Retro Highway
Developed/Published by Gearhead Games
Released for Xbox One (10/22/2021)
Also on Android/iOS/Switch
Intro
Originally released for Android mobile platforms back in April 2018, Retro Highway received a port to both the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in late 2021. There are lots of gamers that instantly frown upon console ports of mobile games, but we're going into this one with an open mind so without using any more excess words let's get right into the review for Retro Highway...
Gameplay
Retro Highway draws heavy inspiration from classic clock-racing arcade-style driving games like Super Hang-On, Outrun and Rad Racer. While the time element has been removed in Retro Highway, much of what made those old games so great has made it into this game as well, mainly in the handling and dodging of obstacles and traffic. The game is basically an endless runner mixed with an old-school arcade motorcycle racer. As you progress through the game you'll unlock new stages, with a total of 6 different levels to see in the end.
The controls in Retro Highway are as simple as can be: use the analog stick to move your character and the A button to use your nitro. The simple controls make sense when you take into account that this was originally a mobile game, where the player would simply direct their bike by using their finger. You don't have to worry about using the brakes, as your bike is constantly moving forward. Using the A button will give you a speed boost, but this is limited to the meter on the bottom right hand corner of the screen. This meter can be filled back up by performing near misses and ramp jumps. Speaking of ramp jumps, there are ample amounts of trucks with platforms that conveniently act as ramps for you to launch from. Be careful though, as hitting a billboard or a tunnel will bring your run to a quick end. The control scheme, while incredibly simple, works quite well.
Presentation
Retro Highway is, as the name suggests, a throwback to retro racing games of the classic arcade era. Taking heavy influence from Super Hang-On and Outrun, the visuals consist of smoothly scrolling pixels reminiscent of something that would have ran on Sega's super-scaler hardware. The pop-in is minimal, giving you a good amount of time to anticipate traffic to prepare for dodging. The sense of speed is conveyed quite well and using your boost results in quite the rush. The sound design is about what you'd expect from an arcade-styled racer, though it is worth noting that nothing is too obnoxious so while unremarkable the sound does a good job being unobtrusive. The music sounds like something that could have been composed using the sound of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, featuring a few tracks that would've fit right into a Road Rash game. The music is well-composed and it's nice that each area has its own theme song to help set them apart.
Replay Value/Closing
Retro Highway offers a decent amount of stuff to unlock, which helps provide incentive to keep replaying the levels to earn more coins which can then be spent on upgrades or new bikes. There are 3 active challenges at any given time and completing these will net you a nice coin bonus. The challenges are mostly fun, tasking you with objectives like have X number of close calls or time using your boost, but there are a few annoying ones like "ride for X amount of seconds without performing stunts." Retro Highway offers a simple but solid gameplay loop that gives you good incentive to keep coming back for more. If you're into old-school arcade racers, make sure to give this one a look. I'd put it up there as one of the better mobile-to-console ports I've encountered.
Final Verdict: Retro Highway is a retro throwback to the old-school coin-operated arcade racers, featuring scaling sprite graphics that do a great job capturing the look and feel of the classics that inspired it. The controls are smooth, the presentation is solid and the gameplay is simple but fun. The unlockables offer a nice incentive to come back for more. Recommended to fans of old-school arcade racers like Hang-On and Outrun.
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