PixlBit

Is simularcade racing a genre?

Whenever you hand a franchise off to an outside development studio, you run the risk of it being handled poorly. This is a particular concern with Forza Horizon, as it marks the first time Turn 10 Studios has allowed another company to handle the property. Furthermore, Playground Games, the studio behind Forza Horizon, is completely unproven. Thankfully, this group of racing game vets has managed to create an experience that has universal appeal; its construction is one that brings both simulation and arcade racing fans to the table.

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Joy Ride Turbo will not use Kinect and is coming to Xbox Live Arcade.

Kinect Joy Ride was a racing launch title for the Xbox 360's Kinect peripheral back in 2010. It received mixed reviews but managed to sell over one million units worldwide. About a year and a half later, the sequel Joy Ride Turbo has now been announced; however, this entry will not use motion control.

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Go pick up some Rogaine, because this game will make you tear your hair out.

Sometimes it’s simply impossible to argue with just how well a game is constructed. MotorStorm RC is such a title – from its presentation to the manner in which you progress, everything is put together as well as one could imagine. But alas, the core racing experience is one that has some extremely limited appeal, even among fans of the racing genre. This is due in part to the unconventional perspective and resultant controls and the extremely unforgiving level of challenge.

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More fluid dynamics would've gone a long way for this 2D physics-based racer.

MotoHeroz is a game that anyone can easily get excited for. Developed by RedLynx (the team behind Trials HD), MotoHeroz swaps the darker tones for a brightly colored and lighthearted style that's brimming with personality. Releasing on the nearly defunct WiiWare service, it has very little competition, which makes it all the more notable. Though notable, MotoHeroz only manages to hit a single note, which grows tiresome very quickly if you're not enamored by its brand of physics.

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A blue shell at the finish line knocks it out of first, but you can't complain about finishing in the top three.

After seven entries, it's perfectly understandable to start feeling the fatigue of any series, especially one like Mario Kart where very little changes from entry to entry. However, it's hard to ignore excellence. While Mario Kart 7 is only slightly different, it's so well-executed it should not be overlooked.

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