Later this year, Atari's revamped Mad Max-inspired racer, Fatal Run, is set to arrive, boasting a noticeable influence of Burnout in its post-apocalyptic genes.
Ready to Rev up Again?:
I wasn't too excited when I heard about Atari reviving Fatal Run, a post-apocalyptic racing game from back when Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome was relatively fresh. The original Fatal Run was a niche title, released on the dying embers of the Atari 2600 in Europe[4]. But, the trailer for the new edition, titled Fatal Run 2089, caught my eye with its Burnout-inspired vibe[2].
MNSTR Studio is taking the reins on development with Unreal Engine 5, promising high-quality graphics and smash-em-up speed[5]. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in 2089, encompassing a sweeping fantasy landscapes across four diverse regions[5]. Much like the original, your goal is to outrace other competitors while delivering a vital energy solution known as ARCs[2].
The roads are far from empty, though. Enemy racers will do their best to stop you from reaching your destination[4]. Interestingly, the ARC you're transporting gradually deteriorates over time, acting as a built-in timer, but you can replenish it by pulling off impressive driving maneuvers and taking out other racers[4].
The game is designed with variety in mind, with 20 levels featuring branching paths, hidden shortcuts, and dynamic events to keep you on your toes[4]. Environments range from Mad Max-style deserts to cyberpunk cityscapes and eerie gothic castles[2].
One standout feature is the sense of speed and destruction, which recalls Criterion's golden age of racing games[2]. For example, when you slam an enemy into a barrier, the camera zooms in on the ensuing explosion in Burnout 3 fashion[2]. Some elements, like the static character cutscenes, appear somewhat budget-conscious[2]. But, with Atari now under new management, who have been making positive noises in recent years[3], let's hope they iron out those rough edges.
Fatal Run 2089 seems like a welcome breath of fresh air in the racing genre, which often gets bogged down in unrealistic physics and simulation-focussed games like Assetto Corsa[1]. While there's no official release date just yet, the game is expected to hit consoles and PC later this year[1].
Embrace the chaos and prepare for some high-octane fun!
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Rick LaneA life-long fan of PC gaming, Rick first discovered the thrill of digital combat at the tender age of seven, accidently stumbling upon Doom during one of his dad's office visits[1]. From then on, he devoured games like Quake, Thief, Half-Life, and Deus Ex. Over the years, Rick became a regular in the games journalism scene through his work as games editor at Custom PC magazine and associated website bit-tech.net[1]. Now, he brings his passion for first-person shooters and immersive sims to PC Gamer!
- Fatal Run 2089, the revived post-apocalyptic racing game, is being developed by MNSTR Studio with Unreal Engine 5, offering high-quality graphics and fast-paced action.
- The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world in 2089, featuring four diverse regions with Mad Max-style deserts, cyberpunk cityscapes, and gothic castles.
- Improving driving maneuvers and defeating other racers can replenish the ARC you're transporting, serving as a built-in timer.
- With enemy racers and a deteriorating ARC to contend with, Fatal Run 2089 promises a thrilling, high-octane gaming experience, a welcome breath of fresh air in the racing genre.
