Pixel Car Racer is a free game developed by Studio Furukawa that integrates side-scrolling and racing elements to create a unique virtual driving experience. Apart from participating in races, you can customize your vehicle in “GARAGE,” purchase or sell cars in “DEALERSHIP,” or drop by the “PARTS STORE” to buy rims and engines, to name a few.

Its robust vehicle customization is Pixel Car Racer’s strongest feature as the parts you install on your car can affect its performance during the race. On a side note, you’ll not see video advertisements on the screen—which is a major plus.

Pixel-style races

When you think of modern racing games, you think of those titles that boast eye-popping visual effects and immersive environments. However, players who want a non-graphics-intensive game should opt for Pixel Car Racer. As the name suggests, it features high-quality pixel graphics for a more nostalgic take on the racing genre. Tapping on the “RACE” allows you to choose between three modes: “DRAG,” “STREET,” and “STORY.”

To launch your vehicle, press and hold the accelerator on the right side of the screen. Meanwhile, you can change lanes by tilting your device from left to right and vice versa. Further, shifting between gears is done by tapping the plus and minus icons near the speedometer and RPM (revolutions per minute) gauge—though this is only applicable in “AMATEUR” difficulty. 

If you’re playing on “EXPERT,” the clutch button—which is beside the brake button—needs to be pressed while tapping either the plus or minus icons. Once you’ve shifted to your preferred gear, only then can you let go of the clutch. Playing in “BEGINNER,” alternatively, will not require gear shifts—great for learning the ropes of the game. Overall, the controls are difficult to master.

Become a true master of the road

A crossover between the side-scrolling and racing genres, Pixel Car Racer is proof that a racing game doesn’t need to have eye-popping graphics to be great. It’s a fun title that boasts not only three racing modes of varying difficulty but also a robust customization system for finetuning your vehicle. Also, the “BEGINNER” mode is helpful for learning the basics of the game. It doesn’t have annoying ad pop-ups, too.