Gaming enthusiasts have a new reason to gear up for excitement as a novel racing game, reminiscent of the classic 1990's retro arcade racers, is set to accelerate onto the gaming scene. Parking Garage Rally Circuit, developed by Los Angeles-based Walaber Entertainment – known for their 2D physics-based platformer JellyCar – is joining a current wave of indie games that aim to capture the nostalgic essence of that era.
The upcoming title is slated for release later this year on Steam. Its distinctive premise centers on racing through parking garages that have been converted into rally circuits, situated in major cities across the UK and North America. The idea is drawn from gaming tournaments that repurpose everyday urban environments and elevate them into high-speed racecourses.
During a recent development stream, viewers got a glimpse of a speedometer's implementation in the game, making it easier to visualize speed dynamics such as the drop during drifting, the subsequent boost, and the possibility to chain boosts together for maximizing speed.
This innovative game was first conceptualized during Ludum Dare 54, a well-regarded game jam, and has evolved substantially since then. At its core, Parking Garage Rally Circuit is crafted using the Godot Engine – an open-source platform that enables the creation of both 2D and 3D games. This game represents a tangible result of the creativity and resourcefulness afforded by this versatile engine.
The gameplay of Parking Garage Rally Circuit is a fusion of rally and circuit racing styles. From rally racing, it borrows elements like jumps and the time-trial format where one races against the clock. Circuit racing is represented through the multiple laps around a course that may vary slightly with each round. The controls are deliberately designed to be simple and arcade-like, akin to that of popular games like Mario Kart, while introducing more dynamic 'smash into things' physics.
In terms of aesthetic, the developers aimed to deliver an experience akin to a lost Sega Saturn title that might have been released around 1998. This visual fidelity includes low-resolution textures, low-poly design – the digital equivalent of a charming, chunky look – and extends to capturing the era's audio signature, a simple interface, and a streamlined gaming scope.
To support the game and increase its visibility among potential players, there is an option to wishlist the game over on Steam. This gesture not only indicates consumer interest but also contributes to the game’s popularity on the platform.
Additionally, the game's developer has shared a selection of screenshots that exhibit in-game passages, revealing the game’s low-poly visual charm and giving a peek at what can be expected from the gameplay and environments. These glimpses suggest that players can look forward to a nostalgic trip down memory lane, crafted with a modern understanding of gaming mechanics and user inclinations.
Parking Garage Rally Circuit is entering a booming niche of indie games that tap into a longing for the simplicity and style of the 90s, joining the ranks of recent titles like Midnight Challenge and Old School Rally. For fans of classic arcade racers, Colin McRae and Sega Rally genres, this new racer is eagerly anticipated.
For those who follow the indie gaming scene or retain fondness for games of the past, Parking Garage Rally Circuit might just represent an intersection of past and present – retaining the straightforward thrills of arcade racers while applying modern development tools and community-driven feedback.
Gamers eager to indulge in a touch of nostalgia, embellished with a unique twist of contemporary game development, should keep an eye out for the release of Parking Garage Rally Circuit on Steam. It promises to deliver an experience that uniquely captures the essence of a bygone gaming era while presenting a novel concept for the racing genre.
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