Cranks and Goggles
" Challenging vintage racing game with skillful physics and unique atmosphere but buggy AI and crashes "
Cranks and Goggles Review
Cranks and Goggles is a charming top-down racing game set in the 1920s and 1930s Grand Prix era, featuring stylized polygonal graphics and a jazzy soundtrack that immerses players in the vintage atmosphere. The game emphasizes realistic physics and challenging car handling, requiring players to master throttle control and precise driving techniques. Many players appreciate the unique aesthetic, sound design, and the distinct personality of each car, enhancing the nostalgic experience.
However, the game is noted for its steep learning curve and sometimes frustrating difficulty, especially due to limited visibility caused by fixed camera angles. Several users report AI glitches, occasional crashes, and a lack of polish in areas such as sound effects and track clipping. Multiplayer mode exists but suffers from low player activity. While the content is somewhat limited and the career mode short, the developers remain responsive, and the game holds strong appeal for enthusiasts willing to invest effort in mastering its mechanics.
Highlights
Players praise Cranks and Goggles for its unique vintage art style and period-appropriate jazz soundtrack, which create an authentic 1920s racing atmosphere. The challenging and physics-driven car handling is appreciated for its realism and depth, offering a rewarding experience once mastered. The variety of cars, each with distinct driving characteristics, and diverse tracks add to the gameplay richness. The game also features a balanced difficulty between arcade and simulation, and the AI is considered competitive when functioning properly. The multiplayer mode, though quiet, is regarded as a good addition for enthusiasts.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the limited visibility due to fixed camera angles, which hampers players' ability to anticipate track hazards and leads to frustration. The AI pathfinding issues cause opponents to get stuck or behave erratically. Several players mention frequent crashes and bugs, including sound glitches and graphical clipping. The short career mode and limited soundtrack reduce replay value for some. Controls are described as awkward initially, and some players find the physics unforgiving. Multiplayer suffers from low player counts, and some desired features like local multiplayer, camera options, and damage modeling are missing.
Pros
- • Unique vintage 1920s-30s racing atmosphere with stylized graphics and jazz music.
- • Challenging physics-based car handling rewarding skillful driving mastery.
- • Distinct cars with individual handling and upgrade options enhance gameplay.
- • Varied tracks with different surfaces provide engaging racing challenges.
- • Balanced difficulty between arcade fun and realistic simulation aspects.
- • Competitive AI opponents add intensity when functioning correctly.
- • Responsive developers actively addressing bugs and improving controls.
Cons
- • Fixed camera angles limit visibility, causing frustrating blind spots on track.
- • AI pathfinding bugs lead to opponents getting stuck or behaving unnaturally.
- • Frequent crashes and sound glitches disrupt gameplay experience.
- • Limited soundtrack and short career mode reduce long-term engagement.
- • Controls can feel awkward and unforgiving for new players initially.
- • Graphical clipping and visual hiccups detract from polished presentation.
- • Multiplayer suffers from low player population and lack of local mode.
Rating Criteria
Cranks & Goggles is a top down racing game set in the roaring 20s. The game’s engine utilizes real physics in order to mimic the unstable (and quite dangerous) nature of the period’s automobiles.