It looks like Toyota isn’t the only one with an uncontrollable acceleration issue, but in this case I think it’s probably working as intended. MotorHEAT is a the latest racing game on Microsoft Xbox Live Indie Games and it comes prepackaged with some seriously addictive gameplay. The game was developed by Alejandro González Fiel and Miguel Herrero Obeso of Milkstone Studios, who in the past brought us titles such as Wool and Little Racers.

Gameplay

MotorHEAT is an arcade feeling racer in that it’s obviously not a simulator and nor does it try to be. In fact, you don’t even have to do much to stay on the road. Your only objective is to dodge other cars, but not so much so that you don’t get dangerously close to them! Yes that’s right your objective is to NARROWLY miss all the other cars on the road. Doing so grants you boost based on how far you were from the cars you pass.

In addition to this boost mechanic, you also level up. The higher the level the faster you go. Anecdotally speaking, I think by the time you are getting around to level 15, your normal base speed is easily faster than your initial boost speed was. To top it off your new boost speed is something that requires calculations from the ships computer, because it ain’t like dusting crops, boy!

One of the most frustrating and yet amusing aspects of the game is the behavior of the White Cars. These little bastards have sentience I’m convinced of it! You think I’m kidding but these cars will change lanes and without fail, wined up directly in your path. Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so because there is actually an award called “They Do It On Purpose” which is achieved by getting tore up by 150 of these sons of bitches.

Other than the cars on the road you will also find an array of bonuses that will offer up extra time, more boost, score multipliers, score points, and invulnerability. They pretty much do what you would expect them to do. The only one that may not be imediately obvious is the invulnerability boost. The nice part about this guy is that it will let you drive right through all the other cars and quickly max out your boost bar.

In terms of cons of the game, one I experienced was related to these bonus items. The first is that they can sometimes obstruct a car that is right on the other side of them, as soon as you collect your bonus your boned. The second relates to the blue box vans that look exactly like the blue power ups. Now I know you can tell the difference because one rotates and the other doesn’t but there is only so much sensory data you can process while traveling at the speed of holybajeezus.

On the bug front MotorHEAT does have a current issue with the score boards. The issue being, as far as I can tell, they don’t work at all. The developer has already commented on this and stated that a patch is going to be submitted this Friday and we should be one upping one another in no time. Which is really good because I think it is probably a very important element of the games replayability.

Audio Visual

MotorHEAT looks quite good, it has a full 3d environment with some nice dynamic lighting and weather effects that really up the ante. The game will start you out in regular daylight, toss you in fog, throw you in the dark, and I’m pretty sure there is a snowy effect too. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was more after that but I usually sucked and died right around there every time so I can’t say for certain. The music also fits well with the game and has a good sound to it. It flows quite well in the game and as such it is pleasant regardless of the length of a single play sessions duration.

A features I think I would have liked to have seen was some vehicle diversity. The only customization that appears to be available in the game is changing the paint job. A few models or ground effects could have been a nice touch, but considering the value offered here already I don’t think it hurts the game.

Summary

MotorHEAT is 240 Microsoft Points, that’s three puny human monies, and is a very good indie racing game with some serious psychological hooks to keep you playing. I think if arcade style racing is what you are looking for it’s an easy buy recommendation. If you are just plain looking for a good indie game, it is also worth looking into, but you may want to check out the demo to decide for yourself. All and all MotorHEAT is a really great offering by its two person development team.