Hot Lap Racing Nintendo Switch Review: Setting A New Lap Record

Hot Lap Racing gifts racing fans with an all-new “simcade” racing experience, all powered by the in-house racing physics engine developed especially for Hot Lap. Within the simulation-arcade experience, players discover the history of motorsport. From GT to Formula 1, players compete solo, against friends locally, or online. Whether it’s simple curiosity, a few burning questions, or high anticipation, we got you covered with our SGO Hot Lap Racing review for Nintendo Switch.

Hot Lap Racing Nintendo Switch Review

Hot Lap Racing is a “simcade”, a portmanteau for simulation arcade, sporting realistic physics thanks to its in-house engine. Aside from going head-to-head, players have the opportunity to embark in a career mode. In career, players  take control as a young driver and strive to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. Along the way, players need to master a wide range of iconic cars on legendary tracks and compete against some of the greatest drivers of all time.

Hot Lap is a smaller game with A LOT of meat on its bones. Between its two major modes of competition, solo and multiplayer, the game offers several ways to play. In Solo, players can start their career which sees them go from training all the way to competing in Formula X. On top the training offered in career, players can take to the Hot Lap mode. Hot Lap allows players to practice with any vehicle on any track to their hearts content. Additionally, Hot Lap offers leaderboards and tracks lap times to help with improving driver performances.

Then, of course, there’s Quick Race. This is the basic exhibition type mode where solo players choose their rules then take it to track. Rounding out the solo selection is Championship, a mode offering a variety of races in a tournament style rotation. And finally, multiplayer action offers Quick Race on a local, Private, or Public level.

Getting behind the wheel

During my review of the game, I spent a lot of time in career and solo play given the game had not launch at the time of this writing. That said, still, there was and is much to do in Hot Lap Racing. For those who have read my reviews in the past, you probably know by now I have a ongoing beef with in-game tutorials, especially intrusive ones. Hot Lap Racing made me forget all about that. From the tool tips during loading screens to the carefully curated “Feed Racing School” courses teaching players the basics of the game, the game throws a lot at players but makes it very easy to learn, and more importantly, fun.

The Feed Racing School is a part of the Career mode that teaches players not only the basics of driving, but advanced techniques. Something I really appreciated from FRS were the tips on how to read the tracks and visual cues within the scenery. Since the game is simulation arcade and not just arcade, players coming from the arcade background will certainly want to spend some time here. The developers were very keen on making sure the game conveys its realistic physics and punishes players who stick to more reckless driving.  The tutorial is so well done, in under an hour of going through courses, I had a working grasp of managing the exterior and interior of turns as well as the importance of knowing when to apply the brake, then accelerate. So, regardless of track, player will need to consider braking over going full speed and drifting through turns.

Slowing down for the details

For a game like this,, small details can make or break an experience. That said, the game also recognizes some players are veterans of simulation. So, for those who have the skills, take the Bernier Challenge in lieu of the training courses. Upon a success completion, those players can jump straight to the tournament races and begin climbing the ranks. From then on, whether the tutorial or the Bernier Challenge is completed, its more than just about wins. Career mode also takes note of driver professionalism. In a nutshell, career mode tracks performance behind the wheel through several factors. All of which contribute to license ranking from E to S, with some activities having a reputation and rank requirement.

The Verdict

Honestly? A game like Hot Lap Racing takes effort to get wrong, yet the development team still surpasses expectations in their delivery. The specialized physics-based engine takes the game from the arcade genre to near simulation. Hot Lap Racing offers a quality selection of ways to play, both solo and with friends. In addition, the core gameplay is certainly involved, but easy to learn. Its Feed Racing School within career mode stands as a testament to quality conveyance and a thoughtful approach to the game’s overall design.

Since the game merges an arcade and simulation experience, I had feared its overall balance. However, HLR’s gameplay and available settings put these to bed. The AI has various levels with the lowest being no slouch. Players even on the lowest cannot fumble around aimlessly yet still come in first place. This keeps the game competitive while encouraging players to make use of Hot Lap and the Feed Racing School to improve. In short, any racing fan looking to give this a go will not be disappointed.

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