https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_Ys2OfuoC8&feature=youtu.be

Redout Review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_Ys2OfuoC8&feature=youtu.be)

The end of 2016 felt like we all took a time machine 20 years back to 1996. Sony is back at the top of the console hill, people are actually excited for a new Nintendo console, Crash Bandicoot is back, Resident Evil is making waves, we had a good Alien game, and finally we have a spiritual successor to Wipeout: one of the greatest racing games to ever be released. The real question is, does it hold up to its inspiration?

Redout
Developer: 34BigThings
Publisher: 34BigThings
Platform: PC
Release Date: Sep 2, 2016
Players: 1-12
MSRP: $34.99

This is a review coupled with a supplemental video review. You can watch the video review above, or read the full review of the game below.

Right when you lay eyes on Redout, even if you haven’t played Wipeout, you will find that by design, the entire game looks like it resonates speed which will bring waves of nostalgia to anyone who is a fan of the Wipeout series. But most people reading this review will not remember the original PlayStation classic, so let us switch gears and talk about the game on pure design principle.

You will be hard pressed to find anything intrinsically wrong with the design of Redout on any level. Tracks are spaced just enough to where you can pick up the beautiful landscapes you are racing through at breakneck speeds. Some of the environments that they have designed are visually stunning and worth a closer look for all those who appreciate that kind of aesthetic.

The floating vehicles you will be racing all have a unique look and feel, but fit into the wider rules of the world in which they reside. There is seemingly a vehicle design for everyone’s tastes, making the racing experience look visually amazing but not cluttered.

The first thing to mention when talking about gameplay is the issues with the tutorial. While meeting the requirements of the game and playing on a fresh SSD, the game seemed to crash 3 times while going through the start of the game. This issue did not persist after the tutorial finished and the game ran way better than I expected afterwards.

Redout has to be one of the tightest and smoothest racing games released on the PC. Controls are pitch perfect – and with a large variety of vehicles and modes with different states, you can work your way up to making your own perfect racing machine that aligns with your play style.

There are weapons and extra active mods you can upgrade your vehicles with to give you an edge on your competition, ranging from leeching energy from other racers to turbo boosts. While these can help you in a pinch, the game is designed in such a way they are never unbalanced.

This brings to light one of the best things about this game: the balancing. There was a lot of time and effort put into not only the design of the maps but the vehicles themselves. Every race feels extremely fair, which is the is key to making a good racing game.

One aspect of the game that they paced very well is the unlocks you can buy with your winnings. This gives an added incentive to not only keep racing but race well so you can get that shiny new upgrade. Racing isn’t the only thing that is fast paced and smooth: the systems that get you into the races are as well.

Doing a normal career thrusts you into fast races, each filled with a variety of modes and challenges to be had. You can even get contracts every once in awhile that will have you challenging yourself to race with conditions you might not be used to, in order to get some high end rewards.

Much like its inspiration, the game’s soundtrack is phenomenal. Tracks range from relaxing and picturesque, to so high in energy you would think that they were made by Donald Trump. The overall sound of the game is well done as well, fitting the futuristic race scene perfectly.

Redout is wonderful take on a game series that is beloved but almost forgotten in this age of hyper realism. Tight controls, smooth gameplay, fantastic music, and great overall design make this a must download for all racing game fans.

Redout was reviewed on PC using a digital copy provided by 34BIGThings. You can find additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy here.