Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition Delivers pure, unapologetic Video Game Junk Food
London, UK – November 21, 2023 – In a gaming landscape often dominated by sprawling open worlds and meticulously crafted experiences, a new title arrives offering something radically different: unapologetic, high-octane, and delightfully rough-around-the-edges arcade fun. Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition, now available, isn’t aiming for realism or depth - it’s a pure adrenaline rush, and a welcome throwback to a simpler era of racing games.
The game, a spiritual successor to Raw Thrills’ Cruis’n Blast, translates the over-the-top arcade experience to consoles. Races aren’t simply about reaching the finish line first; they’re multi-lap affairs punctuated by objectives like intercepting missiles or grounding aircraft. Courses are packed with alternate routes, shortcuts, and chaotic environmental hazards, all while prioritizing speed and spectacle over precise handling. Vehicles shrug off physics and durability concerns, encouraging players to boost relentlessly and embrace the ride.
“[it’s] endearingly fun nonsense that I’m pleased exists,” writes Eurogamer’s contributor, acknowledging the game’s imperfections - including a noticeable stutter during speed boosts – while celebrating its inherent charm.
The similarities to Cruis’n Blast are striking, as both titles were developed by raw Thrills. Both share a similar feel, over-the-top action, and a deliberate lack of polish that some might mistake for a lack of quality. Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition taps into the same desire for unthinking excitement.
Currently, the game features six tracks and eight cars, available for £25. Notably, Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition lacks accessibility options.
While unlikely to feature in Game of the Year discussions, the author draws a parallel to enjoying guilty-pleasure food items. “Maybe it’s the fact I’m old and I yearn for simpler times… but I firmly believe there’s a place and audience for games like this.”
Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition is available now. A review copy was provided by the publisher.
