Lonely Mountains: Downhill

 Switch
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 56
  3. Negative: 10 out of 56

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  1. Scottview
    Mar 31, 2021
    9
    This is an impeccably designed game and one of the best skill based/racing games I have ever played, hands down.

    That being said, this is definitely not a game for everyone, which is clearly reflected in the mixed user scores. As an aside, to me at least, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Why we have to live in a time where in order for a game to be considered "good" it has    This is an impeccably designed game and one of the best skill based/racing games I have ever played, hands down.

    That being said, this is definitely not a game for everyone, which is clearly reflected in the mixed user scores. As an aside, to me at least, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Why we have to live in a time where in order for a game to be considered "good" it has to have universal appeal is beyond me. Not every game has to be some hand-holdy semi to fully open world loot based action RPG.

    Anyways, in order to get the most out of this game, you have to be at least somewhat interested in replaying levels to improve on your best times, and have a willingness to find new shortcuts and secret routes. I'm someone who isn't normally into replaying levels and memorizing levels (especially so), but this was a challenge I welcomed in lonely mountains, likely due to the lack of any particular guidance or markers and the possibility of shortcuts, many of which aren't even specifically laid out by the level, to shave off precious second.

    As someone who has spent a lot of their life skiing and in the mountains, this game NAILS that perfect balance of feeling in control but also being at the mercy of your environment. Pulling off a good run in Lonely Mountains is one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had in gaming.

    This game is an absolute audiovisual delight too. The relaxing sounds of nature and simple visuals serve as a great contrast to the difficult twitchy gameplay, and in spite of the challenge I found this game to be quite relaxing. One of the best things about the branching levels in this game is how it essentially lets you play each level at your own pace. You CAN have a hyper obsession over level memorization, always wanting to improve your times, but sticking to the trails and going at your own pace is also incredibly engrossing in a sort of cathartic and relaxing way. While finding the best routes and getting the best times requires memorization, following the marked trail to completion does not require much memorization. I think its this fact and the open endedness of the levels that made me enjoy the level memorization metagame within Lonely Mountains, when level memorization is a trope in game design I typically don't like at all.

    This game is a masterclass in game design and I'm tempted to give it a 10/10, but some niggles with the performance on switch bring it down. Specifically, while it was quite rare, from time to time the games visuals would freeze for a few seconds while the action kept going behind the scenes, and in a game like this that demands constant attention, when this happened it would more often than not lead to a crash. Very frustrating and unfair. I should stress though, this is a rare occurrence.

    Long story short, if you think this is a bad game, you either just suck at it, or its not for you (alright, that's probably not entirely true).

    Anyways, Ii this game seems remotely appealing to you, I really think it is worth trying out. Thankfully, there is a demo out now for those who are curious.    … Expand
  2. estuart
    Apr 11, 2021
    9
    Instant classic in my opinion. The controls are great and the way the bike carves is beyond satisfying. The exploration and flexibility in this game is amazing. Besides the occasional skipped frames, I’d say this is an awesome pickup for anyone who is semi-interested. I was sold after the demo.
  3. JennyBaron
    Jan 5, 2021
    9
    Discovered it on accident. Such an underdog really. Took me totally by surprise! I haven't expected so much fun from such a simple game :D
  4. Pete112
    May 13, 2020
    9
    When I first tried this game, the controls felt dreadful and the frame rate choppy. I felt I had completely wasted my money and scored the game 0 in anger.

    I still maintain that the switch is capable of running far more graphically demanding games without freezing. Despite all this, after persevering I have to say that this is one of the most fun games I have ever owned. The feeling of    When I first tried this game, the controls felt dreadful and the frame rate choppy. I felt I had completely wasted my money and scored the game 0 in anger.

    I still maintain that the switch is capable of running far more graphically demanding games without freezing. Despite all this, after persevering I have to say that this is one of the most fun games I have ever owned.

    The feeling of carving and sliding through the trails at blinding speed is unlike any other racer and you really feel a sense of accomplishment when you start to shave seconds of your times.

