Independent studio Sorpasso Games has recently unveiled a Steam page and trailer for their inaugural project, Ghosts of the Mountain Pass. Marketed as “a solo-player racing RPG set on the Italian Riviera during the late 1990s,” the title promises intense head-to-head street races, extensive car tuning options, and a rich narrative centered on unraveling the enigma of a legendary race from years gone by.
The racing duels incorporate a “distance is damage” system. Each participant has a health meter displayed at the top of the screen that diminishes when they trail behind. The greater the gap between vehicles, the quicker the trailing racer’s health depletes, making every moment critical for either closing the distance or preserving a commanding lead.
Triumphing in these duels grants access to car components from defeated opponents, enabling players to personalize and upgrade their vehicles akin to gear in a conventional RPG. While the game roster doesn’t feature any officially licensed real-world automobiles, the designs are said to draw inspiration from iconic models of the 80s and 90s. In a Reddit announcement, the developer noted they would concentrate on a Euro-centric lineup, while still acknowledging the culture’s Japanese roots.
The game’s engine is engineered to handle intricate calculations, delivering real-time physics-based handling as players navigate the seaside mountain roads of the game’s locale. Several accessibility options inspired by actual car assistance systems are planned to cater to players of varying skill levels.
Enthusiasts of Japanese racing games will likely recognize the title’s resemblance to Sega’s Initial D series of arcade racers, which stem from the well-known manga and anime franchise. Beyond its street-racing focus, the inclusion of comic book-style visual sound effects appears to be a nod to the distinct manga aesthetic of those games.
Fans of more obscure classics might also identify the narrative-driven “racing RPG” concept as closely mirroring Squaresoft’s Japan-exclusive PS1 game Racing Lagoon, an influence the developer has publicly cited. Moreover, Ghosts of the Mountain Pass’s cel-shaded art direction strongly echoes Capcom’s PS2 racer Auto Modellista, a cult favorite renowned for its striking visuals.
Although originating from Italy, the solo developer at Sorpasso Games clearly holds a profound appreciation for the Japanese street racing games and culture of the late-90s, seemingly aiming to infuse the modern era with the best elements of those titles via Ghosts of the Mountain Pass. Concurrently, the Italian backdrop and unique gameplay mechanics promise a fresh experience for players.
Ghosts of the Mountain Pass is currently in development for PC (Steam). The release date remains unannounced. The developer’s X profile offers ongoing updates on the game’s progress.