Publisher Blitworks has announced the upcoming launch of retro-inspired racer Slipstream, coming to Switch on April 7th for $9.99/€8.99. The game was originally funded on Kickstarter way back in 2016 and released independently on PC in 2018.
The game is heavily inspired by titles such as Out Run and Horizon Chase Turbo, boasting gorgeous pixelated visuals with a heavy emphasis on drifting around corners. It will feature a handy rewind mechanic to correct any disastrous crashes along with a selection of graphical filters so you can really nail that retro look. Best of all it's got 4-player split-screen - a rare treat these days!
Here's a rundown of all the features:
- The real thing: Built on a custom engine, Slipstream brings authentic 2D sprite-scaling graphics to modern platforms.
- Multiplayer: Local split-screen fun, up to 4 players!
- Time rewinding: Made a mistake? Press the rewind button to travel back in time for up to 5 seconds and try again.
- 20 Different tracks: Set on a variety of exotic locations all around the world... and beyond.
- 5 Playable cars: Inspired by classic models from the 80s and 90s.
- Accessibility Options: There are 3 difficulty levels to choose from, some visual effects can be turned off and, most importantly, the game speed can be reduced up to 50%, giving players more time to react, but keeping the game physics exactly the same.- 6 Game modes:
- Grand Tour: Scenic trip through five stages, with rival racers to beat and branching paths to choose.
- Cannonball: Freely customizable race mode with optional traffic, rivals and other racers.
- Grand Prix: Championship mode composed of five races, with season scores and optional car customization.
- Single Race: Simple race mode, with customizable settings.
- Time Trial, a solo race against time.
- Battle Royale, an elimination endurance race mode.
- 5 Car models, each with its own specs and playstyle.
- Original soundtrack with 9 exclusive songs by Stefan Moser (Effoharkay).
- Graphical Options: Including Pixelated, CRT and NTSC filters, for a faithful retro experience.
We love the aesthetic of Slipstream, so we'll be keeping a close eye on this one in the short run up to its April 7th launch. Here's hoping it joins the ranks of the best racing games on Switch!
Will you be picking up Slipstream? Let us know with a comment!
Comments 41
Outrun but with Japanese classics, erm yes please!
I've been waiting for this for ages. Too long in fact, I bought it on GOG last year. It's a fun game, kind of like OutRun 2's drifting gameplay with OutRun 1's presentation.
I see The Baz! He should date Asagi and maybe then they'd get their own game!
Oh no, it looks BEAUTIFUL! I think I need this.
Everything is so fast and fluid, and the way the screen rotates with the action is like sitting down in a real cabinet. And with 4-player split screen? The Accessibility Options are also a very lovely (and necessary) touch to ensure this game can please as many players as possible.
I need this game like now.
I don't care for the over the top powersliding, but it looks to have a lot of potential. Looking forward to it.
Out Run and Horizon Chase are not the same kind of racer - one is “point A to point B”, the other is “laps around a race track”. Please stop comparing racing games to both at the same time, it’s really frustrating… I still haven’t found a true modern “point A to point B” racer that is worthy of being compared to Out Run…
@helbertpina 80s Overdrive
@CharlieGirl Good one, though a little rough around the edges, own it on the Switch. At least it is a true Out Run “clone”! Thanks for reminding me!
Include civil traffic?, Well, in the trailer, looks that yes, ok , I'm in. ^^
Removed - unconstructive feedback; user is banned
Finally! I've seen footage of this game on PC, and have wanted a console version ever since.
This looks great definitely going on the wish list
@GammaPhonic man, I must've put in many an hours into outrun 2, on the 360. Just an awesome arcade racer(?).
Wasn’t an obscure wipeout clone on PC ages ago called slipstream ? I recall those early 3dfx years… or even before, Pod with MMX, here, have a laugh for me …
Sold, that's great, can't preorder yet, but I wishlisted at least. The rewind is hilarious, really brings the whole emulating an old game experience to life though
Not the actual 90s racer Slipstream.
