Resistor: An Open World Vehicular Combat RPG with a Personal Touch

Resistor, a racing game that bills itself as “a racing game for people who don’t like racing games,” offers a unique twist on the genre. Rather than focusing solely on tracks, time trials, and cars, Resistor prioritizes the relationship between the player and their pit crew. This narrative-heavy driving game aims to create a personal connection between the player and their crew, as they navigate a post-disaster world filled with fast-paced and violent racing.

While narrative-driven driving games have been around for some time, such as the atmospheric Jalopy and the action-packed Need for Speed: The Run, Resistor distinguishes itself by incorporating an RPG-like dynamic. In the full game, players will have the opportunity to spend time exploring their current home, an oil rig-esque metal tower in the desert, and interacting with crew members and acquaintances. These interactions can eventually lead to the formation of a squad of friends, reminiscent of the Mass Effect series, but without the romantic relationships.

Although the demo of Resistor did not showcase this RPG aspect extensively, it did offer a thrilling and enjoyable racing experience. The game encourages players to go fast, take risks, and engage in aggressive driving tactics, such as slamming their bumper into competitors to cause explosive collisions. Resistor features dedicated buttons for performing 360-degree sideways flips and incorporates a boost system similar to Burnout, which rewards dangerous driving with a turbo meter for additional speed or impressive flips.

In terms of vehicular combat, Resistor draws inspiration from Burnout’s fender-bending car melees, rather than traditional combat mechanics with missiles and miniguns. The emphasis is on exaggerated, almost cartoonish attacks, where a car’s rear bumper can slam into opponents with enough force to detonate them instantly.

While the intense vehicular combat may seem at odds with the game’s focus on relationship-building, there could be a clever integration of the two elements. Winning races can become a high-stakes endeavor if the player’s success directly affects the well-being of their character’s mother. Additionally, fostering strong bonds with teammates may result in improved car performance, demonstrating that the personal and racing aspects of Resistor are not entirely separate.

Resistor already showcases a significant amount of heart, evident in its attention to detail, such as the character creation menu. Players will see their adult avatar reflected in their younger self’s childhood bedroom mirror, surrounded by racing trophies and triumphant podium photos. This juxtaposition creates a sense of realism and depth, setting the stage for a compelling narrative experience. It suggests that Resistor’s social side won’t be an afterthought but an integral part of the game, complementing its intense and exhilarating racing gameplay.

Overall, Resistor offers a promising blend of open-world exploration, vehicular combat, and meaningful character relationships. With its unique approach to the racing game genre, Resistor has the potential to captivate players who may not typically enjoy racing games, offering a compelling experience that goes beyond merely fast cars and tracks.