Title: Retro-Inspired Racing Game “Parking Garage Rally Circuit” Takes Players Back to the ’90s
In the world of video games, there is no shortage of retro-inspired racing games that aim to capture the essence of classic titles from years gone by. From 2D sprite scalers to early polygonal games, the term “retro” can encompass a wide range of aesthetics and gameplay styles. One upcoming game that is taking players back to the ’90s is “Parking Garage Rally Circuit” (PGRC), developed by Tim FitzRandolph of Walaber Entertainment, known for indie favorites like “Where’s My Water?” and “Jaleacar.”
FitzRandolph, a former game designer and director for Disney and NBCUniversal, has created a love letter to the early 3D racers of the ’90s, particularly those found on Sega’s ill-fated Saturn console. The premise of PGRC is simple: players take on the role of a rally car driver and aim to achieve the fastest time on a course that winds through a parking lot. With tight tracks, responsive controls, and blocky graphics reminiscent of early 3D games, PGRC offers a nostalgic gaming experience for those who grew up with classic racing titles.
The game originated from a game jam event where developers create games from scratch in a short period of time. Inspired by the theme of “limited space,” FitzRandolph set out to create a racing game that would typically cover a larger area but would be just as engaging in a smaller space. The first version of PGRC was developed in 72 hours during the game jam, and from there, FitzRandolph expanded the concept to create a fully realized racing experience.
Drawing inspiration from Sega’s iconic ’90s arcade racing games like “Daytona USA” and “Sega Rally Championship,” FitzRandolph incorporated retro aesthetics into PGRC. The game’s graphics are designed to emulate the limitations of the Saturn console, with graphics based on rectangles and sprite-based rendering techniques. While the game retains the visual charm of classic ’90s games, players can also disable certain effects for smoother gameplay on modern hardware.
PGRC features four tracks, three cars, and a boost-drift mechanic that adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay. The tracks are filled with obstacles like curbs, barriers, and parked cars, offering a challenging but enjoyable racing experience. In addition to single-player mode, PGRC will also include a multiplayer mode where players can compete against real-time ghosts representing other players’ cars.
With a careful attention to detail and a commitment to capturing the spirit of classic racing games, PGRC promises a nostalgic journey through the world of retro gaming. Scheduled for release in the fall of this year, the game offers a blend of old-school gameplay and modern features that will appeal to fans of arcade-style racing games.
For more information on PGRC and other racing games, contact adam.ismail@thedrive.com.
