If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to navigate the dense forests of Endor on a speeder bike (watch your “Return of the Jedi”, kids), then look no further than “Race the Sun”. In this recent Kickstarter success, players will be guiding a ship around a series of obstacles, trying to get as far as they can before the sun goes down. Before we get started with the preview, I’d like to thank Forest San Filippo for providing me with a free copy of the game. It’s important to note that the game is currently in the Alpha stages, meaning that it isn’t done yet. The below content is thus subject to change.
Race the Sun (PC, Mac, Linux)
When I first booted up the game, I was treated to a pop up window that allowed me to choose the screen resolution and toggle fullscreen mode. Once in game, you’ll be able to adjust the sound levels, but currently no other options are available. The main menu of the Alpha will keep you updated on the game’s progress via a news ticker and allow you to play the game’s standard mode. The game promises an easy to use level editor (the simplex world creator) and cooperative modes, which I’m assuming we’ll see in later builds. From what I understand, cooperative mode will act primarily as a team relay mode…when one player dies, the next player picks up where they left off. The final score is tallied after every player has taken their turn. It’s an interesting idea, one that I don’t see all that often.
The main idea behind the game is very simple…last as long as you can. The game will be thrusting you forward automatically and you’ll only be able to move on a horizontal plane (left and right) to dodge the obstacles that will be in your path. In the distance, the sun will be going down. The sun powers your ship, so needless to say that once it sets, the game is over. Power-ups are available to turn back time and keep the sun from setting, among other things. Since you’ll only have one life, you’ll definitely want to make use of all of the help you can.
Once the speed run ends, you’ll receive a score and be allowed to try again.
Another interesting mechanic that the game introduces is the ability to level up. Leveling up introduces more power-ups to the mix, giving you access to tools that will help extend your flight beyond what you’d normally see. The power-up that gives you the speed boost and turns back time, for example, is accessible once you hit level two. Leveling up requires that you meet certain achievements, which remain persistent as you play from game to game. Some achievements, like playing the game so many times, are easy to hit. Others might require that you reach a certain score or pick up so many of a particular power-up.
So far, it’s been an intense (but fun) experience that keeps me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I am looking forward to seeing what new features lie in wait in the later stages of development. You can purchase into the Alpha via the links below, but at the moment only PC and Mac versions are available. Linux support is currently in progress. The $10.00 early purchase pack nets you the Alpha and free updates from that point on. The $15.00 early purchase pack throws in some extras like exclusive wallpapers and the official soundtrack. If you’re not afraid of some high-speed arcade action, then give this game a look!
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You can learn more about and purchase “Race the Sun” by visiting the official website, here:
You can help bring the game to Steam by voting for it on its Greenlight page, here:
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=92973632
You can view video play sessions here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvvGPr9W_5k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxD747zcHTs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lhMlATjOzI
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Right on, this game looks interesting. How do you come across these obscure indie gmaes? Really appreciate the focus on the under dogs 🙂
Steam’s Greenlight and Desura mainly. I like indie games and think they deserve much more attention then they get. Those AAA $60 titles are expensive whereas some of those $5-10 indie games can be just as fun. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with Desura or not, but it’s like Steam, only focused on indie games.
Agreed the most fun I’ve had playing a recently released game was hot line miami. Thanks for pointing me to Desura, hadn’t heard of it until today.
Glad to help! Desura takes some getting used to and not as user friendly as Steam, but it’s not so bad once you get used to the interface. I like that you can buy into Alphas there and they are usually discounted.