Developer: Insomniac Games, Blind Squirrel Games
Steam Deck Compatibility?: Unsupported
Rrp: £14.99 (Steam and Microsoft Store)
Sunset Overdrive feels like a game that was designed by first coming up with a mechanic and then trying to tie a story to it. There are actually many examples of this kind of game actually, the original Portal is a perfect example. Valve came up with the mechanics first and then eventually created the game as we know it now (I may have skipped a few steps but the message is the same). The issue is Portal is an example of when this method of developing a game is done excellently, however, there’s something about Sunset Overdrive that feels… off.
The traversal mechanics feel wonderfully smooth and are very fun to pull off, switching from grinds to bounces and wall running. They’ve even come up with a way to encourage you to use these mechanics as much as possible (just in case you didn’t want to) with the combo system. Simply put the more grinds, bounces and wall runs you do uninterrupted the higher your combo which in turn activates a set of powers called amps.
Throughout the game you’ll be trying to avoid and/or kill the OD, creatures that were once people and became what they are from drinking too much energy drink.
It’s an open world game, so there are a ton of collectibles, challenges and side stories for you to complete if you wish. Personally, I grew bored of the game after a few days but then I think I’m a bit burnt out on open world games and tend to prefer smaller games (unless your game truly grabs me like Horizon Zero Dawn did).
On the whole… well its not a bad game, I’ll likely return to it later when I want a lighthearted open world game. If you like open world games you can do better, but not many of them will be as bright and colourful as this one.
