‣ Driftwood
From: Stoked Sloth Interactive • Platforms: PC
Release: 2023
Steam Link • Demo Video
Downhill skateboarding might seem terrifying. But Driftwood transforms this daredevil activity into a relaxing game of groovy music and calming scenery. It probably also helps that the lead character is a sloth, beaming vibes of effortlessness as you glide between traffic and slow down to avoid the roadside barriers. Driftwood is a fun downhill skating game with a really nice style and responsive controls—easy to play but hard to master. The goal is to make it down the hill without any mistakes, sweeping past cars and finding shortcuts. If you like downhill racing with lo-fi beats, grab a board and embrace your inner sloth.
Explore The Game with Youtube Chapters:
📽 00:12 Tutorial: A quick rundown to get you going.
📽 01:25 First attempt: There will be crashes…
📽 03:10 Shortcut!: One route, many choices.
📽 04:38 Second attempt: Maybe we won’t face-plant again.
📽 06:48 Crash!: Go down in style.
📽 07:36 Third attempt: Can we stick to the road?
📽 10:19 Fourth time's the charm: Finally, to crashes!
📽 11:58 High speed downhill: Feel the wind in your sloth fur.
AIIG's Take: Driftwood’s demo is only a tutorial and one level, but that’s enough to sell this game. Select your board and wheels, which affect your performance, and swoop down a downhill road. Build up speed, but don’t go into the corners too fast and definitely don’t turn it into a contact sport with cars or stationary objects. Fortunately, a mistake doesn’t last long, and you’ll be back on your board in a second. Still, the cleaner your session, the higher your score.
We like Driftwood for several reasons. You’d never think it’s just a two-person development team behind the scenes. The visuals have a friendly style and consistency. The game feels and performs fluidly, and we dig the slow but catchy soundtrack. And the tracks have many alternative paths, giving even the demo a lot of replayability. Driftwood is the kind of game where you can try levels over and over again because it’s strangely relaxing despite the high stakes. Due for Early Access release some time in 2023.
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