One of the main things being touted about Table Top Racing: World Tour is that one of its creators worked on the WipEout series, so it'd be safe to expect high-octane racing, a pulsing soundtrack, and dazzling graphics – at least somewhat in the style of the iconic PlayStation series.
This game has none of those things.
A sequel to a popular mobile game, this game takes its inspiration from Micro Machines, with tiny battle-cars facing off against each other in tiny environments – a kitchen, the deck of a ship, a mechanic's bench, and a sponsored YO! Sushi (!) track all playing host to your tiny races. It's a nice, niche style, and the areas are lovingly rendered and created, but that's really the only appeal that this game has.
The racing, for one, is far too slow. Whichever car you choose – from the most expensive super car to the starting jalopies – they go slower than an octogenarian slug on a salted street, meaning that drifting and turning is much too simple. Even activating the boosts – picked up around each track alongside the usual power-ups – only gives you a temporary burst of speed, before you go back down to first gear again until you wait for the next pick-up.
And it's not like said uninspired pick-ups do much to shake things up either. The missile slows down enemies a tad, likewise the freeze gun and the bomb, with only the oil slick seeming to have a noticeable impact on races. Thanks to the obvious shortcuts and nooks, each rally just devolves into a boring slog where the player at the front stays in front in all but the most exceptional circumstances, and with most races only lasting over a minute, it's not a good game to play over an extended period of time.
Admittedly, there is a nice upgrade system in which you can buff your car's speed, acceleration, and turning, as well as buy wheels and new colour schemes – but the fact that the prices are so cheap, and that money is so easy to get, means that half of the players you play will have the same attributes anyway, and the cycle begins again.
This proves problematic for all modes in the game. Championships, the single-player career-style mode, is a piece of cake, because races and events don't seem to adapt to your car upgrades at all; Time Trials, Knockout Races, Battle Rallies – they're all easy as pie when the money flows in this quickly. Special Events, one-off races with different stipulations, aren't much harder either, and the multiplayer – which should be the best mode in any combat racer – is just a frustrating and dull, thanks to the half the players leaving halfway through an event because there's not much chance of them winning.
The soundtrack has a few good bangers, but nothing out of the ordinary, and the whole game just seems to be aesthetically confused. It wants to be Micro Machines, but it blends elements of Mario Kart and bland mobile racers into a misguided mess. The biggest problem with Table Top Racing is that it hasn't left its mobile origins behind – it still feels like a short-and-snappy game to be played in quick bursts, but one that lacks originality, excitement, and personality.
Conclusion
Table Top Racing: World Tour feels like it could be a fun multiplayer battle racer, but it falls flat. The gameplay seems stuck in first gear, the races are too quick and easy, and – most damaging of all – the game has no real personality of its own. Sure, it'll probably provide you with a cheap thrill for 10 minutes or so, but look any further, and you'll realise that this is just the chassis of a far better game.
Comments 54
and that's for those who still claim the quality of games on PS+ have not decayed
4/10 is generous.
"It wants to be Micro Machines, but it blends elements of Mario Kart and bland mobile racers into a misguided mess."
Yet another game with levelling and in game money upgrades. Totally unnecessary, totally mundane.
Installed it, played 3 races and deleted it. Never to be downloaded again.
Terrible controls, terrible soundtrack and boring in general
Having given it a go over the last day or so, it's thoroughly disappointing and way too easy.
There are some nice ideas but its let down by poor mechanics and AI that is a bit on the thick side. I even started to experience lag playing offline championships.
The only thing this has going for it is an easy Platinum, which may well appeal to those who are into collecting that way... Shame, had hoped for something a little more entertaining..
Agreed on everything above.
oh dear, that's not good, well at least we got Tropico to balance it out I suppose.
I don't think it's a bad game. Nothing special but I like its style and it plays okay (okay-ish at least). The tracks and the items could be a lot more inventive and there should be local multiplayer, but I wouldn't say it's a bad game. To be fair though, I've only played it for about half an hour.
