Distance

Refract Studios, 10 euros

Distance deviates from the conventional racing mechanics, combining them with platformer and dogfighting games as cars in Distance have both thrusters and wings that allow for movement and rotation in every direction. Levels are greatly adapted to this freedom of movement being open and unique, filled with loops and broken roads.

The narrative is ambiguous but is very well combined with the visuals and audio for a dark experience with a sense of mystery and even horror at times.

Visuals are simple but flashy, especially with damage feedback, which can sometimes be brutal when the car gets slashed in half and regenerated by a recharge portal. Backgrounds are kind of lacklustre and monotone but levels aren't too long and it fits the narrative so it doesn’t impact the gameplay significantly. Sound and music is great and helps the horror atmosphere the game is going for.

Apart from the single player campaign which might not be everyone's tea the level creator is a powerful tool. The game has plenty of dedicated players which have created pretty fun tracks, some which surpass the developer's.

The game allows online multiplayer, but the community isn't very big so the best bet would be local multiplayer split screen or just playing with friends online. The game also supports VR, which I have not tried but seems like a neat additional feature.

Distance is a unique experience, great for players looking for a challenge or a new, unconventional racing game. It is short, but the community levels can make it longer if the gameplay is something you enjoy.

6/10