Name: | Rush Rally Origins |
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Publisher: | Brownmonster Limited |
Developer: | Brownmonster Limited |
Genre | Racing |
Players: | 1-6 |
Age rating: | 3+ |
Other console/handheld formats: | Xbox Series S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4, Switch |
Related sites: | Rush Rally Origins |
Rush Rally Origins offers a charming blend of simplicity and fun, standing out as the most accessible game in the Rush Rally series. This top-down racer, featuring a helicopter chase view, delivers a refreshing take on the rally genre, packed with detailed visuals and engaging gameplay.
Developed by Brownmonster Limited, the Rush Rally series has carved a niche in the rally racing genre since its inception. The series began with Rush Rally in 2014, introducing a mobile-friendly rally experience. Its sequel, Rush Rally 2 (2016), expanded on the original with improved graphics, more tracks, and deeper gameplay mechanics. Rush Rally 3 (2019) brought even more enhancements, including realistic physics and a wider range of vehicles. Each iteration has garnered a loyal following due to its consistent quality and attention to detail.
Rush Rally Origins continues this legacy by blending elements from its predecessors with a fresh perspective. The championship mode spans various countries, including the UK, Finland, Sweden, Japan, New Zealand, Kenya, Greece, and the USA. Each of the 48 included rally stages is well-designed and enjoyable to race on, featuring diverse terrains and weather conditions. However, the stages are relatively short, with the longest ones lasting just under two minutes. While this makes the game more accessible to casual gamers, those seeking longer, more intricate courses might find this aspect lacking.
The vehicle handling in Rush Rally Origins strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and thrills. The game focuses on fun and accessibility rather than realistic driving physics, making it easy to pick up while still offering enough challenge to keep it interesting. The cars handle beautifully, especially around bends, making each race a joy to play. The system of unlocking upgrades for cars based on usage is another great feature, adding a rewarding layer of depth. As you spend more time with a vehicle, you can upgrade its performance and grade, which influences the championships you can enter.
While Rush Rally Origins includes a damage model, it is mostly cosmetic. Wear and tear is visible during races, but it doesn’t affect performance, keeping the gameplay focused on fun rather than punishing realism.
Although the game doesn’t feature real cars or drivers, it includes amusing alternatives, such as Colon McRay, which add a playful element. There’s also an option to edit the names of the cars and drivers, allowing for customization.
The top-down perspective is complemented by detailed visuals. The environments are well-designed, and there’s a surprising amount of detail, such as being able to see the driver inside the car. The graphics are crisp and clean, making the game visually appealing for a top-down racer.
Rush Rally Origins features a variety of game modes, including rally cross and time trials. In rally cross mode, racers compete against each other, adding a competitive edge, while time trial mode lets you attempt to perfect your runs on each stage. Unfortunately, the multiplayer mode is largely inactive, which is a significant downside as an active multiplayer community could greatly enhance the game’s longevity and replayability. On the bright side, the game includes online leaderboards, allowing you to compete for the best times. However, it’s somewhat inconvenient (and odd) that you need to register for a Rush Rally Online account to access the leaderboards.
Another potential drawback is the game’s difficulty. Even on tougher settings, the game remains relatively easy, allowing high placements in events without much challenge. This accessibility is great for newcomers and casual gamers but might not satisfy those seeking a more demanding rally experience.
Overall, Rush Rally Origins is a delightful top-down racer that offers a lot of fun, especially for those looking for a simple and engaging game. Its short stages, detailed visuals, and excellent vehicle handling make it enjoyable to pick up and play. The vehicle upgrade system adds a rewarding progression mechanic, and the variety of game modes keeps things interesting. However, the inactive multiplayer and relatively low difficulty might be drawbacks for some.