I’ve been more than a little excited to see the digital market taking off. While getting games digitally is neat and all, it’s been more about the independents finally able to shine in a market that’s been largely held by the larger developers. This lets developers think outside the box and brings freedom of ideas that only benefits us, the consumers.
In particular, the Steam Store seems filled with some independent gems, one of which caught my eye as it made me relive the joy of F-Zero GX. How does Race the Sun stack up against other indie titles? Is this the ultimate in fast-paced racers?
Gameplay
When I’m looking for a game, I’m looking for a challenge, something that can test my reflexes. Luckily for me Race the Sun did just that. Not only is the game a challenge, it’s in the sweet spot of “simple enough for you to pick up, but insanely difficult to master”, providing that always-wonderful replay value.
Now the game is certainly challenging as it offers a unique spin on the racing style. You’re not racing anyone else; you’re racing the sun itself (yeah I know, clever name). As you attempt to make it through the obstacles of each level, the sun slowly sets. This not only makes it difficult to see where you are going, but your ship just so happens to be solar powered.
Luckily for you, the tracks are strewn with power-ups to help keep that sun going. Yellow power-ups raise the sun in the sky. Green power-ups give you the ability to jump (which you will need). And white triangles help keep your multiplayer score accumulating, as long as you don’t crash into anything.
What impresses me most about Race the Sun is its ability to make a game both simple yet fun. The overall presentation makes it really easy to start playing and still extremely tough to master. You may sit down for “just a quick 20min” game and find that you spent upwards of an hour instead.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmjAg0e_YYU[/youtube]
Graphics
While the graphics aren’t the most hi-rez, in-depth engine, they have unique style. Race the Sun feels clean and clever. Most of the shapes on the game are polygons with some pretty neat lighting effects, kinda like Tron without the black contrast. Instead, a clean white vibe predominates that really shines – especially as you watch the sun start to go down and shadows start piping. The framerate is extremely smooth, which gives the game a real fast pace nature.
Sound
Race the Sun’s sound department has been simplified as well. There isn’t really that much in the music area or sfx, just a standard song that seems to loop. While the song is pretty entertaining and I could instantly hear in my head without playing the game, I would enjoy a couple of tracks to this title, especially as the game difficulty increases.
Sound effects are pretty much the same, nothing special but certainly nothing to complain about. They serve their purpose and match the games overall atmosphere.
Overall 8.0
What a surprise this game became. After just watching a trailer and hearing peoples’ reactions, I knew Race the Sun was something interesting. But I didn’t expect to become this addicted!
Race the Sun has the potential of really being something competitive and very fun to play with friends. Overall, I would recommend this title to gamers seeking an unusual challenge.