# Retro Racing vs SpecialEffect's Open Drive

The clearest difference is price: SpecialEffect's Open Drive at Free against Retro Racing's $1.99. SpecialEffect's Open Drive also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). Retro Racing's advantage is chart position (#141 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

SpecialEffect's Open Drive is free to download; Retro Racing costs $1.99 up front. Retro Racing sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SpecialEffect's Open Drive asks for nothing beyond the download.

Retro Racing ships an update every 21 months, SpecialEffect's Open Drive daily. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Retro Racing | SpecialEffect's Open Drive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (92 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-racing/id436151675/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **92** | — |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#141** | — |
| Size | 9 MB | 1.9 GB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mr Qwak Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/374029019) | [specialeffect.org.uk Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1669029929) |

## What reviewers say

### Retro Racing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-racing/id436151675)

**Currently charting:** #141 Top Paid · Racing (US App Store)

Experience thrilling top-down racing with classic arcade-style gameplay. Choose your vehicle, collect power-ups, and master racing lines to outmaneuver opponents and cones at breakneck speeds. Enjoy silky smooth 60FPS action and a two-player split-screen mode.

**Highlights:** Choose your car, Collect power-ups, Master racing lines, Avoid obstacles, Two player split-screen, 60FPS action

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Car Pack | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Smooth gameplay
- 🚀 Responsive controls
- 💎 Addictive and fun
- 🕹️ Authentic retro feel
- 🎨 Great visuals and aesthetics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤕 Uncomfortable hand position
- 🔍 Lack of track map
- 🚗 Limited car and track selection
- 🔒 In-app purchases required for competitiveness

**Reported bugs**

- Acceleration issues
- Data loss/reset problems

**Requested features**

- More tracks and levels
- Landscape mode option
- Permanent car upgrades
- Championship/tournament modes
- Online multiplayer


### SpecialEffect's Open Drive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/specialeffects-open-drive/id6745784913)

Experience driving across diverse worlds with customizable controls, including eye gaze, touch, mouse, switch, controller, or keyboard. Explore, collect orbs, and master jumps with adjustable game speed and optional auto-steer.

**Highlights:** Multiple input methods (eye gaze, touch, mouse, controller, keyboard), Four distinct driving worlds, Collectible orbs and challenging jumps, Adjustable game speed, Optional 'Auto Steer' mode, Precise and Classic control schemes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Retro Racing free?

Retro Racing costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is SpecialEffect's Open Drive free?

SpecialEffect's Open Drive is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Retro Racing or SpecialEffect's Open Drive have ads?

Neither Retro Racing nor SpecialEffect's Open Drive shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Retro Racing or SpecialEffect's Open Drive?

Retro Racing ships an update every 21 months, and SpecialEffect's Open Drive daily. Most recently, Retro Racing was updated on October 24, 2026 and SpecialEffect's Open Drive on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*