#DRIVE Rally is an arcade-style racing game that takes players across global rally tracks with quick, casual gameplay and upgradable cars. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn’t do well, and if it’s worth buying.

#DRIVE Rally Review Overview

What is #DRIVE Rally?

#DRIVE Rally puts players in the driver’s seat of various rally cars across multiple international locations. Set in a world where speed and precision are key, the game offers a no-frills approach to rally racing, focusing on quick and casual gameplay rather than intricate storylines. The game features a variety of tracks across four unique regions, including Germany, the U.S., Finland, and Vietnam, with over 20 routes per map. #DRIVE Rally creates an easy and fun experience for newcomers to rally racing.

#DRIVE Rally features:

　⚫︎　Arcade-Style Gameplay
　⚫︎　Multiple International Locations
　⚫︎　Simple But Vibrant Graphics
　⚫︎　Local and Global Leaderboards
　⚫︎　Quirky Co-Drivers
　⚫︎　Decent Range of Tracks and Vehicle Variety

Digital Storefronts
Steam		Epic		GoG
Price		$19.99

#DRIVE Rally Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to Pick Up for Newcomers Quick and Casual Gameplay Leaderboards Encourage Competition	Lack of Meaningful Progression Inconsistent Vehicle Handling Distracting Co-Driver Feedback

#DRIVE Rally Overall Score - 70/100

#DRIVE Rally has a solid foundation, but it’s held back by a few key areas. While it’s a fun and easy-to-pick-up arcade racer, the lack of depth in some features and the occasional inconsistency in gameplay keep it from reaching its full potential. With more updates, it could easily improve, but for now, it’s a good, if slightly underwhelming, experience that is best suited for casual players looking for quick races rather than those seeking a deep, rewarding rally experience.

#DRIVE Rally Story - 5/10

There’s really no story in #DRIVE Rally, and honestly, that’s probably for the best. While the co-drivers bring a bit of flair with their personalities, many come across as overly stereotypical, with accents and repetitive dialogues that can feel more clichéd than engaging. This reliance on familiar tropes detracts from the experience, making their contributions feel like background noise rather than meaningful interaction, keeping the score from soaring too high. Since this is an arcade racing game, adding a narrative might feel forced or out of place. It would have been difficult to shoehorn in a story without detracting from the fast-paced, pick-up-and-play nature that arcade racers thrive on, so the decision to skip it was likely a wise one.

#DRIVE Rally Gameplay - 8/10

The gameplay is where #DRIVE Rally shines the most. It’s easy to jump into and provides a decent variety of cars and tracks to keep things interesting. However, it’s not perfect. The biggest drawback is the lack of meaningful rewards after finishing a race. Sure, you get car upgrades and coins, but there’s no real sense of progression or achievement. Despite this, the tight controls and mechanics make it fun, and the different vehicle handling adds a layer of challenge for players looking to master the game.

#DRIVE Rally Visuals - 8/10

Visually, #DRIVE Rally keeps things simple, and it works well for the most part. The clean design keeps your focus on the track, but there’s room for improvement. Adding visual cues for car damage would go a long way in making crashes feel more impactful, and a bit more detail in the environments wouldn’t hurt either. While the minimalist style serves its purpose, a few more graphical flourishes could make the game world feel more alive without overwhelming players.

#DRIVE Rally Audio - 7/10

The audio design is a mixed bag. The upbeat, funky soundtrack fits the game’s tone, and the engine sounds are decent enough, albeit they all sound the same. But there are moments when the co-driver’s commentary feels more distracting than helpful, and the timing of their instructions can be inconsistent. While the soundscape overall contributes to the arcade vibe, a more balanced and less intrusive use of co-driver feedback could improve the experience, making it more immersive and less frustrating.

#DRIVE Rally Value for Money - 7/10

At $19.99, #DRIVE Rally offers good value, especially with its high replayability and the sheer number of tracks available. But for that price, I would’ve liked to see a bit more content. It’s a great way to kill time, especially for someone just getting into rally racing, but for players looking for a more extensive experience, it might be worth waiting for a few more updates to justify the price. Right now, it feels like a solid starting point, with potential for much more as the game evolves over time.

#DRIVE Rally Review: A Solid Start But Doesn't Quite Hit Top Gear

#DRIVE Rally is one of those arcade racing games that pulls you in with its simplicity, but as I spent more time with it, I started to notice a few things that kept it from being a truly standout experience. At its core, it’s a pretty standard racing game – you’ve got a variety of cars, and while some handle like a dream, others feel like they’re sliding around on butter. There’s this odd inconsistency in the traction across different cars and tracks. Sometimes, the steering feels so sensitive that I found myself overcorrecting constantly, and then there’s the handbrake, which is a bit of a coin flip – it’s there when you need it, but there are moments when it just doesn’t seem to do its job.

