[h1] [b] After reading some inspiring Bruce Lee quotes, "Better safe than sorry" Doesn't cut it anymore.[/b][/h1]
Stay Safe is a High-octane arcade racer, made out of relatively short, but challenging tracks filled with all kinds of obstacles and hazards.
Its a simple concept, but otherwise, well executed. The mechanics worked exactly as they should, in regards to game-play, track design, obstacles and patterns.
So it all comes down to whether or not, you enjoy the genre. It isn't insanely hard, perhaps a little bit frustrating. Finishing a stage is a matter of minutes, but that translates to several deaths.
And, just by nature of the genre alone, it is repetitive. It tries not to, but whatever it does, the objective is always the same, with some variety on the obstacles aspect.
[h1] GAME[/h1]
Reach point B without getting destroyed, as fast as possible. Its a game of patience, track memorization, pattern recognition, reflexes And, identifying the best route through the obstacles.
Each chapter progressively brings new and harder obstacles. Relying on timing, skill, and muscle memory.
Every new obstacles, eventually bring a harder challenges, but the difficulty steadily increases to that point. First few tracks will introduce some new objects, but the difficulty only picks back up again a few stages after.
That was an important factor, the game doesn't necessarily follow a linear path, and its often easier to start a new chapter from the beginning, that to immediately finish the one that was started.
New stages and chapters open up as you progress and thats the best way to overcome frustration.
Having 50+ deaths on one stage, and being able to end a game session by completing a different stage on a different location. Always leaves me at a better mood.
There isn't much going on it terms of mechanics, although they will be useful, if absolutely necessary at times.
[b] Gliding[/b] - shares the left analog stick, it will also be used to control height while in the air. And at times it really needs you to be precise, like in landing on rails, or catching the one collectible item, one in every stage.
Gliding is more useful than it looks, its one of those options that is hardly noticeable, but its not specific to crossing small gaps. even if most of the game can be played inside the track, but every now and then you cut part of the track, for a better time or just to avoid part of an hard section.
[b] Dashing [/b] - Back In Wipeout, the shoulder buttons where air-breaks. In here, you loose no speed at all.
Used to avoid obstacles in tight spaces or tricking tracking objects into swerving in the wrong direction.
Speed is crucial not just because of the leader board. Many of the obstacles are timed based, and require learning and memorizing the patterns, so it is a good thing that speed doesn't drop randomly every time you, in this game, "dash", Generally the timer doesn't differ enough to complicate things.
[b] Boost [/b]- I feel the only reason, some stages are hard or frustrating is, because no one lets go of the boost.
Letting go is almost a last resort. I had totally giving up on a level with massive walls went back and forward, typically crushing me when backing up. And letting go of the boost, made this unbearable level, doable in just 3-5 tries. Of course at the cost of a really low score.
[h1] Variety [/h1]
This one is almost nitpick y.
i spent so much time looking at the obstacles on the tracks. Because there was that necessity, but theres a little bit going on around me. Like Areas that serve as background for each chapter.
Problem is, there is a lack of variety.
There are 3 different areas, one for each chapter and, with the exception of Chapter II, they all feel like the same continuous background.
Now, Chapter II, is a futurist city with multiple structures and tall corporate buildings, and each stage feels different enough.
On the bright side, the presentation is quite good.
[h1] GRAPHICS[/h1]
Stay Safe approaches a dystopian future setting, with the few locations compromising of Barren deserts, dark areas, or cities filled with tall corporate like buildings.
You wont see amazing textures, effects or light.
But it is a quite good looking game with an overabundance of Neon Purple.
[h1] MUSIC [/h1]
Went for quality over quantity. It fits well within the level and goes for long enough, as you keep dying, that it almost becomes like background music.
But i felt like i was listening to the same song for quite a long time.
Fortunately we got some Synthwave here.
[b] Other Features [/b]
I don't quite understand the purpose of the stats. All it shows is the players play time.
Ghosts however are a really useful feature. Good way to keep track of personal best, friends best times, and world records.
[h1] Final thoughts [/h1]
Try the demo. This is a rather simple and well executed game. Im sure its enough to get a feel for the controls and the mechanics in use.
I think my biggest issue is the lack in variety from, track design, areas, music.
[i] SCORE: 6/10 [/i]
[quote] This review was submitted for [url=http://steamcommunity.com/groups/gaming_until_end]Gaming Until End[/url], through the generous contribution of [url=http://steamcommunity.com/id/HellCowON]HellCow.[/url] [/quote]
