Driftwood: Race Downhill with Your Sloth Spirit Animal
A charming indie title that combines the thrill of downhill racing with the relaxed vibe of a sloth. Experience breathtaking landscapes and master the art of drifting.
Early Access Review
last updated Aug 15, 2024
Driftwood is an enchanting take on downhill racing, where whimsical drifting captivates and the soundscape soothes.
Gliding with Grace
The gameplay in Driftwood teeters on the edge of exhilarating and serene as players find themselves expertly carving through breathtaking environments on their trusty longboard. The mechanics are surprisingly deep for an indie title, allowing both newcomers and hardcore players to find their niche. While the simplicity of controls welcomes casual players, the game has a robust skill ceiling that underlines the need for precision, especially when tackling sharper turns at breakneck speeds. Yet, it’s not without its quirks; some have noted a twitchy control aspect, making it feel occasionally less responsive than one would desire. For all its small hiccups, the sensation of racing downhill as a sloth—yes, a sloth—is an experience that no other game comes close to capturing.
Sonic Vibes and Chill Tunes
Audio in Driftwood is a triumph, enveloping players in a mesmerizing soundscape that perfectly accompanies the cascading visuals. The wind whistles past your eardrums as you zip downhill, while the sound of the wheels gliding over the terrain adds a stimulating layer to the overall experience. The soundtrack manages to be both chill and invigorating, providing a backdrop that enhances the sensation of speed and control. Though some players have wished for a few more tracks to enrich the auditory experience, the current selection works like soothing balm to the thrill of the ride. You can always slap on your own tunes, but why would you want to mess with a soundtrack that already gets the mood just right?
Artistry on Display
Remember the days of hand-painted visuals? Driftwood breathes fresh air into that art style, its graphics shouting ‘look at me!’ without resorting to over-the-top realism. The vibrant landscapes invite players to explore their contours, and the level designs are a delightful mix of uniqueness and thematic consistency. However, the artistry isn’t entirely flawless; some users have reported minor graphical glitches that pull them out of the experience occasionally. Performance-wise, it generally delivers a smooth ride on most hardware, including our beloved Steam Deck, though some users reported some minor hiccups here and there. Still, you can expect a juicy, visually rich experience that will leave you craving more views of its pixelated mountains.
The Good, the Bad, and the Slothfully Acceptable
As with many early access titles, Driftwood comes with its set of growing pains. While the core gameplay is engaging, there are a number of common technical issues that might cause frustration. Players report experiences of annoying bugs, such as character spinning uncontrollably or odd collisions that can ruin an otherwise sweet run. The camera can sometimes turn into a demon of jerky transitions, making it tricky to maintain control during intense moments. Those familiar with the chaos of early access will likely find solace in the developers' commitment to frequent updates and patch notes that promise fixes and improvements down the line. A touch more polish will make the essence of Driftwood shine even brighter.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer & Publisher
Stoked Sloth Interactive
Early Accesss Release Date
June 01, 2023
A Hoard of Slothastic Fun Awaits
Driftwood is a charming take on the downhill racing genre, where whimsical drifting and an enchanting atmosphere blend seamlessly together. While technical glitches and control quirks exist, the unique premise alongside some genuinely stunning visuals and sounds create an experience that’s hard to resist. It invites you to let loose and embrace new high scores and personal bests while chilling on your excellent sloth-themed nature escape.
