Welcome, race enthusiasts, to the stellar world of Redout 2! Imagine a game where the racetrack is not only a place to speed up but a cosmic carnival littered with anti-gravity shenanigans. Yes, this is a racing game inspired by the classics like F-Zero and Wipeout, where players zoom, drift, and maybe get an existential crisis while steering spaceships that float better than your last friend's relationship. But the real question is, does it drive you wild or is it just a smooth pothole? Let's dive into the warp-speed tracks of this celestial race.
In Redout 2, you'll find yourself piloting high-speed anti-gravity ships across tracks that might make you question the state of modern golfing - like, 'Why is there a golf course in Mars?' Unlike traditional racing games where you just press gas and turn, here you're acquiring skills that take years to master. There's acceleration, braking, and oh, strafing. Yes, strafing! Now you can sidestep like you're avoiding your responsibilities as you navigate through treacherous turns and chicanes like a pro. The game features up to nine modes, including the classics like Race and Time Attack, and a quirky boss mode that takes the 'boss battle' trope and smashes it on a racing track. You'll need agility, speed, and perhaps cosmic luck to dodge certain doom while competing against other racers or an AI that feels suspiciously personal. Plus, the game cleverly allows you to complete events in any order. What's better than crushing your competition while ignoring time management and prioritizing your own thrill? As for the ships, you can choose from seven racing teams, each sporting four classes of ships. Each new class is like a new set of high heels - shinier, but probably prone to tripping you up if you're not careful. Mods, upgrades, power-ups? You got it! Make your ship as fast as Rick on a caffeine binge, or as reliable as grandma's lemon pie on Thanksgiving.
Visually, Redout 2 attempts to dazzle like a disco ball while also making you wonder if you should wear sunglasses indoors. The graphics are beautifully crafted, albeit depending on how your Switch is holding up - pinch me if I'm dreaming! Whether it's the lunar landscapes or the vibrant neon tracks, it's a visual mess of colors that might hurt your eyes or ignite your love for futuristic automobiles. Performances may suffer a bit, and you might find yourself wishing you had a stronger console instead of just your trusty Switch. But let's face it, if you own a Switch, you've probably made peace with graphics that can swing between 'jaw-dropping' and 'who designed this dumpster fire?'
So, here's the down and dirty verdict - Redout 2 is both a thrill ride and a rollercoaster of emotions. While it might not push you to the edge of your seat (or debt), and the graphics may dip dangerously close to 'Let's not talk about it', the gameplay truly honors the legacy of its predecessors. Some may call it the healing balm you've been waiting for since the last Wipeout title, while others may simply wonder why they keep falling off the track. In the end, it's a game built for speed lovers, nostalgia junkies, and anyone who enjoys airborne shenanigans with a side of chaos. Because who doesn't want to race on Mars? Grab your switch, channel your inner speed demon, and perhaps witness one of the cosmic wonders of racing-as long as you don't mind a few bumps along the way. If you want a pizza with extra toppings, you've come to the right place. Just remember, don't forget to steer!