I have to give credit where it’s due, though. The game doesn’t skimp on vehicle variety. In Championship mode, there are four teams, each with their own set of cars, adding a bit of flavor to the lineup. In total, there are 12 cars available, all upgradable, though for now, most of the upgrades seem purely cosmetic. It’s a bit of a shame, as I would’ve loved to see more meaningful improvements tied to performance rather than just looks. Still, it gives players something to work toward, even if it's just visual flair.

When it comes to the game’s visuals, #DRIVE Rally keeps things simple but effective. The graphics are clean, and while they won’t blow you away, they work well for an arcade racer. In fact, the minimalist design helps you stay focused on the track rather than the environment around you. There’s a cute detail where you see a puff of smoke when revving the engine, which adds a bit of charm to the overall presentation. It’s clear that the game doesn’t try to overwhelm you with flashy effects, instead opting for a straightforward, easy-on-the-eyes aesthetic that serves the gameplay well.

As for the tracks, the game might initially seem a bit limited with only four locations: Germany, the U.S., Finland, and Vietnam. But each of these maps contains over 20 individual stages, so there's plenty of content to sink your teeth into. Replayability is definitely a strength here. With so many tracks available, I found myself coming back to try and improve my times on different stages in Quick Drive mode.

That said, the game modes themselves are a bit thin. With just Championship and Quick Drive to choose from, I did feel like there was room for more variety. In Championship mode, this is where the game’s global and local leaderboards come into play. The leaderboards add that extra layer of motivation to keep pushing for better results, but you can’t go back to improve your previous race times, which can be frustrating if you’re someone who likes to perfect each run. Quick Drive, on the other hand, has its quirks with the ghost car system. It’s supposed to simulate the fastest time, but there were times when I was ahead of it only to end up slower or behind it and still finish faster. It just feels inconsistent and slightly breaks the immersion.

One of the areas where the game misses the mark for me is how it handles crashes. You’ll get time penalties for hitting barriers, but that’s about it. There’s no visible damage to your car or any long-term consequences to speak of. For a rally racing game, this feels like a missed opportunity. A system where car damage carried over between races or even just some visible dents and scratches could have made crashes feel more impactful. Adding hazards like jumps or water splashes would also go a long way in making the races more dynamic. Right now, the tracks are fun but could use a bit more variety in terms of obstacles.

The sound design in #DRIVE Rally is upbeat and fits the arcade style, but there are moments when it feels like the feedback from the co-drivers is more distracting than helpful. Their instructions often come too early or too late, making them feel almost irrelevant at times. While they do throw out the occasional quip when you crash or go off track, their guidance isn’t always reliable, and I found myself relying more on visual cues than their commentary.

Despite its flaws, there’s something undeniably enjoyable about #DRIVE Rally. It’s easy to pick up, ideal for newcomers, and perfect for short bursts of play. The controls, while occasionally too twitchy, are responsive enough for casual players to have a good time. And with the game still in Early Access, there’s a lot of room for improvement. I’d love to see more terrain options, additional hazards, and maybe even a deeper damage system implemented in future updates. It has the foundation to become a much more engaging rally experience, but it’s not quite there yet.

Overall, #DRIVE Rally is a solid arcade racer with high replayability, especially for players who enjoy leaderboard competition. It’s a good gateway into rally racing for those who are new to the genre, but more experienced players might find themselves wishing for a bit more depth. With some added features and polish, it could definitely evolve into something special. For now, though, it’s a fun time-killer with the potential for much more.

Pros of #DRIVE Rally

Things #DRIVE Rally Got Right
Easy to Pick Up for Newcomers Quick and Casual Gameplay Leaderboards Encourage Competition

Easy to Pick Up for Newcomers

One of the strongest aspects of #DRIVE Rally is how approachable it is for players who might not be familiar with rally games. The controls are simple and responsive, making it easy to get the hang of driving without much of a learning curve. The basic mechanics, such as steering, braking, and accelerating, are intuitive and don't require mastery right off the bat, making the game perfect for casual players or those dipping their toes into the racing genre for the first time.

This doesn’t come at the cost of challenge, though. While easy to start, #DRIVE Rally offers enough nuance in its vehicle handling and track design to keep players engaged. The different cars, each with their own unique feel, give newcomers a taste of variety while offering more seasoned players the chance to fine-tune their skills as they progress. It's a solid entry point for anyone looking to break into the rally racing genre without feeling overwhelmed.

Quick and Casual Gameplay

#DRIVE Rally excels in offering bite-sized gameplay sessions, which makes it perfect for players looking to play in short bursts. The quick and casual nature of the races means that you don’t have to invest hours at a time to feel accomplished. With races typically lasting just a few minutes, it’s easy to hop in, complete a race or two, and step away without feeling like you’re missing out. This makes the game well-suited for players who might not have the time for longer gaming sessions but still want a fun and engaging experience.