If I remember it was a Capcom game on Sega hardware? Which was about the arcade equivalent to Nintendo making a Genesis game.
I recall it was good but not great?
Or am I thinking of a different game?
This is really cool-looking I just don’t know if I’ll bite immediately. These retro racers are cool and all but I’m still waiting for N64-era throwbacks with the likes of Beetle Adventure Racing and Rush. I want to drive around and do stunts off impossible ramps and collect Mountain Dew cans atop buildings. Y’dig?
@ChromaticDracula Cruisin' Blast
I must be missing something the graphics and frame rate look awful in my opinion
For $10 this look rad af
Woah niiiiice
Definitely one for me.
@CharlieGirl I’ve been wanting to give that one a shot but it didn’t seem like it would check some of the boxes. However you’re the second or third person to recommend that game when I’ve name dropped Rush or Beetle Adventure Racing so the fact they’re being compared consistently makes me happy. Ok maybe it’s time I just commit and buy it then!
Thanks!
@ChromaticDracula It's definitely more Rush than Beetle Adventure, if that helps temper your expectations. It totally scratches that arcade racing itch. Plus, there's been a permanent price drop for both physical and digital. If you try it out, I hope you like it!
I'm a diehard retrogamer, this does nothing for me. The over the top power sliding, and the bland colour just doesn't match anything its trying to emulate.
Damn my car is actually in the game!!! I need this so bad! Hopefully it comes out physically
Because god forbid Sega gets off their asses and give us a new Outrun game 🙄
This looks pretty cool though and I love Horizon Chase so I’m in.
It looks different enough from Horizon Chase Turbo that it might be worth a shot. I like the homage to 16-bit racers in the pixelated visuals (which are unlike the clean mobile visuals in Horizon Chase Turbo), and I can already tell that turning will have a way different feel.
This makes me wish Nintendo would put out a successor to the 3DS. This would look absolutely incredible in stereoscopic 3D. Alas.
One more game by a Brazilian developer coming to the Switch. With all these amazing elements in the mix and for a nice price, there's nothing much to do but support them
I had backed the Kickstarter back in the day, and the developer was super genuine and hard working, committed to releasing the project even when they hit some road bumps. Glad to see this get a console release!
Wow it definitely give me nostalgic of the old Top Gear, Power Drift, Lotus, OutRun games. The fact that it also got split screens multiplay is fantastic too, something the 80's Overdrive game didn't have. I love that it isn't just a cheap Mode 7 indie title but actually had some super scaler feel to it. Definitely a must buy game to me.
Wow this actually looks kinda good, reminds me of Outrunners.
Well the price is right for something like this, certainly will scratch a few itches on the go.
Nice, I am a fan of Horizon Chase Turbo, so give me more.
@Axelay71 You're right, it does it's own thing.
Anyhoo, great game with a quirky personality and a great Synthwave/Vaporwave soundtrack, which is definitely more Super Hang-On than OutRun. The dev is a Sonic fan, so half of the stages are Sonic related with Sonic colour palettes and stage title cards. We've got Resort Island, Chemical Plant, Marble Garden etc...
The game doesn't feature analog gas or brake, so it will be perfectly suited to the Switch in that respect - even the steering is better on a D-pad.
As an original Kickstarter backer, I suggest you turn on the Automatic Drifting (I have always felt the Manual setting sluggish and unresponsive) and just go for it.
The PC version runs flawlessly at 60fps+ even on a potato, so this Switch version should be fine. That trailer was horribly put together in regards to frame-rates and consistency, which just hasn't been my experience on PC.
It's a pretty great game with more content, varied race types (LAPS!!! TIME TRIALS!!!) and better controls than 80s Overdrive.
It's totally worth it, and I am definitely going to double-dip.
Maybe will give I a try
@AJB83 might give it a go
Looks awesome! Clearly buying this one.
I have it on steam. It isn't fun. It looks awesome though. Pales in comparison to similar games. On the plus side, since it's coming to switch that means it will be out of early access.
This looks quite spectacular, cars are a little boring.
Tap here to load 41 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...