Bombastic Cars

Bombastic Cars is a fast-paced action racing game where players select from a variety of wild weapons, maps, and cars to engage in chaotic vehicular combat. Deploy outrageous attacks like fiery tornadoes that trap opponents, icy projectiles to stun them, and bombs to bombard foes in intense multiplayer battles.

Bombastic Cars: A Chaotic Symphony of Wheels and Weapons

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of vehicular combat games, Bombastic Cars (2017) stands out as a chaotic, weapon-laden arena where destruction is the only rule. Developed and published by the indie studio XOA Productions, this title blends the adrenaline of high-speed racing with the anarchic fun of vehicular mayhem. At its core, Bombastic Cars is a love letter to the golden age of arcade-style car combat, where the thrill of the chase is matched only by the satisfaction of reducing opponents to smoldering wreckage. This review will dissect the game’s development, narrative, gameplay, and legacy, ultimately arguing that while Bombastic Cars is flawed, it carves out a niche for itself as a frenetic, weapon-fueled escapade.

Development History & Context

XOA Productions, a small indie studio, crafted Bombastic Cars as a spiritual successor to classic vehicular combat games like Twisted Metal and Carmageddon. Released on November 3, 2017, the game arrived during a resurgence of arcade-style multiplayer experiences, a time when indie developers were experimenting with chaotic, weapon-based gameplay. The studio aimed to capture the raw, unfiltered fun of local multiplayer brawls, a sentiment echoed in the game’s emphasis on split-screen and online multiplayer modes.

Technologically, Bombastic Cars was built to run on mid-range hardware, with modest system requirements that allowed it to reach a broad audience. However, the game’s performance was inconsistent, with reports of low frame rates and technical issues plaguing early releases. These flaws hint at the challenges faced by small teams striving to deliver polished experiences on limited budgets.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Narrative is not Bombastic Cars’ strong suit. The game eschews storytelling in favor of pure, unadulterated chaos. There is no overarching plot, no memorable characters, and no dialogue to speak of. Instead, the game’s themes revolve around anarchic freedom and competitive mayhem. Players are dropped into arenas where the only objective is to outlast opponents through sheer force, cunning, and a well-placed weapon.

The lack of narrative depth is compensated by the game’s environmental storytelling. Each map—from a volcanic hillside to a frozen lake—evokes a distinct atmosphere, encouraging players to adapt their strategies. The “loft” map, where cars zoom around on sunbeds, adds a surreal, almost absurdist touch, reinforcing the game’s commitment to unbridled fun.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Bombastic Cars thrives on its weapon-based combat. Players can choose from an arsenal of absurdly powerful tools, including fiery tornadoes that lift opponents into the air, icy projectiles that stun, and bombs that rain destruction. The game’s core loop is simple: drive, shoot, survive. Matches are fast-paced, often lasting mere minutes, but the sheer unpredictability of weapon interactions keeps each round fresh.

Combat & Progression:
– Weapons: The game’s standout feature is its arsenal. Players can block paths with tornadoes, freeze foes with ice, or unleash area-of-effect bombs. Weapon variety ensures no two matches play the same.
– Vehicle Selection: Different cars handle uniquely, from nimble speedsters to heavily armored tanks. This diversity encourages experimentation.
– Progression: The game lacks traditional progression systems, focusing instead on immediate, session-based fun. However, future updates promised new maps, vehicles, and modes like Capture the Flag, though these were never fully realized.

UI & Controls:
The user interface is functional but unremarkable, with clear HUD elements that display health, weapons, and remaining players. Controls are responsive, though some players reported difficulty mastering vehicle handling, particularly in slippery environments like the frozen lake.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Bombastic Cars’ visual style is a mix of cartoony aesthetics and gritty destruction. The game’s six maps are visually distinct, from the industrial harbor to the otherworldly “weird, distant planet” arena. The art direction leans into absurdity, with cars careening off sunbeds in the loft map or dodging icy crystals in the alien landscape. The destruction physics are satisfying, with vehicles crumpling and exploding in exaggerated fashion.

Sound Design:
The soundtrack is energetic but unremarkable, featuring generic electronic beats that match the game’s frenetic pace. Sound effects are well-implemented, with the satisfying boom of explosions and the whir of tornadoes adding to the chaos. Voice acting is nonexistent, which is fitting given the game’s lack of narrative.

Reception & Legacy

Bombastic Cars received a lukewarm reception at launch. Steam reviews were overwhelmingly negative, with players citing performance issues, lack of content, and unpolished mechanics as major drawbacks. The game’s “Mostly Negative” rating (35/100 on Steambase) reflects these criticisms. However, the game found a small but passionate audience among fans of chaotic multiplayer experiences.

Influence & Evolution:
Despite its flaws, Bombastic Cars contributed to the resurgence of arcade-style vehicular combat in the late 2010s. Its emphasis on weapon-based mayhem influenced later titles like Havocado (2019) and Wreckfest (2018), which also blended racing with destructive gameplay. The game’s legacy lies in its unapologetic commitment to chaos, a niche that continues to appeal to players seeking pure, unfiltered fun.

Conclusion

Bombastic Cars is a flawed but fascinating artifact of indie game development. Its weapon-based combat is a highlight, offering moments of pure, adrenaline-fueled chaos. However, technical issues, lack of content, and an over-reliance on gimmicks hold it back. As a historical curiosity, it stands as a testament to the spirit of arcade-style multiplayer games, even if it never reached the heights of its inspirations.

Final Verdict:
Bombastic Cars is a chaotic, weapon-fueled romp that excels in short bursts but struggles to sustain long-term engagement. Its legacy is that of a cult favorite—a game that, despite its flaws, captured the essence of arcade-style vehicular combat. For players seeking a fast, frantic multiplayer experience, it offers a unique (if imperfect) thrill. For everyone else, it’s a reminder of the risks and rewards of indie game development.