Review: SkyDrift

You’re probably busy right now playing big titles like Modern Warfare 3, Battlefield 3, Skyrim, Batman and so on. There were so many big titles that launched this quarter that when you look at the news and reviews you hardly ever get to see anything else besides those big titles and all their marketing schemes. It seems somehow unfair as there are still other games out there that are very much worth playing.

Today, all of that is about to change as we look at a new comer to the Steam platform from developer Digital Reality, SkyDrift.

SkyDrift

Ever played Mario Kart? How about Chocobo Racing back in the days of the first PlayStation? If you had didn’t you wish that there was a similar game featuring planes? Well if you did, then put a big smile on your face right now as your wish just came true with SkyDrift!

The game was originally released on Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network last September 7^th and has now found its way into Steam. Featuring an aerial combat arcade style, the game lets players experience the feeling of having Ace Combat like controls and the ability to trash other racers using six kinds of power ups that include missile, machine gun, shockwave, mine, shield and repair power up.

There are three unique game modes available: Power Race mode, Speed Race mode and Survival mode. In Power race mode, players must maintain the lead until the end of the two lap race by using all the available power ups they can get their hands on. It’s the default mode and the first one you will encounter when you first start playing the game.

The Speed Race mode involves navigating through speed rings that are placed all over the course. Strategy and timing is crucial in this mode as going through so many without considering the upcoming corner could lead to a crash while being too careful and avoiding many rings could lead you to being left behind by other players.

Last is the Survival mode which is my personal favorite. It’s the mode that continuously eliminates the last player until there is only one left. It adds thrill to the race as players will be forced to perform mayhem and trash the planes in front of them before the elimination timer runs down. There’s just no relaxing in this mode as for all you know, the guy behind you may just be waiting for the clock to reach 3 seconds before it starts shooting you and permanently evict you out of the race.

The game also features an online eight multiplayer mode where you can take on your friends or other players to see who has the better flying skills.

Let’s now go deeper and discuss three important factors for the game: Visuals, Gameplay and Fun!

Visuals

Upon launching the game for the first time, I was in awe for the very dynamic environment. The courses were very well thought of that when playing the game for the first time, you’ll find yourself getting surprised after every corner. There are even falling debris caused by some power ups that got me curious as to whether they would crash my plane or not, leading me to try and just ignore them. The result after is a crashed plane and two more places behind lead.

There are also some good scenes at every course that adds to the excitement of the game. It never gets boring as you feel like you’re really in a very wide open environment which I think is one of the best strengths of the game. But of course you still have to stay within the course. Deserters not allowed.

Gameplay

Gameplay is pretty much basic. You race and while doing it, you try to trash your opponents. But as basic as it is, there’s also an addicting side to it. Playing through the campaign was enough to get me hooked for several hours but I can’t help but feel that it would be much more fun if you’re actually playing with other players online. Ok let’s just leave that for the fun factor.

Another interesting thing about the gameplay is the sensitivity of the controls. It doesn’t really feel like you’re playing a simple aerial race game. It feels much more like you’re trying to master the art of flying a plane while having the additional challenge of winning a race.

When it comes to power ups, the game allows players to stock two kinds at one time while allowing each of those to be upgraded a level higher by picking up a similar kind. Among the six available power ups, I personally prefer the machine gun and missile power up as it gives you the feeling of a real dog fight where you hunt and shoot down your enemy.

The only suggestion I have for the power ups is the addition of a third level that could perform large scale damages or even larger area of effect.

The game also has a very quick recovery system that lets you get back on the race immediately after a crash. If I remember it right. It only takes about two seconds or maybe a little less before you’re back to flying and shooting down hostiles again. Also, for those who are always concerned about their rear, the game allows players to look back but I really wouldn’t recommend doing it frequently as I have said earlier, the courses are pretty tricky.

Fun

The game is fun! Enough said. Sure it doesn’t come with all the sophisticated story-telling and hundreds of available playable plane models but who needs it when all it does is be redundant.

Right from the start of the game you can already tell that you’ll be thrown into an exciting race. It just has that old school arcade feel that you used to have back in the days of arcade games like Daytona USA (kids do your research).

There is also a built-in reward system that includes 15 badges that each contains 3 levels and 26 medals that should be enough to keep players busy trying to achieve them. In addition, the game already has two available DLCs; the Extreme Fighters pack and the Gladiator Multiplayer pack that should give out more challenge to players who are looking for more content.

Score

8.0/10

The score is based on the fact that SkyDrift, for its genre proved to be really good. Of course when compare to other big titles it would probably be scored lower but we’re not doing that. We’re seeing the game as it is and for us the game has proven itself.

So for those who want a break from playing too much FPS and RPG games, try SkyDrift!