Killer Loop, or as the cool kids call it, MagForce Racing (not to be confused with MagSafe, which is for charging your devices, not racing them) is a futuristic racing game that hit the streets on PlayStation back in 1999. Fair warning: while it aims for high-speed thrills, it sometimes feels more like it's stuck in the garage with a flat tire. Strap in as we take an in-depth look at its characters and story arcs-oh wait, there aren't really any characters (cough cough)-and dive into the nitty-gritty of this neon-lit racing jaunt that has left many gamers wondering why they didn't just grab a real steering wheel.
The gameplay of Killer Loop is exactly what you'd expect from a futuristic racer trying to emulate the likes of Wipeout while lacking the finesse. Players navigate high-speed, wall-riding tracks that are more twisted than a pretzel (and not the good kind). If you're looking for a gripping narrative in the vein of Final Fantasy, you may want to turn back now. Instead, expect fast-paced racing where landing on the track feels almost as rare as finding a unicorn. There are vehicles to choose from, but each has the personality of a soggy cardboard box. There's a career mode that's thinner than a slice of stale pizza-and not nearly as satisfying-but hey, at least there are some unlockable tracks and vehicles, which is just enough to keep you hooked... for about an hour or two... if you're lucky. Prepare for lots of laps, chaotic shortcuts, and the vague hope that maybe, just maybe, you might become the race champion... if you can keep your vehicle from flipping off the track like a soggy pancake.
Graphically, Killer Loop is like that kid in high school who tried to dress up for prom but ended up wearing jeans and a t-shirt instead. It aims high with vibrant colors and futuristic designs, but everything feels just a bit dated in the rearview mirror of modern gaming. Characters, or what little representation of 'characters' there may be, seem to float around with as much personality as a wet sponge. You might find some flashy effects sailing by at breakneck speed; if you blink, you might just miss them! The graphics don't exactly scream 'next-gen'; instead, they whisper 'remember when this was cutting-edge?' Nevertheless, the overall visual style does keep certain aspects of its charm, like a vintage car with a bit of rust that still gets you nostalgic.
Killer Loop is a curious gem of the late '90s, an ambiguous mix of thrills and spills that tries to recapture the magic of futuristic racing but often finds itself spinning out of control instead. The game delivers on some levels, mostly in the nostalgia department and fleeting moments of adrenaline, but it fails to provide anything truly memorable! If you're looking for an exhilarating ride and meaty character arcs, it might be wise to keep searching. However, if you enjoy a good lazy afternoon racing against AI that feels like they've had too much coffee, then grab your joystick, and dive into this quirky gem! Just don't say I didn't warn you when you find yourself thinking, 'This feels like it needs a sequel!' Spoiler: it probably does, but let's leave that in the past, shall we?