Review: Hot Lap Racing (Nintendo Switch)

Hot Lap Racing is a racing sim for the Nintendo Switch. This isn’t a genre that’s represented a great deal on Nintendo’s hybrid, so it’s refreshing to see its presence. On the other hand, while it has some neat features, it’s far from perfect. Can beggars be choosers?

Let’s start with some positive features. Hot Lap Racing sports a realistic approach to racing, compared to any of the myriad cart racers we’re usually privy to. It’s not Gran Turisma, but the developers have done a fine job with the cars, tracks, and scenery, especially given the hardware.

There’s also a solid avatar creator. You can choose your gender, outfit, and even colors for your team. It’s more robust than I expected, and tinkering around with the design of your team’s logo is fun.

Gameplay-wise, things are relatively solid, too. Driving is straightforward enough – I mean, you steer left and right and hit the accelerator or brake as needed. You can alter your perspective between first and third-person views. There are several options to choose from, providing some variety. Though there are a few kinks along the way, though.

The issues ironically start right at the beginning of the campaign mode. Before being allowed to compete in actual races, you need to pass through a series of tutorials. While this is a fine way to show a newcomer the ropes, it proves to be a frustrating experience. The track is dotted with special zones in which you must perform certain actions in order to pass the level. If you miss one, it’s back to the very beginning. 

Some actions – like steer or brake – are self explanatory, even if braking must be very precisely achieved before the zone. Frustrations occur when instructions are missing. For example, you’re asked to perform a particular move for the first time by pressing a certain button. If you somehow mess it up, it’s back to the beginning. However, the instructions are missing on repeat attempts. Why isn’t it letting me pass? Do I even have the right button? I managed to fuddle my way through eventually, but it wasn’t a user-friendly way to kick off my racing career.

Casual mode, on the other hand, is much more accessible and, therefore, enjoyable. Here you can just drive. It’s nice to complete circuits and learn new tracks, and even race against bots or other players. It’s not particularly hard, even for someone like me who prefers the likes of Mario Kart. In real life, there are no banana peels or blue shells.  

There are plenty of car options to choose from, all looking realistic. I’m no car enthusiast, but I found something that I thought looked cool and had fun with it. Sometimes it’s the simple things. 

Overall, Hot Lap Racing is a decent racer in a genre that’s underrepresented on the Switch. It has its issues, but these are mostly confined to the tutorial. If you can make it through that, it provides enjoyment for anyone looking to burn rubber on the go.