Review - Hot Lap Racing

Developer: Zero Games Studios

Publisher: Maximum Entertainment

Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch

Review system: PC (Steam)

Revving Up Nostalgia

The motorsport genre of video games is filled with titans of simulation and arcade-style racing, each offering its own flavor of high-octane thrills. Enter Hot Lap Racing, a recent addition that positions itself as a “simcade” experience—a hybrid blend of accessible arcade fun and detailed racing simulation. On paper, it’s an enticing promise: a sprawling roster of over 50 cars, dynamic tracks with varied layouts, and a nod to motorsport history. But does this engine purr, or does it sputter?

A Walk Down Motorsport Memory Lane

One of Hot Lap Racing’s most compelling features is its respect for motorsport’s rich history. Players can take the wheel of vintage Formula 1 cars from the ’60s or modern endurance vehicles that look straight off the Le Mans grid. The game’s garage feels like a museum of motorsport evolution, with over 15 tracks—including fan favorites like Zolder and the Salzburgring—offering more than 70 unique layouts. For racing aficionados, these tracks are recreated with care, capturing the unique quirks and challenges of each circuit. There’s also a healthy mix of custom tracks for players who want to step outside the bounds of real-world circuits.

Multiplayer Mayhem

Local and online multiplayer modes are a highlight of Hot Lap Racing, ensuring both couch racers and global competitors can rev their engines. Whether you’re chasing your friend’s bumper in split-screen mode or trading paint with online rivals, the multiplayer experience is where the game’s simcade ethos truly shines. The easy-to-pick-up controls make it accessible for casual players, while more experienced racers can still find satisfaction in the finely tuned car physics. One of the latest patches now includes a cross-play ability between Steam, Epic, and Switch players.

Speed Bumps in Single-Player Mode

Unfortunately, Hot Lap Racing falters in its single-player mode. While the game is designed to be approachable, the AI opponents present inconsistent difficulty. Racing veterans may find the AI too forgiving, while newcomers might struggle to find a balanced challenge. Even at the hardest setting, I could usually beat them every race, the difficulty didn’t ramp up until turning off all the other race-aiding cues. The game is lauded as a “simcade” but the total lack of car damage from impacts or degraded performance really pushes it more on the arcade side of this equation allowing players to really bully cars out of position.

Additionally, while the car and track variety are commendable, the single-player experience lacks depth. Career mode, for example, feels skeletal, with minimal progression mechanics or meaningful milestones to achieve. Players looking for a robust single-player campaign akin to F1 or Gran Turismo may be left wanting.

Is it the best bang for your buck?

At its current price point of $29.99, Hot Lap Racing slots neatly between the hardcore simulations and the big-budget arcade racers. Compared to Assetto Corsa Competizione ($39.99), it’s a more approachable experience, though it lacks the laser-focused realism that die-hard sim racers crave. Meanwhile, titles like Forza Horizon 5 ($59.99) deliver expansive open-world experiences and polished arcade thrills but come at nearly double the price.

For a budget-conscious player who values multiplayer gameplay and a rich variety of cars, Hot Lap Racing punches above its weight. However, its appeal narrows for those seeking a single-player mode with substantial narrative or progression hooks and realistic damage capabilities.

Final Verdict

Hot Lap Racing offers a thrilling, nostalgic romp for players who appreciate the crossroads of motorsport history and modern-day racing. Its multiplayer modes and car diversity are undeniable strengths, making it a great pick for casual game nights or competitive online sessions. However, the single-player mode’s lack of depth and the AI’s uneven difficulty keep it from reaching the podium.

This game isn’t trying to dethrone the genre’s heavyweights, but rather carve out a niche for players who want a mid-tier racing experience. For $29.99, it’s a solid value—just don’t expect a career mode that will keep you grinding for weeks. With a bit more polish and expanded single-player offerings, Hot Lap Racing could easily move from the middle of the pack to a pole-position contender.