Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders instantly piqued my interest. I love winter sports and I adored its predecessor. As such, I knew this would be a winner. I admit, though, I was pretty awful at the first game. I crashed and crashed and crashed, repeatedly. Therefore, I knew my chances of success in the sequel would be slim. Luckily, it didn’t disappoint as I hit the deck repeatedly.
Megagon Industries developed and published this indie sports sim game. Additionally, it comes with a cooperative and competitive online mode. Now, I didn’t test this as I couldn’t find anyone to play with. But I reckon the online action will be spectacular. The ability to work together or race each other will create endless arguments.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders lacks a story but thrills in other ways.
I didn’t expect a story and didn’t care that it never materialised. Instead, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders thrills you in other ways. The gameplay is split across 2 core single-player modes and 2 distinct difficulty settings. Alongside this, there are objectives to complete if you wish to unlock the hardest black run difficulty.
I’m no sadomasochistic gamer and I rarely push the envelope. Yet, when I ticked each time goal and stayed on my skis, the result was euphoric. Moreover, unlocking new gear and earning points to purchase the in-game cosmetics was fantastic. The drip-fed items keep you pushing and finding ways to get to the end quicker. Yet, speed = risk and risk = failure. Therefore, you must crawl before you walk and walk before you run if you wish to be successful.
Exploration is king.
Every element is beautifully executed. The crisp untouched snow falls away for rutted tracks as you explore. Furthermore, you are free to move and glide wherever you like. Some routes cut corners and others lead to death. However, what’s life if it isn’t dangerous?
As you hound down the mountain, you are free to be as stylish or dull as you wish. Flips, grabs, and turns are at your disposal. Additionally, you may change your grabs to mix things up. These moves took time to master as any errors can undermine your run. Consequently, a little caution goes a long way.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders looks incredible!
Every visual layer is pleasing to the eye. The grand environments glimmer and sheen as the sun reflects wildly. Moreover, the ice is alluring and dangerous in equal measure. I couldn’t get over how alive the world feels. The ruts and marks from your skis create a guide for your previous errors. Additionally, it ensures the world is ever-evolving. I can imagine that this mechanic is spectacular when playing with others.
I expected the audio to be a gnarly hellish mess. Thrash metal tunes making your ears bleed as you die once more. Instead, there is silence and the crunch of skis on snow. This peaceful design is perfect. Only you and the environment as you move from point to point. I applaud the developer and their understanding of the graceful nature of the winter wilderness.
Exceptional controls.
Your character moves through the world with undeniable grace. Heavy snow slows you, whereas ice and precut tracks help you to move at speed. This evolving control system will catch you out, but this doesn’t matter. You learn to adapt to the world and scan your route. Moreover, new equipment changes your style and this can be the difference between victory or failure.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders has to be one of my favourite indie games. I could and have played it for hours. The tough challenges and beautiful landscapes keep me coming back for more. Yet, it will be the multiplayer gameplay that gets me hooked. I cannot wait to play this with my friends and this will keep me playing long into the future.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is practically perfect.
A massive round of applause for the developer. Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is practically perfect in every way! It looks great and it handles even better. What’s more, there is loads of replay value and it is included as part of the Game Pass subscription. My only complaint is how difficult it is to complete. However, there will be people who love a challenge and will see this as a positive. Accordingly, it is amazing and a must-play game can that can be purchased here! Stay at home but hit the mountains in this near-perfect indie experience.
