Super Engine GT Turbo SPEC is a new budget game from solo developer Josep Monzonis Hernandez, with publishing being taken care of by EastAsiaSoft. The game is out now for PC via Steam, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, priced at $4.99. The arcade racer is a straightforward title that uses cel-shaded graphics on bold polygons and includes a chiptune-esque synth soundtrack to encompass a retro feel.
The game is broken down into four tiers of difficulty, each with eight tracks to race on. Super Engine GT Turbo SPEC doesn’t include many bells and whistles, with the main objective being to finish on the podium to unlock the next track. Once all eight tracks have been unlocked, you move on to the next set. There are three camera angles to use, with the standard being raised high above the back end of your chosen vehicle. The other is a dynamic view that swings around the track as you progress, and the final one is a retro top-down view.
There are lots of different vehicles to choose from, although the differences are only skin deep, as all the cars have the same performance. The tracks are all based around a theme, from sandy deserts to snowy peaks, and forests and urban environments. The tracks do get progressively more difficult, but the entirety of the game can be finished within a few hours if you’re an experienced arcade racing gamer. During our playthrough, we managed to get to the last set of tracks before needing to replay a track.
An all-important aspect to any racing title is how well it handles, and Super Engine GT Turbo SPEC has hit that nail right on the head. There aren’t any complex controls to learn; you just hit the accelerator and turn left or right, making sure you slow down for corners. There is also a great bumper car-style mechanic where you can use your vehicle to gain places and shunt the CPU drivers off the road. Once you get the hang of how the vehicles drive, you’ll be winning races at a canter.
If there was any criticism to aim at this game, it’s the fact that it’s quite easy, there shouldn’t be any problems in winning all the tracks and then going back to get first places as your skills grow. This is a shame, as Super Engine GT Turbo SPEC is a fun ride while it lasts. There is also a lack of multiplayer and variety in the vehicle specs that does dent the longevity a little. But as a budget title, this gives great value and doesn’t outstay its welcome.
Super Engine GT Turbo SPEC isn’t the sort of game to purchase if you’re looking for a deep experience that will keep you coming back for more time after time, but if you’re looking for a budget racer to pass some time over a weekend, then this is perfect. Its casual nature will mean you can jump straight in and start racing without having to learn any complex mechanics or particular skills. It’s just you against the CPU opponents with some great graphics and sounds to enjoy while the experience lasts.
