Game Reviews

Pixel Boat Rush

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| Pixel Boat Rush
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Pixel Boat Rush
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| Pixel Boat Rush

Pixel Boat Rush is a little more than you might expect. At first glance it looks like a simple one-touch racer, something to pass the time without really being challenged.

But scratch the surface and you'll find a surprisingly intricate system of pattern recognition and reaction timing. It's more like a don't-touch racer, with guns and super explosions.

Of course the flip side of that complexity is that this isn't a game you can pick up and play instantly. And while it manages to straddle arcade playability and racing depth, some might be put off by just how inflexible it can be.

Wave function

The aim of the game is to pilot a powerboat through a series of races. You're driving against up to six other opponents, bouncing over waves that look remarkably like rolling hills.

Or, more accurately, you're trying not to bounce. Pushing on the right side of the screen sees you accelerating, and if you keep your finger pushed down as you hurtle over the crest of a wave you'll fly into the air.

But if you release your finger at just the right time, the downforce of your boat will suck you down and make sure you don't take off.

Sometimes you'll want to fly, to avoid tricky sections of waves, or to grab a power-up or some coins. Most of the time the fastest route is the one that keeps you on the sea though.

Tiny hulls

The races are the same each time, and you need to remember when to fly and when to stick. There are rocky obstacles to avoid, and after a sedate start the second race sees you and your opponents toting weaponry.

You collect coins and tools to upgrade your vehicle, and there's a silly story running through the game that's all about regaining your place at the top of the powerboat rankings.

And it's quite a lot of fun. It's certainly tougher than that first glance suggests, and it can be a little frustrating as you learn the ropes.

But Pixel Boat Rush is worth persevering with. There's a fizz to the ideas here that makes them slightly intoxicating, and while it loses a little of its spark as you get further in, there's still a lot here to like.

Pixel Boat Rush

A surprisingly sharp and clever racer, Pixel Boat Rush is well worth diving into
Score
Harry Slater
Harry Slater
Harry used to be really good at Snake on the Nokia 5110. Apparently though, digital snake wrangling isn't a proper job, so now he writes words about games instead.