From time to time a game releases and flies under the radar. SkyDrift launched on the Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network and barely made a ripple. The game is stacked with features, addictive gameplay, a smooth online experience, and costs a mere $15…why are more people not playing this game?
SkyDrift may have had the cards stacked against it starting with the cover art that beckons a flight simulator. After taking the plunge on the title you will quickly find that SkyDrift is anything but a flight simulator. If Wipeout and Hydro Thunder had a baby it would be SkyDrift. SkyDrift is a sky-racer that integrates high speed flight racing with Mario Kart-esque power-ups. Throw in some natural obstacles and effective AI opponents and you have a stellar racing title that should not be missed.
SkyDrift takes the “win by any means necessary” mantra to a whole new meaning. The game provides ample weaponry to blast, shock and explode your opponents out of the sky in mid air dogfights. The other racers have the same weapon pickups as you do and they are not afraid to use them. Just as quickly as you gain the first position you can lose it with one missile up your tail-pipe.
Scattered around each map are neon power-up symbols that any kart racing aficionado will easily pick out. From missiles to electromagnetic shockwaves there is no shortage of weapons to blast your opponents from the sky. The games power-ups can be upgraded twice to increase its effectiveness. Each of the eight available planes holds two power-up slots. The power-up slots can be rotated through so that players can choose which one they would like to use at any given time. If you find that you are too far behind the leader you can trade in your power-up to add to your boost meter.
The environments are creatively crafted and have an equal mix of beauty and functionality. The courses can consist of wide-open terrain to compact caverns in a matter of a second. Keeping your fingers nimble enough to navigate the maps during the intense race is an exhilarating experience. A twin-stick control scheme features the left stick controlling the planes altitude and direction, while the right stick controls the more evasive maneuvers. Pulling off multiple hairpin turns to soar past your opponents to a first place finish is extremely satisfying.
The online gameplay is where SkyDrift’s dogfight inspired competition truly shines. The online gameplay runs smooth with no visual hiccups. The thrill of escaping a missile by sharply taking a corner or implementing a shield power-up just before impact to ruin your opponents plan is immeasurable. The leaderboards will provide the victor ample bragging rights. The online battles are incredibly tense and each win is an incredible triumph. The lack of a local split-screen mode is disappointing considering the ability for some couch competition would be a welcome addition to the package.
Digital Reality has poured their heart and soul into this game and it truly shows. The game was largely ignored at its release and that is a shame. SkyDrift deserves to be played and is one of my favorite arcade titles in recent memory. Everyone should take to the skies in this incredibly addictive racer.
Pros:
- Incredibly addictive arcade racing gameplay
- Well worth the $15 asking price
- Highly competitive online play
Cons:
- No local split-screen option
- Only six race tracks
Final Score: 9/10
