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Review of Descenders on Nintendo Switch

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Nov 2020
Cover image of Descenders on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 06 Nov 2020
Genre: Extreme sports
Developer: RageSquid
Publisher: No More Robots

Introduction

In the grand saga of sports games, 'Descenders' reminds us that not all heroes wear capes-some ride downhill on bikes while performing gravity-defying tricks. Designed to be the 'Tony Hawk' of biking, it's like a wild ride through an extreme sport's wonderland with a splash of rogue-like randomness. So, strap on your helmets; we're diving into the reckless world of Descenders.

Gameplay

'Descenders' serves up procedurally generated downhill courses that could make even the most fearless daredevil rethink their life choices. Each run is designed to challenge your biking skills and your tolerance for digital face plants. With objectives like 'nail a trick while riding backward on a unicycle' (okay, not really, but you get the point), every descent is filled with breathtaking thrills and the inevitable 'how did I just crash into that tree?' moments. The game takes a unique approach to tricks-rather than memorizing complicated button combinations like trying to learn an ancient language, you simply combine different motions to express your inner Steve McQueen. But don't get too cozy; each course has a time limit and a series of checkpoints, because nothing says fun like a little pressure and imminent failure, right? This mechanic keeps players on their toes, or rather, pedaling like madmen in a race against time and physics. One notable critique echoes through the community: a lack of variety in features. However, the environmental variety is enough to keep the experience fresh. One moment you're gripping dirt trails, and the next, you're narrowly avoiding exploding barrels in a post-apocalyptic wasteland-okay, maybe that last part is a tad exaggerated, but you get the drift!

Graphics

On the visual front, 'Descenders' is about as stylish as your friend wearing sunglasses indoors. The art style is colorful and vibrant, making the levels pop like a neon sign in a back alley arcade. The smooth animations and solid physics create a visually pleasing experience that makes you feel like a badass while simultaneously reminding you that you're sitting on your couch in pajamas. The Switch version, while slightly less polished than its console counterparts, still manages to keep up with the high pace and crazy stunts, ensuring that your console doesn't melt under the pressure (or at least, we hope!).

Conclusion

'Descenders' is a gloriously chaotic romp through extreme downhill biking, successfully fusing the thrill of sport with rogue-like elements. It's perfect for those who crave fast-paced actions and cleverly designed procedurally generated levels that throw curveballs at every corner. While it may not appeal to everyone-particularly those who dislike falling on their face or the idea of dismounting their bikes with grace-it's undeniably a fun ride. With its unique twist on gameplay mechanics and an adventurous spirit, 'Descenders' earns a solid 8/10. So, whether you're dusting off your old biking skills or just ready to embrace a digital world full of whoops and oops, 'Descenders' will have you challenging gravity and laughing at your own stumbles in no time. Just remember: it's all fun and games until someone crashes into a tree-at least you can always respawn!

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