Despite its casual nature, there’s plenty to keep players entertained during each session. The game’s variety of tracks and quick pacing ensure that there’s always something new to try out, whether it’s improving your times or mastering a new car. The fast, no-nonsense races give #DRIVE Rally an arcade-like charm that works well for both dedicated players and those looking for a quick way to kill time.

Leaderboards Encourage Competition

One of the best features of #DRIVE Rally is its competitive edge, driven by both local and global leaderboards. These leaderboards add a layer of replayability to the game, as players are constantly pushed to improve their race times and climb the rankings. It’s a simple, yet effective way to spark rivalry and drive (pun intended) continuous improvement.

The thrill of seeing your name high in the ranks gives each race a sense of purpose beyond simply just finishing a track. The leaderboards also bring out the game’s best moments, encouraging players to perfect their driving to shave precious seconds off their times. It’s an excellent way to foster a community of players who are continually striving for mastery.

Cons of #DRIVE Rally

Things That #DRIVE Rally Can Improve
Lack of Meaningful Progression Inconsistent Vehicle Handling Distracting Co-Driver Feedback

Lack of Meaningful Progression

One of the biggest drawbacks in #DRIVE Rally is the absence of a deeper progression system. While you can upgrade cars and earn coins, the rewards feel mostly cosmetic and lack the meaningful impact that would give players a sense of growth over time. After completing races, there isn’t much of a tangible feeling of progress or achievement beyond collecting a few items. This can make the game feel somewhat hollow, especially for those who are used to more robust racing titles where upgrades significantly enhance gameplay.

This lack of progression can lead to a sense of repetition over extended play sessions. Without a compelling reason to keep pushing forward—like unlocking new cars with better performance or achieving higher stakes rewards—there’s less incentive to continue playing beyond the initial fun. It leaves players wishing for more layers of customization or tangible benefits from their hard-earned victories, which would add much-needed weight to the overall experience.

Inconsistent Vehicle Handling

Another noticeable issue is the inconsistent handling of the vehicles. While some cars feel responsive and tight, others can be overly twitchy or unpredictable, which leads to frustrating gameplay moments. For example, the handbrake—a critical tool for making tight turns—can feel unresponsive at times, leaving players with less control than they’d expect during critical moments. This inconsistency in how vehicles handle can take away from the game’s overall enjoyment, especially during more challenging tracks where precision is key.

This unpredictability creates a lack of flow in certain races, as players are forced to adapt to vehicle quirks rather than mastering a reliable system. It can be particularly frustrating for those looking for a more polished racing experience. For a game aiming to be a smooth and fun arcade racer, ensuring that all cars handle consistently and respond as expected would improve the overall experience greatly.

Distracting Co-Driver Feedback

The co-driver system, while intended to assist players during races, often becomes more of a distraction than a helpful tool. Their instructions can sometimes come either too early or too late, making it difficult to accurately gauge when to make turns or adjust speed. This mistiming can be especially frustrating during more complicated tracks, where precision is key. Instead of enhancing the gameplay, these misaligned cues can lead to unnecessary mistakes and take away from the racing experience.

Moreover, the quips and remarks from co-drivers, though intended to add personality, can sometimes feel more annoying than endearing, especially after hearing them repeatedly. While the idea of having a lively co-driver adds some character to the game, the execution falls short. Fine-tuning both the timing of their instructions and the frequency of their comments would significantly improve the co-driver system, making it feel like a helpful asset rather than a hindrance.

Is #DRIVE Rally Worth It?

Good Starter Pack For Rally Rookies

In the end, #DRIVE Rally offers an enjoyable entry point into the world of rally racing, particularly for newcomers who may feel intimidated by more complex titles. The game excels in its quick and casual gameplay, making it easy to jump in for a few races without committing a significant amount of time, #DRIVE Rally remains a solid choice for those seeking a casual racing game that doesn't take itself too seriously. If you’re looking to have fun without diving too deep into complex mechanics, #DRIVE Rally is certainly worth a try. Just keep in mind that it may not satisfy those craving a more immersive or detailed rally racing experience.

Digital Storefronts
Steam		Epic		GoG
Price		$19.99

#DRIVE Rally FAQ

What Are The System Requirements for #DRIVE Rally

Does #DRIVE Rally Have Controller and Steering Wheel Support?

Yes! The table below shows the default setting of each game pad.

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#DRIVE Rally Product Information

Title	#DRIVE RALLY
Release Date	September 25, 2024
Developer	Pixel Perfect Dude
Publisher	Pixel Perfect Dude
Supported Platforms	PC (Steam, Epic, GOG)
Genre	Arcade, Racing
Number of Players	1
ESRB Rating	N/A
Official Website	#DRIVE Rally Website

Allisandra Reyes

I find joy in the adrenaline rush of horror games, but my thrill-seeking doesn't stop there. Beyond the digital realm, I like to take on the role of designated GM in TTRPGs.