You're right, It's fairly poor to be honest. I was looking forward to this one, but having had 4 or 5 goes, I don't feel the need to do it again. Shame.
Thank you for the review, saved me from downloading it , now i can foucs on better games that is actually worth my time and bandwidth.
Thanks Sony.
@DualWielding It's getting ridiculous now. Tropico isn't bad though
@themcnoisy Yup. Plays like a mobile game.
@Illusionistt No problem
And there is no couch co-op. Avoid.
Just had a quick go on this because the review surprised me as I'd heard good things about it, but I completely agree. Very slow and a real lack of identity.
I do think the YO! Sushi stage if a nice touch, though.
I'm never going to launch this game because I'm sure there's a trophy that pops right away, cementing this game in my trophy list at one percent.
@Lucienjohnpeters The lack of local multiplayer is the real deal breaker for me. I didn't think it was terrible...I would have given it a 5 or 6 out of 10...but it certainly wasn't anything special. I was hoping for something like BlazeRush, which can be a lot of fun with 4-player couch co-op. Instead, it's just a generic racer that doesn't add anything to the genre. I'll probably play it for another hour or so, then delete and only think about it in the future because Sony can't bring itself to give us folders to stash deleted games in.
Tried my freebie .... once ..... DELETED!!! Always wonder how much this kinda crap costs in money and effort to develop... surely it can't be worth it??!!!
@themcnoisy Simply not true. You don't buy coins in the game. Clearly you've not played it.
Pretty poor write up for what is actually a solid little racer, cars are great, handling is great and the gfx are lovely. Multiplayer is an absolute hoot with your mates. Single player is easy in the beginner championships, but can be bloody difficult in the later Expert ones.
I've just seen Sam Brookes profile on PushSquare....I do wonder if he was even born when Micro Machines was out.... Keep at it Sam, you might become a journalist one day son.
Aha. Someone who has played it. Hope you're enjoying it @torrorosso
@PlayriseDigital I meant you obtain in game cash which you then use to buy upgrades such as Handling, Acceleration and Tyres. The same template we have seen a million times.
I have 20% trophy completion and will probably see it out. If your playrise who make the game, its too generic - the game is extremely easy on some tracks (yo sushi) and more difficult on others for seemingly no reason (back to the 80s). Im more disappointed than anything as the graphics are great, the car models are also great and its a game I was looking forward too.
I actually clicked on the credits before and the pixelated portraits are pretty fun and you do have an email address for feedback. The base is there clearly, the game is just boring. Unlike something like Mario Kart, theres no personality between racers, some weapons are cool like the ice block - but the others are generic seen it before and done better. There is hidden depth in using boost to brake and round a corner at an angle rather than slowing down, but this is never explained. I just think the handling isnt up to scratch personally but you cant please everyone I suppose.
Sorry you didn't like it mate. It read like you were you were referring to microtransactions. See later guys, I'm off to play with the plenty of new fans that get it...
This is one of the better games to come out on PS Plus in bloody ages, you all need to unclench and allow yourselves to be entertained. It's a game, it's fun, it's not meant to be a life changing experience, leave all that for when you leave your Mum's house and have babies, or even do it for the first time. I think this is great, and you know what, Micromachines gameplay is stale compared to this..!!
To be fair it looks awesome, and in short bursts it's alright, but after ten fifteen minutes there's nothing inviting about it to make you want to stick around. I hate hammering games that developers clearly have spent ages on and stuff, especially from indie devs, but it's kinda just...ok.
For me anyway.
1 race and delete. Totally dull.
had great fun with it on the Vita and im enjoying it on PS4
@glassmusic i thought you could delete unwanted trophies..I believe it was one the early updates on ps4
On that note. ..i had already sent it to my ps4 to download automatically. ..about to cancel now
@tororosso Can you stop insulting other readers now, please? No one's a "virgin" - as you oh so eloquently imply - because they didn't like the game. No one needs to "unclench" - well, other than you, perhaps!
Some people like the game, some people don't - it happens.
Is it at least an easy Plat? Or it doesn't even have a Plat trophy?
