Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition Races onto PS5, But Feels Underdeveloped
Raw Thrills’ 2022 arcade cabinet, Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition, has made its way to the PlayStation 5. developed by the team behind the criminally underrated Cruis’n Blast,the game offers a globe-trotting racing experience inspired by the Fast & Furious film franchise.
Players can choose from a variety of licensed supercars, including the iconic Dodge Charger R/T, each with differing stats. Tracks loosely represent real-world locations like Yellowstone and Hong Kong, featuring over-the-top set pieces – such as smashing through the glass windows of the Marina mall in Abu Dhabi.
However, the transition from arcade cabinet to DualSense controller hasn’t been seamless. Cradle Games’ port suffers from twitchy and imprecise handling,detracting from the experience. Races primarily consist of straightforward sprints to the finish line, heavily reliant on rubber banding and nitro boosts to maintain competition.
Winning races unlocks “Furious mode” for each car, increasing the initial nitro supply from three to ten. Beyond this, the game offers split-screen multiplayer for two players, but lacks considerable unlocks, alternative game modes, or minigames.
Currently retailing for £24.99/$29.99, the game’s limited content leaves it feeling “paper thin,” according to reviewers. While the outlandish track design provides some entertainment, the poor handling and high price point prevent Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition from fully satisfying the racing itch it attempts to scratch.