Mechanic Battle is an arcade racing game where the player can customize cars, race against others, and compete in championships for the number one spot. While playing this game, I had so much fun just looking at the different racetracks that I think I forgot to focus on racing. I don’t have much of a competitive side, but it shined through while trying to get first place in these races. My in-game car, Cleo, has been through the wringer trying out this game that Cat-astrophe games and MobilWay S.A., and here’s what we think.
Gameplay:
The basic mechanics of Mechanic Battle are turning, accelerating, and using nitro boost. The turning mechanics are odd at first, as the overhead view of the cars makes it disorienting and difficult to turn correctly. Over time, you get used to it and the steering becomes second nature. The nitro boosts are great to use when in a pinch, and as you upgrade your car parts the boost becomes more efficient. The general mechanics of the game are easy, even if at first it has a learning curve.
The start of the game puts you at the bottom of the pyramid with a shoddy car, and as you progress in the game you can unlock better cars and car parts. Winning more races gives you more cash, that you put back into your car. Once you win a certain number of races, you can enter the championships. Rivalries grow with the other racers, and your competitive side can shine through. The CPU cars that race alongside you are vicious, and tough competitors. I found myself in many rivalries against the various CPUs, as they can hit you and knock you out of the way, sometimes even flipping your car.
The cars have lots of customization options, as you can change the color of the car, add decals, and add spoilers and new rims. As you get more money in the game, you can purchase better vehicles and upgrade the car parts as you go along. When upgrading the tire rims and the spoilers, there are minigames where you have to correctly screw the spoiler in within a certain amount of time or stop the wheel at the right time. Doing well in the installation minigames can give you better stats, and it adds engagement to what could have just been a surface-level decal.
Beyond customization, the tracks are detailed and unique, but they don’t have a large variety of flavors. There are several racetracks with similar visual themes. One track takes place at an airport, another by the beach, and another in a village. For different events, such as hot laps and elimination rounds, the track shape changes but the settings remain the same. It’s a cool touch since as you drive through the other track shapes the other routes are visible but blocked off. There are signs on the side of the tracks as well as traffic cones or barrels. You can drive through or knock over the cones and barrels as it’s often used as guidelines on the tracks. You get an overhead view of the race as you play, giving more space to the scenery. The cars, however, tend to be very small and make it confusing to pick out which one is yours as you play.
All in all, the game mechanics are simple and easy to use, and the fast-paced gameplay makes it easy for players to get engaged with the game. The steering controls can be confusing but are easy to get the hang of. The use of different tracks in the same settings helps bring variety to the gameplay and makes the game have more replayability. There is a bit of a learning curve, but the challenge makes the game enjoyable and engaging.
Presentation:
While areas of the gameplay fall short, Mechanic Battle has a consistent and eye-catching presentation. The music follows a rock theme, with all of the tracks playing one song and another looping while on the menu page and in the garage. While racing, there are car sound effects like engines roaring, brakes squeaking and other noises you’d typically hear at a race. The sound effects are in time with events in the game and fit well with the gameplay.
The game’s visuals are inspired by car racing, with bright yellow decals and checker-striped flags. The visuals feel sleek and streamlined, adding to the overall feeling of being in a race car garage. The race car tracks have unique backgrounds with lots of detail. The seafront track has an ocean view, trees with flowers, and beachside houses that fit the overall “seafront” feeling. The tracks all go very well with the different themes and settings, and there are nice hidden details throughout.
Overall, the visuals and music in Mechanic Battle fit with the gameplay and overall theme throughout the game. The visuals are bright, catch the eye, and highlight the racing aspects of the game.
Value:
Mechanic Battle goes for $9.99 on the Nintendo eShop. For the overall replayability, customization, and engaging gameplay, it’s a reasonable price. This game is a lot of fun, and the gameplay motivates the players to continue playing and upgrading vehicles.
Conclusion:
Mechanic Battle is a fun, fast-paced game with lots of variety. There is a good amount of replayability, customizable cars, and engaging gameplay. The steering controls were confusing at first, but as you progress it becomes second nature. The visuals are good and the racetrack designs are unique. Overall, Mechanic Battle is a fun and fast-paced game with bright visuals and exciting car races.
