The Nitro Edition of Table Top Racing: World Tour comes with the three-year-old game’s DLC, plus the action and mini mayhem of the original title. Ports have been some of the most impressive games on the Switch, so does Table Top Racing: World Tour – Nitro Edition enter itself in that category?

Overall, the game is not bad. In fact, it looks worse than it plays when browsing it in the Nintendo eShop. There are a lot of things that the game has going for it, starting with the tabletop environments. These cars are literally like the toys children play with. The imaginative races that kids come up with on top of dining tables and couches come to life in this game, and it is fun.

The problem is that, visually, nothing pops. The Switch is capable of much better graphics than this, and the visuals are nothing special. In fact, looking at screenshots are likely to deter you from the game. Which brings me to my next point: this is not a $30 game. Sure, the DLC from the original is included, but for what purpose does one pick up a game like this? Unlockables and fast gaming sessions. Both are there, but not in a way that makes you look forward to playing the game. At $15, I’d say this game is considerable for racing fans.

The issues I have with racing games like this are the lack of control you feel behind the wheel. Arcade racers can feel chaotic and frantic without sacrificing tight steering. Likewise, turns are a bit of a hassle thanks to the improper responsiveness of the vehicles available in Table Top Racing: World Tour. At 60 FPS, you can literally see your car skirt out of your control on turns. Plus, the item system utilized in the game is lackluster, with no memorable power-ups. A good thing about the items is you can aim them, which is a nice touch.

Every course in Table Top Racing: World Tour feels like it should be another minute or so long. You can play Championships to see and drive every course in a recognizable game mode. Special Events also add some difficult aspects to the race if things feel easy after finishing a Championship. Otherwise, the game relies, like most racers, on audience enjoyment. Compared to Gear Club or Mario Kart, you’re not going to enjoy this game more, so that means things are always going to feel a little empty.

Let’s make it simple: at a lower price point, this game could satisfy the mini-car racer itch. Such a specific interest, however, is either nostalgic for games like Micro Machines, or a childhood fantasy you’d like to live out. Toy cars are imaginative when in the hands of a child, but here, they’re just fine. Not fine enough to get me back on the table top any time soon for a race or two.

A Nintendo Switch copy of Table Top Racing: World Tour was provided by Greenlight Games for this review.

Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Table Top Racing: World Tour

$29.99

5.5

Score

5.5/10

Pros

• Tabletop Environments are Inventive
• Harmless, Tolerable Driving Mechanics

Cons

• Overpriced by About $15
• Not Enough to Keep Attention
• Drives Like Any Shovelware