Fast & Furious: Spy Racers Rise of SH1FT3R - Complete Edition is an arcade racing game available on PS4 and PS5. It draws from the Netflix animated series and centers on undercover racers battling the criminal group SH1FT3R through gadget-filled competitions on global tracks.
Gameplay
The core loop involves high-speed races where drivers navigate tracks with multiple routes and secret shortcuts. Players accelerate with the right trigger, brake with the left trigger, and use shoulder buttons to initiate drifts for tighter turns. Each character brings unique stats in areas such as maximum speed, acceleration, drift capability, and handling, which influence how vehicles perform on different surfaces like sand or ice.
Cars come equipped with spy gear that adds tactical elements. Items include superchargers for bursts of speed, paintball shots that obscure vision, mines, and spiked missiles that can spin out opponents. Character-specific skills further differentiate playstyles. Three difficulty levels adjust the challenge: Beginner Spy for easier handling, Licensed Spy for moderate competition, and Professional Spy for demanding AI behavior.
Tracks span five locations with varied environments, from tropical islands to desert dunes. The Complete Edition adds four Arctic-themed circuits with slippery conditions that require adjusted driving approaches. PS5 versions support DualSense features, faster loading, and selectable quality or performance modes for 4K visuals or 60 frames per second.
Game Modes
Spy Tournament serves as the main single-player experience. It structures 17 races across five missions, with the first four functioning as championships and the fifth delivering a final confrontation. Completing these events unlocks additional content and Yoka coins for the in-game shop.
Quick Race lets players select any unlocked track, adjust lap counts, and race against AI opponents with customizable settings. Multiplayer options include local split-screen for two players on the same console and online races supporting up to six participants, with AI bots available to fill lobbies when needed.
A tutorial mode covers basic controls and mechanics. The Yoka Shop provides access to vehicle skins, gear upgrades, and other unlocks earned through play.
Characters and Vehicles
Thirteen playable racers appear across modes, including core Spy Racers members such as Tony Toretto, Echo, Cisco, and Layla Gray. Opposing faction characters from SH1FT3R become selectable in Quick Race and online play once unlocked. Each driver pairs with a distinct vehicle that carries tailored spy gear.
The Arctic Challenge content in the Complete Edition introduces two additional drivers, Ms. Nowhere and Matsuo, along with corresponding vehicles and new gear options like the Energy Screen and Laser Cannon. Vehicle customization focuses on cosmetic skins and performance upgrades purchased with earned currency.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title targets fans of the Fast & Furious: Spy Racers series and players seeking straightforward arcade racing with light combat elements. The campaign delivers a concise set of races that emphasize gadget use and route selection over simulation depth. Multiplayer supports both casual local sessions and online matches with bot assistance for consistent availability.
Reception has been mixed, with praise for accessible controls and visual presentation alongside notes on limited overall content. The game runs smoothly on PS5 with cross-buy support for both console generations. It suits younger audiences or those looking for short, repeatable races rather than extensive progression systems.
Players who enjoy character-driven arcade racers with weapon mechanics will find the most value here, particularly when the Complete Edition bundles the extra tracks and drivers. Those preferring longer campaigns or realistic physics may want to try a demo or rental first to confirm the style matches their preferences.
