This steady release of Amiga games from QUByte Interactive, via compilations, takes us back in time and makes us swoon about the 90s and why the Amiga was the best computer in existence. It had everything, but it didn’t have its own bespoke plumber or hedgehog. Equally, it didn’t have Super Mario Kart, but it did have Street Racer. Alas, the Amiga version doesn’t exist here, but this Street Racer Collection is still pretty nostalgic.
A collection ofStreet Racer games spanning both 8-bit and 16-bit systems, the Street Racer Collection for the PS5 comprises four titles in total. Despite being an Amiga diehard, I can’t really remember the game, and whether I actually played it, so there’s no investment here other than reminiscing about ‘these types of games’. The visuals are dated, the music tacky, generic-looking characters and simple gameplay. Perfect! However, the one thing that prevented me from really enjoying the games was the controls.
Starting with the SNES port, it’s very much like Super Mario Kart, only with characters I wasn’t familiar with. Weapons exist, crazy tracks that cross paths, and the appropriate jumps make this, potentially, a really good arcade racer. However, as was the nature of the games back then, turning corners shifts the screen with you, and though I don’t get motion sickness nor feel queasy with this, it made the first instalment faithful to the original, but unplayable.
Next was the Mega Drive version of Street Racer, and though it wasn’t as polished as the SNES port, it was much more enjoyable and more of a throwback to games like Road Rash, Super Hang On and (another Amiga reference), Lotus Turbo Challenge, but no way as good. Though crude in presentation, the controls were much better in my opinion and therefore allowed me to get to know the characters over some unhealthy tailgaiting, clipping their wheels, and flipping them off when the chance presented itself.
We’ll skip the Gameboy iteration as, aside from Tetris, Super Mario Land and Navy Seals, I was never a handheld gamer and don’t have that connection others do with it. While putting the collection in Street Racer Collection, playing on a 4K TV with a PS5 felt redundant. Still, options, options.
Finally, we have the DOS version, which I felt was the best-looking. Not only does it look prettier on the surface, but it’s the most advanced of the bunch, within the context of this being a retro collection. However, the same screen shifting appears when turning (not sure what the terminology is, but the camera follows the car like it was fixed), and for this reason, I couldn’t stick with it for too long, though it was better than the SNES. In short, the Mega Drive version was my favourite and most playable in Street Racer Collection.
Now, one of the bonuses of this compilation is the extras you get. Newer gamers will be pleased to see that there are save states and the ability to shift back and forth to the other games through a Hyperspin-type lobby. No idea what Hyperspin is. A friend told me about it… Anyways, each game features some gallery picks, tunes, and box art and manuals, though nothing beats the smell of a printed manual. While it’s not on par with something like The Making of Karateka and a curation of gaming history, it’s a welcome addition nevertheless.
From my perspective, Street Racer Collection is probably best suited to those familiar with the series who can perhaps relive some of the good old days, or reminisce about their favourite characters, tracks and shortcuts. As a newcomer, whilst I love the music, the visuals and later animatics, the camera angles irritated me a little; preferring the more ‘stable’ Mega Drive version. Still, it’s all about preference, and in fairness, this is a well-curated collection and potentially worth a visit for original fans who don’t want to drag their cartridges out of the loft. Or game room.
