Circuit Superstars is a top down racing game with a tactile arcade physics model, pitstops, and a pure motorsport approach. It includes 16 categories that span different styles and eras of motorsport.
Players consistently praise the game's physics engine for delivering a realistic, "sim-like" feel to the driving. You can clearly feel the weight and grip of the various vehicle classes, where a nimble hatchback handles quite differently from a powerful open-wheel racer or lumbering Euro Truck. The game strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility and depth, allowing newcomers to pick up the basics quickly while offering a high skill ceiling for more experienced players to master.
The game features over 12 distinct vehicle classes, each handling in its own unique way. Mastering the characteristics of a lightweight rally car requires a vastly different approach than piloting a heavy, powerful Le Mans prototype. This variety provides a sense of progression as you unlock new vehicle types and learn to adapt your driving style accordingly.
An integral part of the gameplay is managing tire wear, fuel consumption, and damage during races. You must strategize when to make pit stops, balancing the need to change tires, refuel, and repair your car against the time lost in the pits. This strategic element adds depth, as you must consider the trade-offs between speed and efficiency to optimize your performance.
The AI-controlled drivers exhibit professional-level racing behavior, forcing you to be precise in your driving to stay competitive, even at lower difficulty settings. The AI's competence encourages you to continuously improve your skills and racing lines to overcome this challenge.
While the single-player content is relatively light, you can still experience a sense of progression through unlocking new customization options for your cars and drivers. The weekly time trial events also provide an ongoing challenge, as you compete to set the fastest lap times and climb the global leaderboards.
Many players highlight the excitement of the online multiplayer experience, where you can compete against human opponents from different platforms. The cross-platform support heightens the sense of competition and camaraderie within the community.