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Funselektor Labs, known for capturing the essence of beloved racing eras, has a knack for delivering top-notch games. They first wowed players with the JDM-inspired Absolute Drift in 2015, then impressed with the charmingly retro Art of Rally in 2020. Now, teaming up with indie studio Strelka Games, they’re diving into the world of Formula 1 with their latest creation, Golden Lap.
How Is The Game Different?
In a departure from its predecessors, Golden Lap shifts your focus from behind the wheel to the team manager’s seat. Imagine blending Grand Prix Story with Football Manager, all set in the wild 1970s era of racing. Back then, anything went: fan cars, six-wheelers, and sponsors like Penthouse and Durex were the norm. It was a time when one driver could have DNQ, DNF, and DSQ next to their name in a single race.
While it may not offer the same immediate thrill as Absolute Drift or the intense pulse of Art of Rally, Golden Lap promises an excitement level that might even surpass the real-life 2024 Formula 1 season. And don’t be fooled by its surface—there’s depth here that goes beyond first impressions.
Let’s Learn More About Golden Lap!
Golden Lap boasts the same sleek and polished look as Funselektor’s previous games, featuring clean and minimalist visuals that provide all the necessary information for making crucial data-driven decisions.
In the game, each season requires you to carefully allocate your budget among drivers, cars, crew, and sponsors. Then, you hit the tracks, refining your racing strategy through qualifying and main events, tweaking cars, and timing pit stops. In the downtime between races, you work on ensuring your car can keep up with the ever-changing landscape of 1970s open-wheel racing.
The game includes adapted versions of iconic circuits like Monaco’s Circuit de Monaco, Imola in Italy, and Circuito del Jarama in Spain. True to Funselektor’s style, they’ve taken inspiration from the past rather than opting for official licenses, a philosophy that extends to their team selection as well.
Let’s Wrap Up!
Dune Casu, the founder of Funselektor, expressed the team’s desire to venture into new territory while staying loyal to their love for racing. They aimed to pay homage to “one of the most legendary eras of motorsport, where excitement and danger were equally present.”
Casu hinted at a more immersive experience inspired by a time when “teams were pushing boundaries with designs, and drivers were known for their daring both on and off the track.” Who knows, maybe we’ll even see fan cars in the mix.
Golden Lap is set to arrive on Steam later this year, although there’s no word yet on whether it will be available on consoles or mobile platforms. However, judging by the success of Absolute Drift and Art of Rally, a port could very well be in the cards.
FAQs
What makes Golden Lap different from Funselektor’s previous racing games?
Golden Lap takes a departure from traditional racing gameplay, putting players in the shoes of a team manager rather than behind the wheel. Inspired by the wild 1970s era of motorsport, you’ll navigate the world of Formula 1, making strategic decisions and managing resources to lead your team to victory.
Can we expect any iconic tracks in Golden Lap?
Absolutely! The game features lightly adapted versions of renowned circuits like Monaco’s Circuit de Monaco, Imola in Italy, and Circuito del Jarama in Spain. These tracks offer a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of racing while providing a challenging backdrop for your managerial skills.
Will Golden Lap be available on consoles or mobile devices?
While Golden Lap is set to debut on Steam later this year, there’s no confirmation yet for console or mobile releases. However, given the success of Funselektor’s previous titles like Absolute Drift and Art of Rally, fans can remain hopeful for potential ports in the future, extending the thrill of 1970s Formula 1 to a wider audience.