    I dont often change my mind about reviews but am so glad I stuck with it.    … Expand
  5. sonicpulsar
    May 9, 2020
    10
    Absolutely fantastic and Perfect for the Switch, both handheld and Docked modes. The vibration on the joycons also provide a great sensation.
  6. Kopis
    May 10, 2020
    9
    It's a fun game for everyone. Casual gamers will enjoy either the zen-like nature of going down a mountain or how funny it is when you miscalculate a jump and fall from a great height, and more experienced gamers will enjoy the tough but fair challenges of getting down the trail without crashing or beating a specific time. Although the game sometimes suffers from framerate drops and lacksIt's a fun game for everyone. Casual gamers will enjoy either the zen-like nature of going down a mountain or how funny it is when you miscalculate a jump and fall from a great height, and more experienced gamers will enjoy the tough but fair challenges of getting down the trail without crashing or beating a specific time. Although the game sometimes suffers from framerate drops and lacks a more robust bike customization feature, Lonely Mountains is a fantastic experience that everyone should try.… Expand
  7. rdekoch
    May 25, 2020
    8
    I love this game. Its got an unusual camera for this type of game but it works with this game. Don’t expect the camera to remain fixed on your bike as is the case with most racing games. It’s pleasing to the eye and wallet. It’s a game I think I’ll be playing for a long time. Unlocking a new trail is genuinely exciting. I haven’t near reached completion but so far it’s an absolute blast.I love this game. Its got an unusual camera for this type of game but it works with this game. Don’t expect the camera to remain fixed on your bike as is the case with most racing games. It’s pleasing to the eye and wallet. It’s a game I think I’ll be playing for a long time. Unlocking a new trail is genuinely exciting. I haven’t near reached completion but so far it’s an absolute blast.
  8. Tacet
    May 13, 2020
    8
    I’d not heard of this game, and being a fan of rally games I thought why not? Beautiful! So glad I found it. There are some occasional frame rate drops but nothing serious and only once has it caused an unavoidable crash. There is a certain peace when you feel you can slow down and just enjoy the nature sounds - so glad there is no soundtrack. Depending on the challenge you’re doing youI’d not heard of this game, and being a fan of rally games I thought why not? Beautiful! So glad I found it. There are some occasional frame rate drops but nothing serious and only once has it caused an unavoidable crash. There is a certain peace when you feel you can slow down and just enjoy the nature sounds - so glad there is no soundtrack. Depending on the challenge you’re doing you certainly don’t get punished when you crash, and by the time you get good, then the shortcuts and such are so satisfying, especially with the soundeffects of gravel on tyres. The controls have taken a little getting used to, but once my head was around it it’s just like learning any other control scheme. Only gripe is the occasional perspective based errors as there are points where I’d actively look and land not where I’d expect (usually with jumps). Great game.… Expand
  9. nusco
    May 20, 2020
    9
    Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a low-budget sports game that dares to go places–both literally, and in a figurative sense.

    Racing games are normally about learning the track. By contrast, this game is all about ignoring the beaten path and exploring the shortcuts. You might turn your shoulders to the track and jump off a scary cliff, dropping recklessly in a matter of seconds to a    Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a low-budget sports game that dares to go places–both literally, and in a figurative sense.

    Racing games are normally about learning the track. By contrast, this game is all about ignoring the beaten path and exploring the shortcuts. You might turn your shoulders to the track and jump off a scary cliff, dropping recklessly in a matter of seconds to a waypoint that would otherwise take you half a minute.

    The gaming loop in Lonely Mountains is also the opposite of a traditional racing game. Instead of shaving a few fractions of a second out of a long race, you're hooked into very quick “die often, repeat instantly” loops that remind you of masocore indies like Super Meat Boy.

    The innovative mechanics of LM:D would be enough to make this a compelling little game. Add a beautifully crafted environment, with minimalistic graphics and sound that create a peaceful atmosphere to temper the frustrating difficulty, and you get one of the best titles of 2020.    … Expand
  10. FoxyChalet
    Jan 21, 2022
    10
    This game is relaxing, beautiful, fun and challenging. It is meditative, and rewards exploration and expirementation. You have to be willing to go off the beaten path, try crazy things, and appreciate the serenity of cruising downhill through the serenity of nature.
  11. j0ollyJumper
    May 26, 2020
    10
    Amazing little game. It is so much fun to race down the mountains slow as well as very fast. It also provides some nice depth due to the various bike variations that offer different skills which makes it lots of fun to play the tracks over and over to find all the crazy nice shortcuts. The steering is sometimes not that intuitive due to the camera movements but the pixel art and lovelyAmazing little game. It is so much fun to race down the mountains slow as well as very fast. It also provides some nice depth due to the various bike variations that offer different skills which makes it lots of fun to play the tracks over and over to find all the crazy nice shortcuts. The steering is sometimes not that intuitive due to the camera movements but the pixel art and lovely design are incredibly well done.… Expand
  12. rideawave
    Dec 7, 2020
    8
    This is a great game. It can be challenging stressful or relaxing depending on how you choose to play. The reason I mark it 8 rather than higher is the base game is lacking content and there should be more interesting challenges. But these are just gripes because the gameplay is fantastic and allows you to just play at your own pace.
  13. KidAmnesiac
    Nov 16, 2020
    8
    The game could be frustrating at points, but I always felt compelled to come back, try again and improve. It's a fun experience and a great game for when you want to get into a flow state while maybe listening to music or a podcast.

    I felt compelled to show some support for the devs of this game and couldn't think of a better way, other than my purchase of the game. It is a very fun,    The game could be frustrating at points, but I always felt compelled to come back, try again and improve. It's a fun experience and a great game for when you want to get into a flow state while maybe listening to music or a podcast.

