Rally Arcade Classics Review: The Precision & Chase Update (Xbox Series X|S, PS 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC)

When Rally Arcade Classics sped onto the gaming scene in July, it carved out a unique space in the crowded racing genre. With its heartfelt nod to the 90s arcade rally era and a surprising depth of modern mechanics, it became an instant hit for players craving both nostalgia and precision. 

Now, just a few months later, Spanish indie studio NETK2GAMES has floored the accelerator with the Precision & Chase update. This is a free content drop that transforms an already stellar game into something even more addictive. Available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC, this update introduces fan-requested features, refines the core experience, and comes paired with a 50% discount for one week, making it the perfect time to jump into the driver’s seat.

So, what exactly does the Precision & Chase update bring to the table, and why is it such a game-changer for Rally Arcade Classics? Let’s peel out and explore every corner of this exciting release.

A Love Letter to Rally Racing

To understand why this update is such a big deal, it’s worth revisiting what makes Rally Arcade Classics so special. Developed by NETK2GAMES, a small but passionate team from Spain, the game is a vibrant tribute to the golden age of arcade rally titles like Sega Rally or V-Rally. It captures the raw, unfiltered joy of those 90s classics, vibrant visuals, tight controls, and that “just one more run” itch, while layering in modern polish to appeal to today’s gamers.

At launch, the game offered a robust package: 44 iconic cars spanning the 70s, 80s, and 90s, from boxy classics to sleek rally legends; a license-based progression system that challenges players to earn their dream rides through skill; and a variety of modes including: Tour, Arcade, Rally, and Weekly Events to suit every playstyle. Whether you’re a casual player looking for quick thrills or a seasoned racer chasing perfection, the game delivered. Most reviews gave it a 4/5, praising its “smooth, addictive rally action” and its ability to balance accessibility with depth.

But NETK2GAMES wasn’t content to coast on that success. By listening closely to community feedback on forums, social media, and platforms like Steam and X, they identified ways to make the game even more engaging. The result is the Precision & Chase update, a love letter to fans that adds new layers of control, competition, and community connection while keeping the retro heart of the game intact.

Manual Transmission

The crown jewel of the Precision & Chase update is the introduction of manual transmission mode, a feature that fans, especially hardcore racing enthusiasts have been begging for since launch. Up until now, Rally Arcade Classics relied on automatic gear shifting, which kept the game accessible for newcomers but left some players yearning for a more hands-on experience. With manual mode, NETK2GAMES delivers exactly that, putting players in full control of every gear change.

This addition fundamentally changes the driving dynamic. Shifting gears manually adds a layer of risk and reward to every corner, straightaway, and hairpin turn. Nail a perfect shift, and you’ll rocket out of a corner with a satisfying burst of speed. Miss one, and you might bog down, losing precious seconds. It’s a thrilling challenge that rewards practice and precision, making every race feel like a test of skill.

What’s particularly impressive is how NETK2GAMES handles this on the leaderboards. Recognizing that manual shifting is inherently more demanding, the developers have separated manual and automatic times in the rankings. If you post a blistering lap using manual transmission, it’ll be marked as such, giving you the recognition you deserve without unfairly overshadowing players who stick with automatic. This thoughtful approach ensures fairness and inclusivity, a balance that many racing games struggle to achieve. It’s a nod to the purists while keeping the game welcoming for everyone.

A Revamped Interface for Precision Driving

To support manual transmission, NETK2GAMES has given the game’s interface a significant overhaul. The old speed bar, while functional, was a bit too minimalist for players chasing perfection. In its place, the Precision & Chase update introduces a new speedometer display that’s both practical and visually striking.

For manual drivers, the updated interface is a game-changer. It prominently displays speed and RPMs, giving you the critical data needed to time gear shifts perfectly. The RPM gauge, in particular, adds a layer of immersion, letting you feel the engine’s roar as you push it to the redline. 

Meanwhile, automatic players get a simplified version of the UI that keeps the focus on fun without overwhelming them with extra details. This dual approach ensures that the game remains approachable for casual players while giving dedicated racers the tools they need to fine-tune their performance.

This UI refresh might seem like a small tweak, but for anyone chasing leaderboard glory, it’s a massive upgrade. The added feedback and precision bridge the gap between arcade simplicity and simulation depth, making every run feel more rewarding.

Fueling Friendly Rivalries

If Rally Arcade Classics was already hard to put down, the Precision & Chase update makes it borderline irresistible. The game’s online leaderboards have been completely revamped, turning what was already a competitive system into a dynamic, social experience. The new features include:

• A friends list that lets you track up to 25 other drivers. This transforms the leaderboards from a sea of anonymous names into a personal battleground where you can challenge your buddies directly.
• Improved filters that let you view rankings by global position, the top 10, or just your friends’ scores. Whether you’re aiming for worldwide domination or just want to one-up your friend’s best time, it’s easier than ever to find your place.
• Manual vs. automatic distinctions, ensuring fair competition across playstyles.

These changes don’t just make the leaderboards more functional but gamify the competitive experience. Suddenly, every race feels like a chance to climb a rank, beat a rival, or perfect a manual run. It’s the kind of update that keeps players coming back day after day, chasing that next personal best.

Passion in Every Detail

Behind every great indie game is a team with a clear vision, and NETK2GAMES is no exception. Co-founder Salvador Casamiquela summed up their mission eloquently:

“We spent two years pouring our hearts into Rally Arcade Classics, blending the best of classic and modern racing to create something accessible yet deep for fans old and new.”

This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the Precision & Chase update. By adding manual transmission, refining the UI, and enhancing leaderboards, NETK2GAMES is staying true to its goal of bridging eras and playstyles. 

They’re not just catering to casual players who want a quick rally fix or to hardcore fans who live for precision they’re building a game that speaks to both. It’s a delicate balancing act, and the team pulls it off with aplomb.

Building a Lasting Legacy

In free updates, video game developers show their love and devotion to the game. They view the updates as promises. The new features in NETK2GAMES for ‘Rally Arcade Classics‘ as in the ‘Precision and Chase’ update reflect this perfectly. 

With features like the interface, manual transmission, improved transmission interface, and manual leaderboards, they add ‘non-bullshit’ reasons for players to play the game and go for that perfect run. They are not just adding frivolous bells and whistles to the game.

Inclusivity of the update is commendable. It is the perfect blend of manual driving modes and automatic driving modes. It doesn’t matter if the players want to just have a relaxed drive, or for the people that look to do the most hardcore driving. The limited-time offer with 50% discount is icing on the cake.

In comparison with the bigger titles like Forza and Gran Turismo, for Rally Arcade Classics, this show of devotion serves enough to still retain the spark of the game. The game updates in a safe and calculated manner, and retains it’s heartbeat for younger players. It also proves that the game updates in a safe and calculated manner, and retains the heart of the game for older players.

Verdict

The Precision & Chase update isn’t just a content patch. It’s a bold statement from NETK2GAMES that Rally Arcade Classics is here to stay. By introducing manual transmission, a sharper UI, and leaderboards that spark friendly rivalries, the developers have taken an already great game and shifted it into overdrive. 

It’s still got that nostalgic 90s vibe, but now it’s packed with the precision, competition, and replayability to keep players hooked for months. For anyone who loves the thrill of rally racing or just wants a fun, rewarding arcade experience, Rally Arcade Classics is now an easy recommendation. The tracks are calling, the gears are waiting, and the chase is on.