Gameplay
#DRIVE Rally is an arcade-style racing game inspired by rally racing, which is all about speed tests rather than head-to-head competition. In this game, it's just you on the track, racing to set the fastest time possible. What sets #DRIVE Rally apart from other racing games is the inclusion of a spotter who gives you callouts. These callouts are incredibly helpful once you understand them. In rally racing, where minimizing brake use is key to achieving the best time, the callouts let you know what kind of turns are ahead, allowing you to adjust your speed accordingly.
At first, I thought the callouts were just immersive voice lines, but then I realized, "Wait, this is an actual mechanic!" For example, "Left Square" means a 90-degree left turn, while "Right 3" signals a slight right. Once I understood the system, the races became much easier, and I could truly put the pedal to the metal, making the game even more enjoyable.
Graphics & Audio
The art direction they chose for this game is absolutely spot-on, capturing the essence of classic arcade style in a way that feels perfectly aligned with the fast-paced gameplay. The graphics are so well-suited that, as I play, I can vividly picture myself sitting at a racing machine in a busy arcade as I chase the high score of the day. The sound design ties it all together beautifully—especially the engine revving, which is incredibly satisfying and gives me a thrill I didn’t even realize I was missing. To top it all off, the voice acting is delightfully over-the-top and cartoonish, adding just the right amount of charm to round out the experience. It truly feels like the perfect homage to arcade games, scratching that nostalgic itch in the best way possible.
Feedback
I’m aware that the game’s premise is rally racing which is not a direct head to head style of racing. But where this game could shine is a multiplayer mode to add that head to head tension. There is the aspect of time where you can try to get a faster time than your friends but that takes the intensity of a head to head race that you get from a traditional race.
Verdict
#DRIVE Rally delivers a near-perfect homage to classic arcade racing, with its retro-inspired art direction, satisfying engine sounds, and spot-on voice acting. The inclusion of a spotter giving rally-style callouts adds a unique and immersive gameplay mechanic that really elevates the experience once you master it. Though the game focuses on time trials rather than head-to-head racing, it offers plenty of challenge and excitement. At its price point of $19.99, I would highly recommend it to any fan of arcade racing, especially those looking for a nostalgic, fast-paced thrill.