@get2sammyb Joined four hours ago... that's an alt of what the PlayRise guy REALLY wants to say lol
@tororosso - Firstly, you seem to assume that because a journalist doesn't agree with your sentiments/opinion, they are unqualified, I call b****ks on that, and if i took an alternative opinion as gospel, i'd never write about football in my role, ever, which is far far more partisan than gaming ever has been.
As for unclenching and the "virgin" comments, you are an imbecile of the highest order, who obviously feels better by belittling others because they don't share the same common ground as you, sad really, I mean is it that difficult to argue an opinion without resorting to teenage insults or do you lack the capacity to engage with people that don't share the same opinion.
Never mind, i don't care for whatever crap you will respond with, just P**S OFF and leave what is a decent community to get on and do what it does....
engage in civilised conversation....
I've been enjoying this in short bursts (mind you I seem to be able to find value in most racing games) but I guess it could get tedious of played for hours on end. My daughter has been enjoying it too but has already started returning to Sonic and Sega All-Stars.
I couldn't make it through the first race. It was indeed dull, but mainly i found the soundtrack to be utterly awful. So unpleasant i turned it off and deleted the game.
@get2sammyb I suspect @tororosso is affiliated with @PlayriseDigital, given that he only joined a few hours ago to comment on this and insult those who don't like it.
This is yet another reason why mobile games should by and large stay where they belong, along with the quality being nowhere near the required starndard for consoles. This is one of the worst games I have ever played, it reminds me of early copycats of Mario Kart which sprung up on the ps1. Now the comments section looks like Google play when the developer and his friend feel the need to respond to every negative comment to argue the point that this game is great. Well sorry it's not and I don't remember Insomniac, Rockstar, Bethesda or any others ever joining in the comments sections to have a go at people.
At the end of the day the review is generous giving it a 4 and at least nobody has paid for it, this is a mobile phone game plane and simple and I can think of no more apt description for it
@Lucienjohnpeters @Number_6 So disappointing that literally no racers have couch multiplayer anymore. It's becoming a new trend that I'm really not a fan of.
@tororosso Just because I wasn't alive when some of the Micro Machines games came out doesn't mean I haven't played them - I played the hell out of V4 back on PS2, likewise V3. Also, I don't think insulting people is the best way to debate with them, just like you, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
@BowTiesAreCool @Bad-MuthaAdebisi @chiptoon I know what you mean. Like I said, it feels just too mobile-y for consoles. It's not a game to play for an extended period.
@AFCC The plat is pretty easy, yeah, but I doubt it'll be enjoyable. Shouldn't be too hard though!
@hi_drnick Yup. There are plenty of better racing games, but it's fine playing in short bursts if you're into that.
the game is not bad just lacking content i give it a 7 its fun and dont take it self serious
I was hoping this was going to be at least half as good as Sonic All Stars. Played three tracks, found drifting was impossible, deleted it. I think Pole Position has more depth.
1 race, didn't care for it but held on to it for the split screen that it apparently doesn't have so I can't see me playing it again now
I didn't think the game was great or anything, but I'm surprised at the hate its gotten. It's easy, but its fun. I'd give it a 6 or 7. I had previously played the Vita version, though, so I had a good idea what to expect.
Edit:. And that being said, I think Pushsquare's review of the Vita version is a much better review for this game, since it's basically the same game with a little more polish. I guess the Vita version gets a little more slack being on weaker hardware.
https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psnvita/table_top_racing
Edit Again: "Much better review" is being more harsh than I intended. This review is well written and there's nothing wrong with it. Reviews are opinions, and my opinion of this game more closely aligns with that of the reviewer who did the Vita version... there, that's what I meant. Yeah.
In my opinion TTR is an OK game, I finished it through to completion and got the platinum but deleted it afterwards as it has nothing to keep pulling you back in.
I'm a fan of micro machines, this ain't it lol! I think the real jarring thing was turning this game on after playing RL 24/7...wasn't sure if I had the wrong expectations or what...but the driving just doesn't feel right, wanted drift and handbrake, gravel, slick spots...physics were just weird. I think mobile game is probably a good descriptor, but idk I don't play those...won't be playing this either!
