Behind the Wheel: An Exclusive Look at "#DRIVE Rally" with Pixel Perfect Dude

Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the golden racing era of the 90s, "#DRIVE Rally" is not just another entry in the crowded field of racing games. Developed and published by Pixel Perfect Dude, this arcade-inspired rally-driving experience invites players to grab their co-drivers and burn rubber on iconic race-winning cars across a variety of terrains in some of the most iconic rallying locations in the world. Released on September 25, 2024, "#DRIVE Rally" aims to recapture the unadulterated fun of 90s arcade racing while introducing a slew of modern mechanics.

Image courtesy of Pixel Perfect Dude

In this exclusive interview, Dariusz Pietrala shares insights into the creation of "#DRIVE Rally," discussing everything from the game's retro inspiration to its innovative gameplay features.

Retro Revival and Inspiration

What specific elements from the 90s racing scene influenced #DRIVE Rally most significantly? How did you ensure these elements resonated with both retro enthusiasts and new players?

"I think that the thing that influenced the game the most is the fun factor. Racing games in the 90s were definitely more fun in terms of driving. We've spent a lot of time polishing the driving as much as possible to make it easy to pick up but also challenging. That should make the game fun in the long run."

Designing Diverse Landscapes

The game features a variety of racing environments, from Dry Crumbs to Revontuli. Could you share the creative process behind these distinct settings? What challenges did you face in bringing such diverse landscapes to life?

"The main challenge is to make it believable and fun at the same time. So what we do first is we check in real life locations. Then we watch some movies, and then some cartoons. And if we get enough references we try to mix it up to make it look like nothing you've seen in racing games before."

Gameplay Mechanics

The game employs classic arcade driving mechanics that are easy to pick up for beginners but challenging enough to keep seasoned players engaged. Multiplayer co-op mode allows friends to join the race, doubling the fun and chaos. With over 30 unlockable skins, players can customize their cars to match their style, making each race uniquely personal.

 Legendary Cars and Customization

What goes into selecting and designing cars that fit the game's 90s theme? How do customization options enhance the player's experience and connection to their vehicle?

"When designing cars we always look at the trends from a certain period of time. And then we mix it up. So you'll get cars that look max 90s. In #DRIVE Rally, on top of that, we're adding visual customization which can change the car's looks even more. And players will be able to pick some parts that they wouldn't even think would fit the car at first."

Dynamic Co-Driver System

Can you elaborate on how the co-driver system was developed? What makes your co-drivers more than just navigational aids?

"It's definitely more than navigational aids because it alters the standard pacenote system that you get in other games. So the mood of the co-driver depends on how you drive and that makes each run different. A small addition to the fun factor."

#DRIVE Arcade Mechanics

Your game combines accessibility with depth in its driving mechanics. How did you balance these elements to cater to both beginners and racing veterans?

"I guess we're gonna see how it worked out, but we tried to make the driving easy to learn. It should feel arcadey, so the car should react to every input. In terms of something for pros we've made the stages a bit more challenging than in usual arcade racers. So even if you learn how to drive fast you'll have to learn all the tracks to beat some better opponents."

Performance Optimization

How do you optimize #DRIVE Rally for various hardware specifications, ensuring smooth performance across a wide range of gaming systems?

"We always try to optimize early. We started #DRIVE on mobile so it wasn't that hard to be honest. We were using low poly from the beginning and then added some simple shaders and a few tweaks to the lighting. We've also played the game early on a mobile device just to see if it could run there."

Community Engagement

How does the #DRIVE community on Discord enhance the gaming experience? Are there specific community-driven events or features that have shaped the game's development or updates?

"Our Drivers from Discord always have some great ideas when it comes to cars. One of the cars is actually designed by one of the oldest moderators of the server, Sideways. In terms of features we're going to start doing that when we launch Early Access, so everybody should feel invited to help us make something awesome."

Integration of Racing Accessories

How do you implement and optimize the game's compatibility with external accessories like steering wheels and pedals? Can you explain the process behind ensuring that these devices provide a realistic and immersive driving experience for players?

"We're a super small team so we've used a tool for that. And we only tested on a handful of steering wheels. So at the moment we're sure it should work with most popular devices and if not you should be able to map anything really in the game's options menu."

Team Introduction

Could you introduce us to the team behind #DRIVE Rally? Who are the key players, and what roles do they play in the game's development?

"The team is only 5 but we've been creating this world for a few years now. At the moment I would say there's 2 devs (Paweł and myself), and 3 artists (Damian, Łukasz and Magda). But everyone wears a lot of hats really, mainly because we're also publishing the game and doing the marketing in-house."

Closing Thoughts
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about #DRIVE Rally or any upcoming projects or updates that fans can look forward to?

"We've got a lot of things planned for Early Access, also a lot of ideas. But we'll need a lot of help from the community, so join our Discord server and help us make one of the best rally racing games out there."

With its engaging co-driver system, meticulously designed environments, and deep customization options, the game promises both nostalgia and innovation. The developers' commitment to community collaboration and continuous improvement ensures that "#DRIVE Rally" will evolve and expand, thanks to the vibrant input from its players. We invite our audience to join the #DRIVE community on Discord to be part of this evolving journey, helping to shape the game into one of the finest rally racing experiences available. Be sure to check out "#DRIVE Rally," a highlight of our showcase, and stay tuned for more exciting developments from Pixel Perfect Dude.

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