SkyDrift

If you are looking for a racer with an edge then Sky Drift is a definite must have purchase for any fan of the genre.

SkyDrift is the one of the best racing games you can find on XBLA, bar none.

There's been a lot of comparisons between SkyDrift and Wipeout - in fact it's how the game was pitched to me when I was given it. The thing is, Wipeout - and its sequels - while matching SkyDrift for fun, are quite different in style. In fact, I'd be more inclined to say that this is like the love child of Mario Kart and Crimson Skies. Crimson for visuals, and Mario for ridiculousness.

All told, you'll have a hell of a good time blowing up and blowing past your friends. [Dec 2011, p.78]

If you were to pick SkyDrift apart you would be hard pressed to find any individual gameplay elements that have not been seen before – but as an entire package SkyDrift is a surprisingly fun and unique take on the racing genre and worth every penny of its $15 cost.

I had no problem getting into an online race with three others, and I suffered absolutely no lag. SkyDrift strikes me as the perfect game for speedfreaks and those looking for a good trashtalking experience with friends.

Plenty of race types, a decent campaign, and online multiplayer will keep you coming back-if the community survives.

Some may frown at the lack paltry selection of race tracks, but they'll have a blast playing through the game's lengthy campaign mode!

It has the wind beneath its wings. [Dec 2011, p.103]

A polished, pretty and enjoyable game that could benefit from more content – 5 courses (plus their mirrored versions) is just not enough to fill the single player campaign, so you get the impression that you're doing same things over and over again. [October, p.72]

Skydrift brings gorgeous visuals, addicting multiplayer competition and interesting mechanics to the Xbox Live marketplace, which feels a little too saturated by art-games at this point.

While not perfect, this game is still a lot of fun. The definition of easy to play and tough to master, SkyDrift is an addictive romp for those willing to take the time to learn how to become the Dominic Torreto of the skies.

Something's just beautifully chaotic about the savagery of nailing other planes amidst serene-looking landscapes. This is a fun, arcade-style racer that offers surprising depth and rewards smart play.

It's a simple yet fun arcade style racer that shouldn't be passed up if you've been yearning for something Mario Kart-esque or want to remember how fun Crimson Skies was in a way. At 1200 points it seems a little steep but if you're a fan of the power-up racers you'll thoroughly enjoy it.

This is nice to look at, but a lack of content prevents it from holding your attention for long. In that respect, Skydrift sort of serves as a distraction game to hold you over until the next major release shows up.

The planes feel right, and the combat, while not exactly in-depth, provides for some fun moments. This game may not be the best of its class, or put forth any noteworthy new concepts, but it shouldn't be allowed to slip into obscurity, either.

An entertaining and high-flying arcade racer, and while it's an explosive affair, it will also have you longing for more content after a few weeks.

SkyDrift is 1200 Microsoft Points (£10), and because of that you can somewhat forgive the shortcomings, since the title is full of quality instead of quantity. It's worth the admission fee as it is a blast to play, and a bit of a surprise hit that sprang out of nowhere. If you've been waiting for the next decent arcade racer on Xbox Live Arcade then you should check out this title.

SkyDrift is comfortably one of the strongest aerial combat racers we've seen in the world of download-only titles.

While there's nothing unique about SkyDrift, it successfully delivers fun and frantic arcade racing that's best enjoyed online.

Despite flaws it's a cheap and extraordinarily satisfying way to scratch that racing itch – and if enough people do so, that multiplayer problem might cease to be a problem at all.

Sky Drift is a solid racing game that has the potential to be great, but is held back by the lack of local multiplayer and content.