Id say the review is a tad harsh. Its certainly got its problems (online lag, funny collision detecton both on and offline) but the general speed and ideas around the game are executed reasonably well. Mario Kart or going back, CTR wasnt exactly blisteringly fast either lets be honest here.
The game is flawed badly though by an online MP which doesnt switch hosts if the host leaves and with the collision detection rather curious at times.. it can be frustrating. Thats before we even mention the lag which plagues quite a few lobbys. Its fair to say it could have done with some more dev time certainly.
Theres been a lot worse PS Plus games recently and at its core.. its not absolutely terrible, just doesnt execute the basics as well as it should..id say a 5 or 6/10 would be a fairer number.
A Ps4 port of Wipeout HD or Wipeout 2048 would have been great instead of this, in my opinion.
You can drift by upgrading your wheels (spend coins). You can even buy wheels that can make you bounce to collect coins that are out of reach.
The drifting doesn't feel as natural as Micromachines V3 for example (in my opinion the best 3d top down miniature racer) but still fun.
I really like the ice powerup that causes the car to freeze into an ice cube, and slide off the table, a nice touch.
What this game needs is couch co-op.
What a shame, was looking forward to trying this. Added it to my library but not sure I'll even download it now. Here's hoping for a Sega Allstars Racing arriving at some point to fill the void. Until then I'll just keep enjoying Mario Kart 8 on Wii U!
@DualWielding This was on there the same month as Tropico.....
Yeah i downloaded this for free too, and it didn't do musch for me either.
The problem is that it tries to replicate the Mariokart series but through Playstation Plus instead of through Nintendo Consoles but i would much rather play mario kart because that game is generally much more exciting and way more developed than this, wheras this game is an incredibly basic version.
It's not terrible, but it is quite dull really.
@tororosso is definitely affiliated with @PlayriseDigital and if they are really from the devs, absolutely disgraceful way to respond to comments! My respect for these guys have decreased a lot.
Now onto my opinion. I honestly think a score of 4/10 and the review is pretty harsh. No, it doesn't add anything new to the genre, it's not very creative or defining, it's very easy and the mechanics are a little stale but I still find it fun. I think 5 or 6/10 tops! It's honestly nowhere near as bad as some of the other comments have stated.
A decent freebie if nothing else! It gets tougher as the game progresses but nothing too challenging. I'll have the platinum in around 10 hours I expect...
Nick Burcombe here - and as far as I know, only I post on here from Playrise Digital. I'll ask around but I'm not aware of anyone from here posting on the boards except me. Thanks for jumping to our defense @tororosso, but we can take a bit of critiscism - it's not a problem. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.
having read the review I decided to download it anyway as its free...FREE..and you know what..i love it.i play it online with a couple of mates,my brother and my nephew and its bloody good fun.sure it has a few quirks and it could benefit from a few more tracks but its a fun title and it actually brought a bit of a grin to my face which had recently taken a pounding from the likes of dark souls 3 and salt and sanctuary..i cant help but think that sometimes certain gamers expect too much and just cant seem to let themselves go and enjoy themselves..
@tororosso echoed my thoughts somewhat and I think the negging is unduly called for.everybody has a right to express their thoughts and oppinions and it seems that we are now living in an age where if they do they are going to get insulted for speaking their mind.no doubt I will get the playrisedigital affiliation levelled at me for adding this comment but hey its what it is..
@tororosso I agree, very solid addictive racer, it has its own little charm and I'm having alot of fun with it. kind of think that as soon as a bad review comes up the bandwagon gets jumped on...well just my opinion.
Not a bad game, but not truly a great one either. Still worth the download I thought.
Glad you like it but next time watch the language -Tasuki-
Finally got around to this game and it's not bad, but it's not great either. It's fun in short bursts but I can't play this game for more then 30 minutes. It's a shame there is no local co-op as that would get me to play it longer especially when I have friends over.
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