Speed Haste

Game review

Speed Haste, released in 1995, is a racing game that attempted to capture the essence and excitement of the beloved 1960s anime, Speed Racer, known as Mach GoGoGo in Japan. The anime, renowned for its thrilling races, distinctive characters, and intricate plots, has a special place in the hearts of its fans. The expectations for a game based on such a rich and nostalgic series were understandably high.

The game aimed to bring the high-speed adventures of Speed Racer and his iconic car, the Mach-5, to the DOS platform. The Mach-5, celebrated for its advanced technology and unique features, was a central element of the anime, symbolizing Speed Racer's bravery and his father's genius.

However, Speed Haste struggled to live up to the legacy of its source material. One of the critical issues was the handling of the Mach-5. The car, although central to the anime's appeal, was portrayed in the game with a driving mechanic that lacked a realistic sense of friction and inertia. This oversight made the driving experience feel detached and undermined the authenticity of controlling the famed Mach-5.

The game's race tracks also fell short of expectations. Instead of the complex and surreal tracks that were a hallmark of the anime, players found themselves navigating through courses that lacked variation and excitement. This simplicity in track design made the races feel monotonous and failed to capture the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Speed Racer's races.

Despite these shortcomings, the game did make an effort to integrate the Mach-5's special capabilities, which fans of the anime would appreciate. Features like the "autojack" for jumping, "belt tires" for enhanced traction, and the iconic "chopper" with its twin rotary saws, were included. While these features added a layer of novelty and were enjoyable to experiment with, they were not enough to elevate the overall gaming experience. They felt more like brief diversions rather than integral, game-enhancing elements.

In conclusion, Speed Haste is a game that, despite its potential and connection to a beloved anime, struggled to deliver a compelling racing experience. While it incorporated iconic elements from the Speed Racer series, the overall execution lacked depth and failed to capture the essence of the source material. For die-hard fans of the anime, the game might offer a dose of nostalgia, but beyond the allure of the license, it leaves much to be desired in terms of gameplay and immersion. The game serves as a reminder of how challenging it can be to translate the magic of a beloved series into an equally captivating gaming experience.