Video Game Review - Slipstream

Rob reviews Slipstream on Nintendo Switch...

When it comes to retro racers, the Nintendo Switch eShop seems to be full of them. From the stone-cold classics (OutRun, Virtua Racer), to the more modern (Horizon Chase Turbo, Hotshot Racing). The Nintendo Switch is a goldmine of retro racing delights. 

Slipstream is the latest game to pull up at the traffic lights. Sporting a retro 80's vibe, Slipstream certainly makes an excellent first impression. However, once you pop the hood is there any fuel to keep it going? 

My first impression of Slipstream is that it's inspired by the likes of OutRun and Super Hang-On. It's a high-speed race across the country as super long turns and hypnotic scenery passes you by. With a decent amount of game modes to choose from, there's a lot of racing to be had. And if you're a SEGA fan there are a lot of easter eggs too! 

Slipstream's bread and butter come from its Grand Tour. This mode plays exactly like OutRun where you'll venture across five stages of increasing difficulty to then reach the finish line. Following this is Grand Prix which turns the individual stages from the Grand Tour mode into circuits. Here you'll compete in a variety of races against the A.I. in the hopes of winning one of three cups. Last on this list is Cannonball - and much like the movie, this one is a long customisable run across all of the 15 locations. 

As I mentioned above Out Run and Hang On are the two clear inspirations for this game. While your initial choice in the car does dictate a small degree of how fast or how manoeuvrable you are, the general gameplay remains the same. Each track is a fast-paced series of straights and corners. While it's feasible to use your break, learning to slide is the optimal way to play. Performing this sees your vehicle slide around the corner as the rear takes the lead. How successful you are all comes down to timing and track position as once you're sliding you don't have control of the vehicle, which can lead to your car performing cartwheels ala OutRun 2! 

Each track is also made up of a few of these long turns that segue into each other. With no visible map to see what's ahead of you, you do have to have some very quick reflexes. Thankfully if you do make a mistake there's a rewind function that allows you to rewind up to 5-seconds of gameplay. Including this is a great addition as it allows you some breathing room if the track gets too hectic. The only downside is that once used it does go onto a cool down which means the option can't be abused. However, once you become accustomed to how Slipstream plays the need to rewind becomes less and less. 

When it comes to the game's graphics, BlitWorks have done an excellent job in capturing the feel of OutRun, yet giving it a modern look. The whole game is made to feel like it's pixel scaling when it's 3D. Cars are also designed to look flat upon this surface, which further helps recreate the look and feel of the 80s era. 

The soundtrack also reeks of the 1980s and has been composed by music and SFX artist ;Eff (@effoharkay). It's full of tech-synth tracks, that attempt to give the game a high-tempo beat. While there aren't any instant classics such as "Magical Sound Shower", or "Splash Wave", a few of these do grow on you as you spend more time with Slipstream. Personal favourites  mine are the main theme, and another titled "No Stop". 

As I keep mentioning, Slipstream is a somewhat homage to many classic SEGA titles with the main being OutRun. However, if you know your SEGA games, there are a few more. On a couple of stages, the backdrops have a Streets of Rage feel, whilst another sees you blatantly driving through Marble Ruins from Sonic The Hedgehog. The Sonic homages don't stop there. At least four of the tracks are named after Sonic locations, and each race is billed as an act - complete with Sonic 2's blue, yellow, and red stage start screen. While there isn't any particular in-game reasoning as to why a racing game leans heavily towards Sonic, as a SEGA fanboy it is a nice touch and you won't get any complaints from me - even if it is a tad strange. 

All in all, Slipstream offers a very solid racing experience. Once you get past the crazy track designs and its cornering mechanic, everything becomes far more enjoyable. Naturally, fans of the old 'Super Scaler' will get a kick out of what solo developer; Sandro Luiz de Paula (@sandro) has done here with Slipstream. But even if you are not a child of the 80s - there's still a lot of enjoyment to be found here. 

Rating: 8/10 

A code was kindly provided for this review.

Slipstream is available now and can be purchased from the Nintendo Switch eShop by clicking here. 

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