Futuristic racing games haven’t had the easiest go of things over the years. It’s been ten years since the last new Wipeout game, and the newest F-Zero entry, F-Zero Climax, is almost old enough to buy a pint. Luckily, independent developers have been carrying that torch a bit in recent years, with games like Fast RMX filling the void left by those series. Italian studio 34BigThings’ Redout 2 is another take on this formula, although weirdly, it almost feels more like a simulation racer than an arcade one.
In Redout 2 you take part in the Solar Redout Racing League, a futuristic ship racing league taking place all across the galaxy, from the heights of Mount Fuji, to the depths of Tartarus. For a racing game, this sequel to 2019's Redout has strangely in-depth lore, detailing a futuristic post-war society which has taken to anti-gravity racing as its favourite sport. Each new area and vehicle you unlock comes with a detailed lore breakdown, such as the Origin Black Hole, which takes place in the ruins of a destroyed ship that is now used as a space bin. While you aren’t likely to get super invested in the plot, the worldbuilding is admirable.
Three play modes are offered. Career is set up in the vein of games like Gran Turismo in which you play through races and challenges to earn stars and eventually take part in license tests to graduate into the next tier. It’s a lengthy affair with over 250 events to play through over the game's 36 tracks. Arcade allows you to pick any ship, any parts and any track to take on straight away. Finally, Online Multiplayer... which is pretty self-explanatory and currently offers unranked play. However, expect to wait a long time for games, as even finding one player took between half an hour to an hour in the days following launch; thankfully, however, you can play other modes while waiting for a game. This combined with no local multiplayer makes the multiplayer components of Redout 2 disappointing.
Luckily, the Switch version runs fairly well, with any frame rate hitches being minor and infrequent. However, the game can look a little muddy in handheld mode, with elements like the water in ‘Neo-Shinagawa’ looking like a giant blue wall you’re about to run into. The game also has some occasional glitches like ships flying through the track, although they’re infrequent.
Speed is the name of the game; no matter which of Redout 2’s 12 fully customisable ship types you choose, expect to be going blisteringly fast at all times. The game has a rather complex control system with triggers controlling acceleration, brakes and boosts. The left stick turns — pretty standard — but the right stick handles strafing (your left to right movement) and pitching (your vertical movements). When combined with turning, strafing enables you to take larger corners, while pitching stops your bumper scraping against the ground in loops and also prevents your ship flying off the track on large drops.
These elements make Redout 2 feel more in line with simulation racers like F1 than the arcade-style (albeit twitch) gameplay of F-Zero, making Redout 2 more satisfying the longer you stick with it. It’s hard to recommend if you’re looking for something to pick up and play, though, and — especially on Switch — the lack of local multiplayer is a real disappointment.
Comments 28
It still sounds like something I will enjoy as I enjoy FAST, Wipeout, F-Zero. So it will probably be worth a punt at a slightly lower price than full price.
Thanks for the review.
I really like it so far. It’s really quite hard, but in a fair way. And when you finally beat a track in career mode it feels like a proper accomplishment.
The control system is a bit crampy in handheld - I found the pro controller in docked much better.
Graphics are… not great on the Switch. But the feeling of speed and the gameplay more than make up for it.
I’m getting the same feeling playing this as I did Wipeout 2097 on the PS1. Which is a good thing.
... But how does it compare to the first? Redout 1 was a notoriously awful port job for Switch, yet it scored 7/10 on this site
lost me at no local multiplayer.
good to know the developers missed a crucial selling point of the Switch again.
Hmm, think i Will pass on this one and wait for a new fzero hopefully
Doesn't really sound like it's for me with that control scheme. I prefer an uncomplicated arcade-style racer, go fast and try not to hit anything. Fast RMX really covers that territory well, I just wish it had more tracks and vehicles.
I really didn't like the first game. So this is a pass for me. It feels like we will never get a worthy F-Zero replacement.
Long time to wait on Switch, not on Steam!
I love this game. The gameplay is perfect but the learning curve is not for everyone! This game is difficult, but when you understand it...the game is intense.....love this feeling!
Tip: You need to use left and right analogic like MX x ATV games!!!
Looking at the screenshots, I'd say I'd rather play this on my Steam Deck / PC.
I put this on my wish list, but if it’s anything like the first Redout, it won’t go on sale for much of a discount. I don’t like to say that, I want to support people making games, but I only have so much time and money.
@dugan this one has a new publisher though, so they might choose to give it better sales.
In fact, up until a few days ago the original was still priced ten dollars more than this sequel
If they add local multiplayer I’d be tempted
@Yodalovesu Thanks for that info, I didn’t realize the sequel was less expensive!
I miss Extreme G. Especially XG3. That was the most solid racer in the series.
Nothing else ever quite fills the void.
@dugan on Steam Redout is always on sale. I paid about U$6
@Yodalovesu
It is way better than the first.
@Kiwi_Unlimited The Extreme-G games are awesome.
Nintendo - take notes and bring back F-Zero.
I've been playing this on Playstation 5 and I'm really liking it. I love racing games with plenty of single player content.
@Banjo-
I'm so glad in not the only one who thinks so!
I really miss those games.
@Kiwi_Unlimited I love them and also miss them. I still have the awesome third title for GameCube. I tried to emulate the first one because, sadly, I no longer have the cartridge but it seems very difficult to emulate. Even the first game stands the test of time. It's super fun and the music is great.
No split-screen mode means no purchase for me. The controls sound awful, and with the dud graphics, it's one I'll only pick up at 80% or 90% off. Clearly, we need an F-Zero Ultimate to fill our high speed racing thrills. Based on F-Zero X (the best version because it had the best tracks and racing ethos), it would be fully updated, include the track editor, include some new tracks derived from the track editor, and 40 of the best from the SNES, GBA, GX and AX versions.
@Banjo- I agree the Music for the first Extreme G is fantastic, I have the complete soundtrack on my playlist..
It was the first racing game I got for my N64, and I still play the game a lot on my PC and Mobile phone.. A classic.
I'm likely to get this on XBox but the port to Switch looks solid. For the portable aspect I might be tempted to get this on Switch when on a sale..
@BANJO Same here! 😊 I have the soundtrack on my phone! It was also my first racing game for N64. What emulator do you use on your PC and phone?
@Banjo- Project 64 on my PC and Super 64 Plus on my mobile... I still have my cartridge for the game too along with a few other N64 games, but no actual N64. I plan to get one again at some point 👍
The soundtrack really is fantastic combined with the nostalgia for me just finishes it off 😊
@BANJO It's quality and nostalgia together! 👌
Yes! Extreme G forever! Why can't Nightdive bring them back? Oy...
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...