    I felt compelled to show some support for the devs of this game and couldn't think of a better way, other than my purchase of the game. It is a very fun, satisfying, and addictive "pick up and play"/short burst type of game.

    I enjoy trials games when they are done well and found Ubisoft's products lacking, especially on Switch. I also have always hoped for a good mountain biking game, and Lonely Mountains fuses both. Simple but often challenging, the controls in my opinion are great once you get used to them, the gameplay gets you hooked, the physics are mostly good though there are frustrating sensitivities to crashes. And one more thing: the sound design is great! Natural, ambient nature sounds, and the sounds of the bike you are riding. Simple, great and natural sound.

    Performance is not as good on Switch as on other platforms, but it hasn't interfered with my enjoyment. I'm enjoying this game a lot and I hope to see a sequel or DLC in the future. Recommended! Though I'd say 9 is a more accurate rating, I feel the need to rate it 10 because a 7.4 user score is completely unfair and too low in my honest opinion. User score averages are flawed.    … Expand
  14. Wrecktangled
    Mar 17, 2022
    9
    Something so peaceful yet challenging at the same time. This game gives you the feel of being in the woods. There are some challenges that are a bit annoying - for me personally the ones that you have to make it to the bottom without crashing once. Overall this is a great game to pick up and play often and always.
  15. LeifLInden
    Jun 20, 2022
    10
    A game I keep coming back to. A speed running type of game that rewards experimentation and "breaking" the game. Excellent controls and an addictive gameplay loop combine with atmospheric sounds and clean polygonal graphics. Amazing what has been delivered considering the size of the development team. The game continues to be supported with improvements, free content and DLC.
  16. Gumdrop
    Feb 23, 2023
    8
    Really beautifully designed and fun. You can pick it up for a quick game or get lost playing for much longer. The tracks are well designed for the most part with shortcuts easy to spot, but not so easy that they're obvious.
    Took me a few tries to get the hang of the controls. For some reason, I struggled to get the hang of focusing on the track as well as the rider, relative to the    Really beautifully designed and fun. You can pick it up for a quick game or get lost playing for much longer. The tracks are well designed for the most part with shortcuts easy to spot, but not so easy that they're obvious.
    Took me a few tries to get the hang of the controls. For some reason, I struggled to get the hang of focusing on the track as well as the rider, relative to the screen. But that's probably more down to my lack of coordination. But after a few tries, I managed to get it down.

    Gameplay is good overall. There's a good amount of challenge here. Although I do start to feel really sorry for my rider when he's smashed into rocks for the umpteenth time during the more tricky parts.

    There are some negatives.
    First, I find the jumps in isometric view tricky. The take off doesn't feel naturally aligned to the landing. Might just be me though.
    There are also times when you're in a spot you have to navigate and there's a tree or rock in your way. Would have been nice to use an x-ray view when you're behind scenery.
    Collisions could use some work too. Most of the time it's good but sometimes you barely touch a rock or a tree at low speed and you get splattered.

    But, niggles aside, it's a good game.    … Expand
  17. dandan_1976
    Feb 20, 2023
    9
    Lonely Mountains: Downhill is not a game that everyone will enjoy and it isn't a game for players who think they should just be able to zip down a selection of mountain runs on their bikes, without paying any attention to obstacles, braking or physics. Still, there's a demo, so you can download and try it out risk free...

    With the game and its DLC, you have five different mountain    Lonely Mountains: Downhill is not a game that everyone will enjoy and it isn't a game for players who think they should just be able to zip down a selection of mountain runs on their bikes, without paying any attention to obstacles, braking or physics. Still, there's a demo, so you can download and try it out risk free...

    With the game and its DLC, you have five different mountain environments, with four or five trails on each. Each trail has five sets of challenges: Explorer (just ride casually, explore and get to the end of the run), Beginner & Expert (get to the bottom with a limited number of crashes and / or within a specified time limit), Free Ride (get to the end without a single crash) and Night Mode, where you have Explorer, Beginner and Free Ride challenges to undertake at night with a couple of bike mounted lights showing the way. Completing challenges unlocks other trails / modes, allows you to collect bolts (used to unlock other bikes) and different customisations for your rider and bikes.

    I'm a big fan of the game's look and feel; it has a great visual style, solid sound design and manages to perfectly create challenges which initially feel impossible but, as you learn the different properties of each bike, find the best short cuts to exploit and develop your riding skills, soon become engaging, addictive and very satisfying to complete.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Switch Game of 2020
40
#40 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Gamezebo
    Oct 25, 2020
    90
    Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a superb example of a simple idea executed to absolute perfection.
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  2. Gaming Age
    Sep 15, 2020
    67
    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.
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  3. Switch Player
    Jul 20, 2020
    80
    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.
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