The Next Penelope is an audacious indie title that refuses to stay within the boundaries of a single genre, instead fusing arcade racing, shoot-’em-up combat, and exploratory action into a fast, neon-soaked experience. Developed by Aurélien Regard and published by Plug In Digital, the game reimagines Homer’s Odyssey as a futuristic space epic, casting Penelope not as a passive figure waiting at home, but as a relentless pilot racing across hostile planets in search of her missing husband, Ulysses. This bold reinterpretation immediately sets the tone for a game that thrives on momentum, experimentation, and constant pressure.
From a gameplay perspective, The Next Penelope is built around speed and survival. Your ship accelerates automatically, pushing you forward at all times and forcing you to focus on steering precision, energy management, and tactical combat. Energy acts as a shared resource for boosting, firing weapons, and activating special abilities, meaning every decision carries weight. Choosing when to spend energy aggressively or conserve it for tight turns and evasive maneuvers becomes central to mastering the game. This design creates a sense of perpetual urgency, making even short races feel intense and demanding.
The structure of the game encourages exploration as much as racing. Instead of a linear campaign, players navigate a star map, choosing which planets to visit and in what order. Each planet introduces unique track layouts, environmental hazards, enemies, and bosses, ensuring that the experience rarely feels repetitive. Boss encounters in particular stand out, blending racing mechanics with bullet-hell-style patterns that require sharp reflexes and an understanding of your ship’s capabilities. These battles feel like climactic tests of everything learned so far rather than simple interruptions to the racing flow.
Visually, The Next Penelope is striking and instantly recognizable. Its vibrant color palette, glowing outlines, and minimalist shapes evoke classic arcade games while still feeling modern and stylish. Environments are abstract yet expressive, using color and motion to convey danger, speed, and atmosphere rather than relying on detailed textures. Character portraits and story moments complement this aesthetic, presenting mythological figures through a futuristic lens that reinforces the game’s unique identity without slowing the pace.
The narrative itself is intentionally light but effective. Story elements unfold gradually as Penelope travels from planet to planet, encountering gods and adversaries inspired by Greek mythology. Dialogue is concise and often playful, serving more as flavor and motivation than as a driving force. This restrained storytelling works well with the game’s structure, giving context to the action without disrupting the relentless flow of gameplay. The focus remains firmly on the journey rather than elaborate exposition.
Difficulty is one of the game’s most defining traits. The Next Penelope can be punishing, especially for players unaccustomed to arcade-style challenges that demand quick reactions and repeated attempts. Some tracks and bosses require precise execution and a deep understanding of energy usage, which can lead to moments of frustration. However, for players who enjoy mastering systems through repetition, these challenges are also deeply rewarding, offering a strong sense of accomplishment when a tough segment is finally conquered.
Beyond the solo experience, the game includes local multiplayer modes that lean into its arcade roots. Split-screen races and battles transform the high-speed mechanics into chaotic, competitive fun, making it an excellent party game despite the absence of online multiplayer. These modes highlight how well the core mechanics translate to direct competition, reinforcing the game’s versatility.
Ultimately, The Next Penelope stands out as a confident, genre-blending indie project that prioritizes speed, style, and mechanical intensity. It may not appeal to players seeking a long or forgiving experience, but for those drawn to arcade racers, shmups, and games that demand focus and skill, it offers a distinctive and memorable ride. Its bold aesthetic, inventive mechanics, and reinterpretation of myth combine to create a game that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unconventional.
Rating: 7/10
