the track, but you never run out of gas regardless. Also, the gas icons often appear at the first turn so collecting one when you have 99% full is a waste. Then, all races essentially play the same thanks to the lack of weapons, boosts, and special abilities.
Once the visual fidelity expires, Speed Factor is a plain and simple racer but still offers some modest yet mindless entertainment especially those looking for easy Achievements at a low cost.
SCORE: 6/10
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
X/Twitter: @ZackGaz
Please consider supporting me on Patreon or BuyMeACoffee.
0