Inertial Drift

 Switch
Inertial Drift Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

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  • Summary: Forget everything you know about drifting. Set in a 90s retro future, Inertial Drift is a 1v1 arcade racer with a devastatingly unique handling model and unbelievably satisfying twin-stick drift mechanics. Inertial Drift offers a whole new level of accessibility and challenge to the arcadeForget everything you know about drifting. Set in a 90s retro future, Inertial Drift is a 1v1 arcade racer with a devastatingly unique handling model and unbelievably satisfying twin-stick drift mechanics. Inertial Drift offers a whole new level of accessibility and challenge to the arcade racing genre - for a driving experience genuinely unlike any that you've had before. … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Sep 8, 2020
    90
    Inertial Drift is gorgeous. More than just a racing game, it’s a set of systems for player expression, putting them right in the shoes of a hotshot rookie on the warpath to becoming a drifting master. Although the controls are complex on paper, they’re easy to pick up and feel natural within minutes. Especially for those who love the idea of racing games but are burnt out on the methodical, perfectionist nature of modern racing sims, Inertial Drift is a wonderful throwback to an exciting, stylish era.
  2. IGN
    Sep 25, 2020
    90
    Inertial Drift is a hugely refreshing arcade racer. Its drift stick in particular is an incredible conceit; a glorious arcade racing fantasy that nonetheless helps give the handling real nuance and depth. Learning to master each vehicle is challenging and satisfying, and the courses themselves deliver memorable corner after memorable corner. Inertial Drift is a high speed, white knuckle ride, and a sweet gift for arcade racing fans.
  3. God is a Geek
    Sep 10, 2020
    80
    Though the twin-stick controls can be a little imprecise on Switch, it feels no less fantastic when you nail a run in Inertial Drift. It’s a wonderfully unique racer.
  4. NintendoWorldReport
    Oct 8, 2020
    75
    Despite some concessions being made to the Switch version of Inertial Drift, there were few performance issues beyond the resolution. Slight frame drops at the start of every race are a curiosity that disappears quickly, but I did have one complete crash. Overall, the gripes with Inertial Drift that I had hold it back from realizing its full potential. Nonetheless, most issues can be overlooked when the sheer enjoyment you'll feel hitting the perfect drift line is undeniable. With a robust amount of content and a rarefied local multiplayer, this is an easy recommendation for fans of the genre.
  5. Nintendo Life
    Sep 11, 2020
    70
    Inertial Drift is an acquired taste. Its interesting control method eventually pays off and feels rewarding when you simply complete a course unscathed, but none of its modes are meaty enough to provide an solid package overall. If you're the type who has no issue with racing over and over again to perfect your skills, this could be a game for you. Fans of more conventional racers, however, may want to drift around it.
  6. The Indie Game Website
    Sep 8, 2020
    50
    Inertial Drift follows in the footsteps of Joy-con drift, meaning it has its issues. The game has great visuals, music and the drifting mechanic is a game-changer but it’s barebones gameplay apart from that makes this a game you’ll get bored of just as quickly as you learn to love. With some more refining, the ability to play against more racers and better and more varied game modes, this game could really be improved. I really wanted to like this game but for now, I’ll be keeping my eye out for an Inertial Drift 2.
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  1. Eurogamer
    Sep 8, 2020
    Inertial Drift has its quirks - that drift mechanic won't be to everyone's tastes, and I can imagine a fair few bouncing off this hard after they've spent one lap too many bouncing off walls, while the lack of clipping in competitive races can also seem a little odd. Personally, though, I get why you're allowed to drift through other racers like they're ghosts. Inertial Drift is about you and the road, pure and simple. It's about placing this novel twin stick drifting in your hands and letting you explore its nuances, and exploit the potential in each car and each apex until you edge further up the leaderboard. It's just about the most stylish, thrilling racer I've played in an absolute age. [Eurogamer Recommended]

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Basty_15265
    Aug 7, 2022
    9
    This game is the most interesting arcade racing game ever seen, with the difficulty of itself being the innovative twin-stick driving model,This game is the most interesting arcade racing game ever seen, with the difficulty of itself being the innovative twin-stick driving model, and not the tracks themselves, which can get straightened, especially with the switch in portable mode, but other than it's still a great game if you don't mind the lack of content (even with a new free expansion/DLC to the game with new tracks and cars to race)… Expand
  2. DIQLIQOMEGA
    Sep 14, 2020
    9
    As a lover of racing games, I've always found i always lean heavily into drifting. Be it need for speed, Forza Horizon or even WipeOut, I'veAs a lover of racing games, I've always found i always lean heavily into drifting. Be it need for speed, Forza Horizon or even WipeOut, I've always found myself focusing on going sideways around a corner so I can keep up my top speed than to find the perfect racing line. Inertial Drift made me feel like this was to be rewarded, and to be focused on. The controls for each car are almost entirely different, built around the same core mechanics and yet all so wildly different. Some require you to brake to initiate a drift, others require you to pump the gas, some don't need any input other than the right stick. Each car is unique, and some may be better suited for the large amount of tracks than others. Set in five different areas, there are a myriad if different obstacles, be it a simple tight corner, a hairpin bend or even just some snow or sand that could send you spinning off into the side of the track. Inertial Drift is a beautifully crafted, meticulously designed little game that deserves a play if you want a simple, and yet surprisingly complex game to play if you want to experience what it feels like to go around a corner at 130mph without becoming a human/car hybrid pancake against a guard rail.… Expand
  4. Kacek1996
    Sep 12, 2020
    8
    So I played the story mode twice as different people (first I played as Ada, then Edward and now I started the run as Ibba) and I would likeSo I played the story mode twice as different people (first I played as Ada, then Edward and now I started the run as Ibba) and I would like to say THAT EVERY CAR FEELS DIFFERENT AND THAT IS A GREAT THING!! Also, Ibba run started my struggle (his car is so different..). I would like to share my opinion from my gameplay I experienced so far. The controls system seems nice and fresh, after 10min controls felt great (until I played as Ibba), it was smooth and frustrating as well. Graphics may not be 10/10, but it gives the atmosphere of the futuristic 90s arcade racing game. However, the music was quite off.. But the sound of the engine and drifting are good. I'm definitely going to unlock everything and play it more (until a better (in my opinion) arcade racing game releases). After unlocking everything I will use this game to confuse as well as to compete with friends in the local multiplayer. Also, I cannot speak about the leaderboards and online versus mode, since I do not have a NSO, but if they work they might be a great experience!… Expand
  5. TheBlueSkeleton
    Sep 15, 2020
    6
    If you’re looking to burn 2/3 hours or if you’re a die-hard Initial D fan, you’ll love this. Its gameplay feels refreshing and extremelyIf you’re looking to burn 2/3 hours or if you’re a die-hard Initial D fan, you’ll love this. Its gameplay feels refreshing and extremely satisfying once you’ve got the hang of it. I give it 6/10 though because there isn’t enough content in terms of game modes and tracks to keep you coming back. The adventure mode’s “story” is also quite horrible to be honest.… Expand