4PGP is a sincere yet flawed tribute to ’90s F1 video games.

      3goo

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      The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t exactly been short on fresh racing games since its launch, which featured Mario Kart World, followed shortly by Kirby Air Riders and a reissue of F-Zero GX for Switch Online members. Recently, the platform also saw the arrival of the lesser-known Grid Legends. However, we won’t object to a new retro-inspired racing game, and that’s precisely what 4PGP offers, imperfections included.

      Short for Four Player Grand Prix, this indie racer, developed by Vision Reelle and 3goo, is clearly inspired by Sega’s landmark Virtua Racing from 1992. The vehicles are all nods to iconic Formula 1 cars from the ‘90s, while the tracks are scaled-down versions of actual F1 circuits. The key difference is that you can complete a lap in around 40 seconds instead of a minute and a half. They generally have fewer turns as well, with larger surroundings and arcade-like features. For instance, 4PGP's version of Spa-Francorchamps includes a suspension bridge and a massive tunnel. We all love Spa, but don’t you think it could benefit from a tunnel?

      Despite the charming reinterpretations of tracks, 4PGP is straightforward arcade racing. Players compete in four championships, each containing three races, which must be won at three different difficulty levels to unlock all the cars and tracks the game offers. The physics are usually very grippy, reminiscent of Virtua Racing's initial feel, although the rear tires don’t lose grip in the same way they do in Sega’s classic. There’s neither a drifting mechanic nor any real weight transfer here, making most corners best approached with a light lift off the throttle. In 4PGP, the brake feels more like an adversary.

      What bus stop? 3goo

      But that’s not your only concern. Every race features tire wear and “fuel” consumption, which in this context refers to your available turbo. You activate it by holding down the Switch’s ZL button, and you’ll need to make pit stops to replenish it. In this game, pit stops resemble energy refills in F-Zero; they consist of lanes next to the start/finish straight that you pass through to regain grip and turbo. When you do this, a gauge appears on the screen; by pressing ZL as the needle reaches the green zone, you can instantly refill both.

      You can pit every lap if you prefer, or just once per race, which is often what I observe the AI doing. Turbo plays a crucial role; tires that have worn out don’t really slip but merely understeer, so they don’t make the car more difficult to control. Speaking of the computer opponents, their AI is as advanced as the opponents from the era 4PGP pays tribute to. At the race's start, rivals enjoy a considerable acceleration advantage over the player, which seems to diminish as the race progresses. So, if you can’t catch them off the line or they push you aside, don’t worry; drive well, and you’ll eventually pass them.

      Nintendo Switch™2 4PGP Gameplay trailer

      It’s too bad that colliding with opponents usually results in a penalty that always seems to go to the player. Rival vehicles are solid obstacles that can sometimes cause you to get stuck or turned around, while at other times, you simply bounce off them. The collision detection isn’t the best, which can be an issue when the pace of the action picks up, especially on the Monaco track. It's so narrow with sharp turns that it feels ill-suited for 4PGP's physics; the computer can navigate the Fairmont Hairpin like it’s on a slot car track, while you’re forced to crawl through it, relying solely on braking, and you still may hit the outside wall.

      There are brief moments when 4PGP evokes the feeling of a modern Sega racer, reminiscent of games from three decades ago. It features an energetic opening sequence with dynamic camera angles and a theme by Tomoyuki Kawamura, who contributed to Sega Rally’s soundtrack. Also credited is Kenji Sasaki, a key figure in developing the original Ridge Racer and director of Sega Rally. Indeed, there’s a noteworthy connection to golden-era arcade gaming here, with Sasaki serving as both a creative advisor and game/UI designer for 4PGP.

      The car models are spot on. 3goo

      The way the cars handle in this game captures the essence of the era it emulates. You can see this in how the bodies tilt opposite the turn and the rear tires fishtail. I wish Kawamura's music played more frequently during laps; it is only fully heard on the final lap; otherwise, it’s mostly silent apart from the Virt