Atari’s NeoSprint harks back to simpler times, 27th June

• NeoSprint is a new entry in the long-running Sprint series by Atari
• Top-down eight-player local multiplayer racing
• Track editor included
• Launches on all major platforms in June

Boney M. has topped the charts, Argentina won its first FIFA World Cup and Grease danced its way to box office success – also, a top-down arcade cabinet by Atari, Sprint 1, brought racing to leisure centre foyers.

That was 1978. Now 46 years later, the ‘Sprint’ series will be reborn with NeoSprint for contemporary machines.

While the originator was created by Kee Games, this year’s reinterpretation is being developed by Headless Chicken Games. Also unlike the 1970s, it won’t need a Motorola M6502 to run the game.

The upcoming isometric racer takes queues from its lineage, but also visually from present-day games, such as Circuit Supertarts – in fact, the post-race podium celebrations are analogous to that release specifically, and perhaps the current Forza Motorsport.

NeoSprint will see players racing, drifting and drafting around fantastical circuits in fictional cars. Nine unique vehicles designs will be available to test, with a suite of different colour options.

A main campaign mode has been designed to be the main time sink, although dedicated grand price, time trial and obstacle courses are also available.

The track editor is a distinct feature. Four biomes will be selectable, with the route and trackside furniture customisable. Jumps, ranks and banked corners can be included.

While online multiplayer is absent, local multiplayer supports up to eight players.

Following a period of early access for Atari’s own VCS console, the game will be released on 27th June 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.