NEODRIVE

Dude. The shifting mechanic is satisfying and engaging, the physics feel good. The game has a free demo, and the full(Early-Access) is crazy inexpensive. EDIT: I previously mentioned "Minor bugs", but the more I play, the more I realize they were likely just user error. Not fair to blame the game(or dev) for that. I want this game to grow and expand. The best way I can describe it is "Arcade Racing with Soulslike timing." KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I dream about multiplayer.....

I've spent the most time on the demo as of this review which was 14 hours. Neodrive is a time attack based arcade-racer, created by solo Indie developer: Sevencrane. Gameplay: 10/10 The addicting arcade racing formula based on Trackmania, with the inclusion of Manual with clutch, is truly one of its kind. This is what I wanted Trackmania to feel like before playing one, and I'm beyond grateful that this type of game exists. The gameplay is truly the most rewarding aspect of the game (no ♥♥♥♥, it's a racing game), but it also encourages to learn how to use manual with clutch. Admittedly, I've only ever played arcade racers that have manual without the clutch, but the game feels 10 times better with clutch. Building boost is very fast in rapid succession with precise RPM revs and shifting, launching, drifting, air tricks and landing successfully. The tutorial does take a little getting used to, specially for with clutch, but trust me, you'll thank yourself later down the line for mastering it. It's gotten so addicting that I genuinely want to learn how to use clutch in real life. This is the ONLY game to have made me try manual with clutch in ANYTHING, and it feels so rewarding. After getting a nice small dose from the tutorial world, then we enter 1 through 4. Hydroplaning, boost drifting, anti-gravity and dirt rallying add WAY more depth than I initially thought. hydroplaning gives you more time to recenter yourself, boosting automatically upshifts, thank god, and anti-gravity feels phenomenal. Haven't flown off once. I'm so damn excited to see where this game goes from here. As someone who's played lots of arcade racers on and off Steam, this is without question one of the most addicting and satisfying. Labbing and practicing for better times have never given me as much of a dopamine boost as this game, amongst a handful of others. Music: 6/10 DnB never fails. Lovely work. Unfortunately there's no music in-game, but the menu music bops. Visuals: 8/10 A simple yet effective visual style. A blend of low resolution with a nice cell-shader flare. Content: (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) 5/10 Every single track feels so meticulously handcrafted and well thought-out. As of now, the game has 25 tracks, 2 tutorials and a small handful of W.I.P tracks, including the concept of a rally stage! The game will get more courses overtime, but I do hope that it gets more than tracks. Suggestions: Now a crucial disclaimer, this game is being made by ONE guy and his spare time, so none of this should be a major priority by any means, and I really hope that he includes some of these in any capacity during its EA state. I hope he adds unique/custom car bodies, liveries and wheels, some form of a level editor, and multiplayer. God that'd be amazing. The community would go N U T S for it. Of course, this game is being made by one guy and his spare time, so I want him to take his time with this game. Verdict: (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) 8/10 Sevencrane demonstrates his mastery in developing an addicting, rewarding and accessible arcade racer. Amongst the unfortunate and infuriating sea of AI slop riddling the racing genre at this year's Steam Next Fest, I knew there'd be a small handful of bangers that can stand their ground. If you love Trackmania, or any arcade racer in general, pick this up ASAP, full price or discounted.

Huge props to the creator, this is a highly inviting game that gives players a chance to engage in a racing game that isn't too crunchy but still has sim elements to it. I played the demo for over 40 hours and cannot wait for more content in the full release. I cannot recommend this game enough for anyone who is looking for something relaxing, a challenge, or anything in between. 5/5 that's a mastapeece

Really fun and addicting game. Not a huge racing fan but for some reason this one made me sit down and lock in trying to get better and better times. Very satisfying to master the controls and tracks.

very great and awesome