Formula Fusion (PC) Review

It is perhaps with unfortunate timing that Formula Fusion arrives right around the same time as Wipeout: Omega Collection. That former Wipeout devs would get together to create a spiritual successor to the series, only for remasters of some of the best it has to offer to hit shelves for PlayStation 4 can't have gone down too well with those at R8 Games. That said, Omega Collection not being on PC might still just work in Formula Fusion's favour.

Since the Wipeout influence is no secret, the bar is pretty high for R8 Games. The elongated designs of Formula Fusion's ships bear striking resemblance to those of its "cousin," and the tracks themselves definitely have that same urban visual style that The Designers Republic implemented into the Wipeout titles the company previously worked on. Few complaints can be had for the graphical side of the game, although more skins instead of colours would be appreciated for the ships.

In an ironic sense, though, Formula Fusion looks to have released out of Early Access far too soon. Not only would delaying things have been better in the longer term due to Omega Collection taking away from this game's current limelight, but it would have given the chance to iron out the numerous bugs and add more content that currently makes Formula Fusion look pretty bare.

A lack of game modes and just eight tracks in total makes for an extremely limited game. Trying to make out there is more on offer by proclaiming night and reverse variants of the maps isn't going to fool anyone, even though it is naturally a positive to provide these as unlockables. A single-player campaign with varying difficulties incorporates different modes, such as simply finishing in 1st place, an elimination where the ship in last place at the end of each lap is ejected, and being tasked with setting the fastest lap. The elimination can last a lengthy time with 10 racers, meaning just as many laps need to be raced. These modes are welcome, though, and the ability to play single races without items is an appreciated one to ensure it is players' driving skills that are tested. It is just unfortunate there isn't much more when looking beyond the campaign and individual races.

Customisation plays a pivotal role in determining the strengths and weaknesses of ships. Credits can be spent to purchase new cards that can be applied to ships that boost certain stats or place certain items that become available during races into their builds. The result is a small selection of machines in favour of players creating unique loadouts to fit their vehicles with. It has mixed results in the end, as only certain weapons will pop up when items are picked up in races, and the high defence of machines can mean a weaker loadout immediately puts players at a disadvantage when the weapons they have can't defeat them. Generally, a larger range of ships with individual stats and making use of all weapon types during races is a preferred setup, but it does set Formula Fusion apart from other games of its ilk.