Lonely Mountains: Downhill

Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a superb example of a simple idea executed to absolute perfection.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill is one of those prime examples of a game so simple in its concept but executed so well. There’s a constant force pulling you back in for one more death-defying ride that fans of the Trials series will be no stranger to. Unlike Ubisoft’s loud and goofy rider though, Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a beautiful experience – often times tranquil – that proved an obsession of mine for weeks, the call of the mountain too strong to drag myself away.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill feels very much at home on the Switch, and as such comes with our full endorsement, even if you haven’t already experienced it on another format.

Extreme sports come to Nintendo Switch thanks to Lonely Mountains: Downhill. Descending a mountain has never been so addicting and satisfying. If you like extreme sports simulation games and even if it is your first time with this type of titles, we recommend this challenge.

The few performance issues aren't enough to keep Lonely Mountains: Downhill from being a must-have for Switch owners, whether a racing fan or not. The result of this masterful mix of the beauty and serenity of nature, and the gripping challenge of extreme mountain biking, is a genuine classic, one with an insane replay value hidden behind its simple concept.

An exquisite bike racer-cum-trials game with tight controls, varied courses, and uniquely zen-like presentation. At once calming and demanding, Lonely Mountains: Downhill looks and feels like no other game on the eShop. Barring one or two disappointing technical issues, it's an absolute freewheeling delight.

Not since Paperboy on the NES have I been so infatuated with a title revolving around bicycling. By having all the trails locked behind the completion of challenges a strong sense of accomplishment provides the motivation longer play times. Whether you enjoy the tranquility of a nice ride through a beautiful forest, or the adrenaline rush of flying down a hill at breakneck speeds, Lonely Mountains: Downhill is the type of game that can make time float away like a leaf in the breeze of a sweet Spring morning.

Whether you’re pedaling down tight paths with little margin for error, catching air off natural stone ramps, or getting a quicker than expected reprieve by cruising over a railed bridge, Lonely Mountains: Downhill delivers a challenging, yet remarkably calming, experience. Don’t let a few miscues prevent you from checking this one out; it’s a game worth mastering.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill has so much going for it that you can’t help but love it. Vibrant, varied, and victorious. It’s an outstanding example of indie development and a delight from start to finish – performance issues aside.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a new, minimalist kind of extreme sports experience. Whether you’re popping on for a quick run or spending longer riding across numerous mountains, Lonely Mountains provides a challenging but ultimately relaxing experience.

Thanks to its varied routes, marvelous audio environment and well designed difficulty curve, this work will have the player trying over and over again until the downhill course is finally cleared...only to then be given a more difficult route to cross. A unique challenge that more than deserves its praise and attention.

One of the best video games to ever be based around cycling, with the stylised visuals and pitch perfect controls creating an impressively immersive experience.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a fantastic game. You don’t need to be into bikes, mountains, or sports to enjoy it. The simplicity of riding down a mountain trail, even when you’re trying to beat your personal best time, is an oddly relaxing experience that you can zone out to wherever you’re playing. The short trails are perfect for quick sessions on a commute or while you’re out and about, but there’s definitely potential to sit and play for hours at a time.

There’s no shortage of weird little games on the Nintendo Switch. Whatever brief escape you’re seeking out, you’re certain to find it on this system. Cycling down a series of hills may not immediately catch your eye, but it should. Sometimes a single mechanic is a blessing, in that it inspires a narrow degree of perfection. On the other hand, there’s a very good chance this game just isn’t for you. But! On the off chance the confluence of bikes and bodily harm pings something deep in your guts, you won’t be disappointed. The controls, the game feel, and the level design all come together to bring you peace of mind in the strangest way. Let Lonely Mountains: Downhill take you away, and you’ll be deeply satisfied with the trip.

When Lonely Mountains: Downhill works, it works pretty well. It’s far from perfect, but if you want a game that captures the zen of cycling, it mostly does a decent job of that.