Slipstream – A Tasty Slice of Modern-Retro Racing

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of new games is probably the latest blockbuster. However, not all gamers are looking for a game they can beat with their thumbs while waiting in line at Starbucks. In fact, more and more gamers want something fresh and new as opposed to just rehashing generic ideas from previous titles. Slipstream appeals both types of players—with its modern graphics but classic feel reminiscent of old-school racing games like Burnout Paradise or WipeOut 2097.,

The late 1980s and early 1990s were a period of transition from 2D to 3D, and we saw some of the finest racing games during this time. Outrun is one of the games from that period that most people remember, and what I’m going to say next will undoubtedly surprise you. While a current Outrun game has yet to be released, Slipstream is one such game that blends the best of both worlds and gives a modern-retro experience for both old and new gamers. Slipstream is a brilliant racing gem created by a single developer. We drift over stunning circuits and recapture the joy of vintage racing in this overview of Slipstream’s Xbox release.

Slipstream comes with a variety of game types to choose from. Depending on your mood, you may play six solo games and four sofa co-op modes. Aside from the standard Single Race and Time Attack modes, there is also a Battle Royale option in which you must defeat a competitor before the level finishes or be removed. You may also play the Grand Tour option, which requires you to finish five linked levels while defeating adversaries. There is a time constraint, so you must finish the level before the clock runs out.

Another two modes are Cannonball, which is a rally-style series of linked stages, and Grand Prix, which includes five unique stages and is point-based, with the victor being the player with the highest points at the conclusion of the series. The Grand Tour is perhaps the greatest option in the game, since it is the most enjoyable and is heavily influenced by earlier racing games from the 1980s and 1990s. It’s also a great way to pass the time because the gameplay is nonstop. You get to select the next level at the conclusion of each level, and the transition between them is excellent.

Slipstream has stunning vintage visuals that show off the developer’s dedication to the project. The game runs on its own proprietary engine created by the title’s sole creator, Sandro Luiz de Paula (ansdor). Slipstream plays at a constant 60 frames per second for a buttery smooth experience, which I like since the game’s quick action necessitates at least 60 frames per second. The game’s unique engine recreates the sprite scaling visual methods used in the 1980s and 1990s, resulting in an incredible nostalgic experience. Slipstream is visually stunning, and having previously played the PC version, I am a huge fan of the game’s graphics.

Slipstream’s strongest feature is undoubtedly its gameplay, which has a distinct vintage feel to it. When you first start playing it, it will immediately transport you to the early racing games of the 1980s and 1990s, such as Outrun, where you must drift to turn and pass opponents in order to win races. Your aim in the game is to win, which you may do by combining two key gameplay features. Slipstream and drifting are two examples.

You must clearly drift to turn, but in order to attain peak speeds, you must carefully follow other racers in order to benefit from an unique boost called as slipstream. In this mode, you’ll share incoming air pressure with the racer in front of you, which you may exploit to your advantage to attain maximum speeds that would otherwise be impossible. Slipstream and drifting are both vital in Slipstream, so you’ll need to master them both if you want to win.

R2 accelerates your car, whereas L2 brakes it and is also utilized for drifting. Drifting requires releasing the accelerator, tapping the brakes, then swiftly pressing the pedal again. This may seem simple, but depending on your vehicle’s handling characteristics, it might be simple or quite difficult to learn. Failure to drift will lead you off the road and into the sides, resulting in a collision. However, you have a rewind tool with which you can simply rewind and remedy your errors. This is useful in a variety of scenarios, but it is restricted, and you cannot misuse it.

You may drive one of five basic cars in the game, each with its own set of attributes. Before you choose your car, you should pay attention to three key performance specifications. Acceleration, speed, and handling are the three. Top Speed influences how fast you can pass competitors, acceleration decides how quickly you can get back up to speed after a collision or accident, and handling dictates how quickly you can begin drifts and change directions to enter new bends. Because each vehicle has its own characteristics, you must adapt to them. Each vehicle has its own approach, so it all comes down to personal preference.

Depending on the game mode, you may also alter and personalize cars to fit your preferred gaming style. Grand Prix, on the other hand, is the only gameplay option that allows for automobile customisation. Aside from that, you’ll have to stick to cars with pre-determined stats. To make gaming easier, the game provides a variety of parameters that you may adjust to create a unique experience. You may choose between Manual Drifting and Automatic Drifting, which is the game’s major difficulty level. Manual drifting necessitates the use of both brakes and acceleration, but the Automatic setting allows you to drift just by turning.

Aside from that, there are three classes to pick from: Light, Medium, and Heavy. Light has a low peak speed but quicker acceleration, while Medium is a mix of the two, and Heavy has a greater top speed but slower acceleration. Overall, the game has a lot of options for customization, and if you get the settings just perfect, you can enjoy the greatest vintage experience on a contemporary platform. To get even more out of the already cool-looking vintage images, you may tweak visual filters like pixelated, CRT, and NTSC. When it came to the Xbox version, I was unhappy to see that the game did not support Quick Resume. Every time I returned to the game, it resumed.

The Bottom Line:

Slipstream is a racing game that pays homage to the classic racing games that we all grew up with. It’s tough, features pixelated graphics, and an amazing music to listen to while you wander around its numerous tracks. What I appreciate most about Slipstream is that it retains the hard gameplay of early races while simultaneously making it incredibly accessible to current players with amazing 60 FPS crisp gameplay, allowing everyone to enjoy this fantastic game at their own speed. If you like racing games, I suggest giving Slipstream a try on the Xbox since it works nicely with the controller. It’s also a great title for anybody looking for a new challenge while having some throwback fun.

8.5/10 for the overall performance.