Karting Superstars is a must-try indie from Circuit Superstars devs, demo out now

Original Fire games, makers of unsung indie racing gem Circuit Superstars, are back at it with a karting title in Steam Early access.

Karting Superstars switches up the perspective from its predecessor's Micro Machines-like isometric viewpoint for a more traditional third-person follow cam, and it’s launched with a free demo on Steam.

Which means you get to sample the incredible sim-cade sweet spot that Original Fire is so good at finding. It’s karting, except you don’t need to sit in a dangerously unventilated warehouse on the outskirts of Swindon, patting down the busted velcro on a sweaty set of racing overalls and watching a disinterested teenager talking you through a safety DVD, and that alone is an enormous plus.

Online PvP racing and single player battles against dynamic AI are on offer, along with a surprisingly deep simulation of racing that includes the track surface rubbering up and offering more grip as the race progresses.

There’s a live spectator mode for online races this time too, so you can do your best impression of a pushy motorsport dad watching their disappointing progeny.

The demo gives you a feel for its finely crafted handling model, and it’s currently discounted on Steam if you decide to take the plunge and buy the Early Access version.