Introduction

In a world where most extreme sports games seem determined to keep their neck-breaking, adrenaline-pumping fun to a minimum, Descenders takes the opposite approach. Available on the PS4, it’s your chance to embrace your inner daredevil without needing a personal injury lawyer on speed dial. And yes, the developers were very much aware of the spare bandages they’d need.

Gameplay

Descenders is, at its core, a downhill mountain biking simulator that tosses you straight into procedurally generated hillsides. Think of it as a rollercoaster ride that you’re desperately trying to navigate while yelling, 'I can do this!' to nobody in particular. You will hit various checkpoints while trying not to bail like a toddler learning to ride a bike. Each run is designed to give you a randomly generated course, like the game is telling you, 'You'll never learn, but at least it'll be exciting!', and for that, props to the developers for keeping the challenge alive. The controls are tight, responding well unless you get overzealous and decide to treat the controls as a video game NES controller circa 1983, in which case prepare for spectacular wipeouts. Oh, and you’re encouraged to perform tricks along the way, because why wouldn't you want to add insult to your injuries? Remember, bailing (falling) is entirely unavoidable, and each time you land face-first in the dirt, the game assures you that it’s all about 'the thrill of the ride'—as if that helps when you’re picking bike parts out of your teeth. Along with racing against the clock, there's an array of objectives to complete. Whether it’s completing a race, pulling off a certain number of tricks, or just not crying too hard after a massive wipeout, it’s all fair game. Note: the game doesn’t save you from crying.

Graphics

Graphically, Descenders has a low-key aesthetic—like that friend who insists they don’t need to dress up to go out. The landscapes are colorful, with each procedurally generated course offering its own unique charm, but you won’t mistake it for cutting-edge realism. It’s as if the developers decided that the riders needed to be the star of the show, while everything around them was in a blissful, surreal blur. Trees can feel alarming when they suddenly become a solid object as you careen into them at breakneck speed, but hey, it’s all part of the charm, right? It’s a celebration of motion over finely-tuned graphical fidelity, and while it may not win awards based on how pretty it is, there’s a charming simplicity to its design that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.

Conclusion

Descenders is a quirky, fun, sometimes terrifying trip through the world of extreme mountain biking that does a commendable job of making you feel like a daredevil without the need for actual injuries. The procedurally generated levels keep things fresh, and the focus on user-generated tricks and obstacles adds a level of unpredictability that makes each playthrough feel unique. Be prepared for repeated faceplants, but at least it’s your faceplant, and not a bad Tinder date. In the end, if you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to cycle downhill at breakneck speed while simultaneously trying to impress your imaginary audience, this game is for you. Grab your controller, slap on that helmet (not that it’ll help much), and get ready to hit the slopes. Just maybe keep the ice packs handy; you’ll need them after your 7th bail in 15 seconds.

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