Using cel-shaded visuals that reminded me of a more pastel-heavy version of Capcom’s Auto Modellista, Sunrise GP features twenty tracks and a multitude of old-school cars that you can whip around in various game modes ranging from Grand Prix and challenges through to four-player split-screen (always a welcome addition!).
The visual style combined with the synthwave-heavy soundtrack and sense of speed really adds dynamic to the racing itself. The track environments vary from rural roads through to mountains, lakes and factories/ports and whilst there aren’t any zany or wacky obstacles, the controls feel so robust that just traversing them alone is incredibly satisfying.
The sense of weight in the cars and differences in acceleration, speed and handling does stand out, and I found myself flitting between different cars, dependent on the track - which is always a sign of good balancing. Speaking of the cars, there are quite a few stats on show as well as a huge amount of visual customisation options that the player can take advantage of.
You earn credits by completing races and smashing time limits, customisation is the one part of the game where there is a level of looseness, as you can select a tired old banger and soup it up to preposterous levels, with a bewildering exhaust, multiple lights and spoilers etc. funk those rides up to your heart’s content!
Whilst there Is a lot to enjoy here from the various modes; local multiplayer; great sense of movement and presentation; and a retro-synth soundtrack, there are some issues.
The frame rate is quite unreliable, with certain areas and busier moments on the track dragging the frame rate down, and seemingly random open areas being buttery-smooth, whilst other plain environments seem to be choppier, I was always aware that the game couldn’t settle on a solid frame rate and it detracted from the experience somewhat.
It would also have been fun to have some tracks that were more experimental or over-the-top, as the physics engine and crashes are so satisfying and weighty that some unlockable tracks that sported ridiculous features, loops and jumps would have highlighted the effort that has gone into the foundational mechanics of the game, which are inherently satisfying.
SUMMARY
Sunrise GP looks and sounds great, and offers up a satisfying arcade racing experience, but I wish that it flowed a touch more smoothly, and track design leaned slightly more into the fun side of the game that the vehicle customisation hints at.
That said, I fully intend to unlock everything and keep coming back due to that solid design and instant appeal.
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