Slipstream

Slipstream's retro arcade proposal knows very well its roots, who it's aimed for and where it wants to take the original formula, adding just the new elements and changes needed for not being a simple OutRun clone. If you loved Sega's classic runner, you've a high chance of falling in love with it.

While simple at first, Slipstream's gameplay becomes more complex and addictive as the game goes on, and the variety of game modes and effects, as well as its marvelous visual environment make this game a fabulous choice for those seeking some retro-inspired driving fun, which could have been even better if it featured an online multiplayer experience.

Slipstream’s retro design feels a little by-the-numbers to us (its cool 2D/3D visual effect aside), but that’s not to say it doesn’t pull off the mechanics well. It shouldn’t be the first game in your retro racing collection with the likes of Sega Ages Out Run and Horizon Chase Turbo already available, but if you’ve played through those and are itching for more then you could do a lot worse than this, especially given its modest price.

Slipstream has a lot to offer fans of SEGA’s old Super Scaler arcade games. It’s not shy about its source of inspiration, but it is dutiful in doing justice to that game. There are a variety of modes to play and sights to see. You can even play with friends in local multiplayer. Just be aware that the game plays like something from the time and place it pays homage to, so you very much have to take it on its own terms mechanically. Perhaps the biggest problem is that it never really manages to escape being one big reference and become its own thing. Even with that in mind, arcade racing fans likely won’t regret picking it up.

It’s taken ansdor four years to develop Slipstream to this point, and they should be proud of their achievement in and of itself, regardless of the competition or the words and score on this page. If you’re reading this now, congratulations, and I hope this is a sign of more to come.