Circuit Breakers
A Micro Machines–style racer with notable expansion pack support.
Circuit Breakers is a racing game released in 1998 for the PlayStation. It was developed by Supersonic Software and published by Mindscape, serving as the follow-up to Supersonic Racers. The game is notable for being the first—and likely the only—PlayStation title to receive expansion packs via demo discs included with Official UK PlayStation Magazine.
A PlayStation 2 remake, titled Circuit Blasters, was released exclusively in Europe in 2005 by Metro3D Europe.
The game received average reviews overall, according to the aggregation site GameRankings. Some magazines offered favorable previews before its release; Edge gave a positive review more than a month before the European launch. Next Generation recommended it highly, stating that players with a multitap and three friends should consider it a top priority. However, GameSpot gave the European version a negative review a few months before its U.S. release, and GamePro also criticized it, noting that the only fun came from the mildly entertaining multiplayer matches in this Micro Machines–style game. Despite mixed critical reception, Official UK PlayStation Magazine included Circuit Breakers on its official list of the top 10 PlayStation games of all time.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Circuit Breakers
- Developer
- Supersonic Software
- Engine
- RenderWare (PS2)
- Publisher
- Mindscape
- Platform
- PlayStation
- Released
- UK · 10 July 1998 · NA · 2 September 1998
- Genre
- Racing
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Circuit Breakers was released in 1998 as the follow-up to Supersonic Racers. It received average reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings. Some magazines gave it favorable reviews while it was still in development; Edge gave it a favorable review over a month before its European release. Next Generation said, 'If you possess a multitap and three willing friends, this game should be at the very top of your "must buy" list.' However, GameSpot gave the European version a negative review a few months before it was released Stateside, and GamePro gave it a negative review, stating, 'The only fun to be had with this Micro Machines–style game is in the mildly entertaining multiplayer matches.' Official UK PlayStation Magazine included the game on their official top 10 PlayStation games of all-time list. A remake for the PlayStation 2 was released in Europe only under the name Circuit Blasters in 2005 by Metro3D Europe.
Reader's Guide
Circuit Breakers holds a unique place in PlayStation history as the first (and possibly only) title on the platform to receive expansion packs through Demo discs distributed with Official UK PlayStation Magazine. This distribution method allowed players to extend the game without a traditional retail expansion. Its reception was mixed: while some outlets praised it during development and highlighted its multiplayer appeal, others criticized it as a shallow Micro Machines clone. The game's inclusion on Official UK PlayStation Magazine's top 10 PlayStation games of all-time list suggests a lasting appreciation among its audience, despite average aggregate scores. The European-only PlayStation 2 remake, Circuit Blasters, indicates continued interest in the franchise, though it did not achieve widespread recognition. The game's legacy is tied to its multiplayer focus and its unusual expansion pack strategy, which set it apart from other racing titles of the era.
Did You Know?
- Circuit Breakers is the sequel to Supersonic Racers.
- It was the first (and possibly only) PlayStation title to receive expansion packs through Demo discs released with Official UK PlayStation Magazine.
- A PlayStation 2 remake, Circuit Blasters, was released in Europe only in 2005 by Metro3D Europe.
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