The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t exactly hurting for new racing games in its short life thus far, following Mario Kart World at launch, Kirby Air Riders shortly thereafter, and a rerelease of F-Zero GX for Switch Online subscribers. The platform even recently got a port of the underrated Grid Legends. Still, we’re never going to complain about a new throwback racer, and that’s exactly what 4PGP is, imperfections and all.
Short for Four Player Grand Prix, this is a new indie racer developed by Vision Reelle and 3goo, very clearly inspired by Sega’s revolutionary Virtua Racing from 1992. The cars are all send-ups of famous Formula 1 machinery from the ’90s, and the tracks are essentially downscaled versions of real-life F1 circuits, with fewer corners and larger scenery. 4PGP’s spin on Spa-Francorchamps has a suspension bridge and a giant tunnel, for example.
I know we all love Spa, but I think it could use a tunnel, don’t you? Adorable de-makes of tracks notwithstanding, 4PGP is straightforward arcade racing fare. You’ve got four championships of three races apiece, which must be won at three difficulty levels to earn all the locked cars and tracks the game has to offer.
The physics are generally very grippy, not unlike Virtua Racing’s initially, though the rear tires don’t step out beyond the limit as they do in Sega’s classic. There’s no drift mechanic or real sense of weight transfer here, and most corners are best taken with maybe a light lift of the throttle. The brake is kind of your enemy in 4PGP.
It’s not your only enemy, though. Every race incorporates tire wear and “fuel” consumption, with the fuel in this case being your available turbo. You hold the Switch’s ZL shoulder button to use it, and you’ll have to dip into the pits to refill it.
Pit stops in this game are a bit like replenishing energy in F-Zero; they take the form of lanes adjacent to the track. The lack of realism is part of 4PGP's charm, as it leans heavily into arcade-like gameplay. While some may find it too simplistic, others will appreciate its nostalgic value and fast-paced action.
As an enthusiast of retro racing games, I can attest that 4PGP is a loving tribute to the classics, with all their imperfections intact.
While 4PGP may not be a perfect representation of 90s F1 games, its enthusiasm and attention to detail make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. The game's arcade-like gameplay and charming de-makes of tracks will likely appeal to those looking for a lighthearted racing experience.
