iRacing Arcade Reviews
iRacing Arcade may need more to make it feel complete, but what's here is worth $25.
There are two groups I see iRacing Arcade appealing to the most: people who are new to racing games in general and people who want something racing-themed for some unserious fun. It's a bit brilliant that iRacing Arcade sets up the former with a pipeline to get into the more serious iRacing platform. Despite having my own iRacing account and a significant sim racing setup of my own, I had a lot of fun with iRacing Arcade. It is a simpler game, not in a way that makes it feel inferior, but in a way that makes it stand out as an option to just get in some quick, casual racing fun.
iRacing Arcade is a fun and charming arcade game that delivers a satisfying driving feel. However, the lack of content and the odd decision to lock playing with other players behind an invite system ultimately make it difficult to recommend.
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It is pretty consistently fun, but it also makes some confusing decisions between available game modes, totally omits some base level racing game features you'd expect, and has a lack of gameplay depth even compared to other arcade-style titles. It's still a good time and worth checking out (especially at the price point), but I don't think it'll become a staple of my racing game lineup.
iRacing Arcade is a one-of-a-kind game. It's not just a simple racing game, nor is it a watered-down simulator. It honors its roots, is fun right away, and introduces players to the world of licensed motorsport with physics that are easy to understand but also have a lot of depth. The game always rewards skill, whether you're racing a starter car around tight corners, working on your line in a Formula GP, or planning your pit stops against aggressive AI opponents.
With chaotic racing and AI that shows no regard for those around them, iRacing Arcade has its moments of fun on the track and in career mode. Unfortunately, it's held back by limited options and a poor multiplayer experience.
iRacing Arcade is a good time, but it comes short of true greatness. The presentation is cute, and the driving model makes for a solid arcade romp to waste some time on. But the snappy controls make faster cars not very pleasant to drive, which heavily impacts its viability as a “serious” arcade racer. A shame, because it boasts a fairly impressive list of tracks, a solid online suite and leaderboards, as well, on top of being tremendously well optimized.
iRacing Arcade has a few issues, but what it gets right is racing and worthwhile career mode that’s too fun to put down. The career is the heart of the game, and offers a new level customization and team building not other racing games ever explore. All of the other modes and features bolster what Original Fire Games has done so well, and builds upon that. iRacing Arcade is great for all ages, to be an introduction to racing or a way to unwind after a long day.