Outmode
SummaryOutmode is an arcade racer heavily inspired by the Outrun aesthetic movement of the early 2010s. Featuring a retro-futuristic neon setting of beaches, cities and highways; it presents itself as the next step up in Synthwave themed games by building it on the roots of the iconography of a 1980s America and allowing the player to run through the world using a unique arcade driving model.
Features■ A cast of ’80s style "hero" cars/characters, each with their own unique abilities and driving stats.
■ Heavy use of the Outrun aesthetic and Synthwave music, both in a traditional and modern style.
■ Five different pulse racing or "chill out to" game modes – completely configurable by the player, as listed further below.
■ A unique arcade driving model with drifting, boosting and manual gear shifting you won’t find anywhere else!
■ The choice between an immersive first person mode with no HUD or the classic hood or third person chase camera.
■ Split screen/local multiplayer – with Steam remote play support.
■ The choice to listen to your own music or the provided soundtrack – both of which are illustrated with in-game audio visualisation.
■ Unique in-game environments which allow for some amazing picturesque moments.
■ Planned post launch content/support.
Game Modes■ Career – If you like progression, this is the mode for you. Be tasked with contract type missions in a story led environment to gain access to new drivers and cars. Beat the competition in milestone head-to-head events and gain legendary Outrun status.
■ Outmode – A modern twist on some of the classic ’80s arcade cabinet racing games, tour through the urban and rural environments of a retro-futuristic America while overcoming vehicular and hazardous obstacles standing in your way.
■ Race – Standard quick race, free choice on the map, car, bot difficulty, bot amount and transmission type.
■ Endless – See that sunset? Drive ’till the end of the earth to reach it. Similar to the Outmode game mode but less competitive and more drive and chill, dodge enemies or play peacefully, rack up new high-scores and share with your friends.
■ Time Attack – Time trial game mode, similar to the race game mode but you race against your previous self (ghost) to compete for the best time.
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Game Discussion
Steam User 21
Outmode is quite a good racing game that really manages to portray the aesthetic 80's style, sometimes maybe a bit too colorful but everything fits perfectly into the picture.
Check out some gameplay here:
So in the game you have a few modes, from tournaments to simple racing or challenge yourself during a time race or in the endless mode.
You can also unlock many new cars and characters that each also promise different achievements.
The in-game soundtrack is also very appropriate for the entire style of the game, but if you can't get enough of it, you also have the option to link your favorite appropriate songs so that you can listen to those songs while racing.
An online fashion would be nice, but luckily we can challenge a friend locally.
I don't have the VR dlc yet but I can imagine it could be very interesting and relaxing.
Steam User 12
I'll be honest, I insta-wishlisted this purely for the aesthetics alone. When I saw it released I grabbed it right away.
I was excited to find out this game's a lot more challenging than I thought. Though you can also turn it into the chill cruise game you might expect if you want to.
The manual gear shifting with the mouse is honestly really fun for the "immersion" factor. I'll have to give VR a shot eventually.
I'll definitely be returning to this as a my go-to arcade game break!
Steam User 7
Is it a perfect game? No.
Is it a lot of fun? Yes
Would I recommended it? If you like synthwave and racing games then yes, 100%
Steam User 1
It has its bugs but its a fun little game with nice looking achievements to display! (Edit: It wont let you select the game from your list of games when trying to display achievements :/)
Steam User 3
I have enjoyed this game so far, I love the aesthetic and the design of the cars. The map designs are reminiscent of Mario kart , I like the drifting mechanic and all of the abilities that are tailored for each car. Overall this is a great game and I would definitely recommend it.
Steam User 2
Solid game, gorgeous aesthetics. Driving feels good, there are some bugs especially when using controller, but I have no doubt once things get ironed out after the early launch, it will be an excellent game
Steam User 5
Been following the game development for a while and can definitely recommend at this point. Also needs to be stated I'm not very good at reviewing games.
It's a bit rough around the edges, needs polishing and I've been doing my best to report bugs in the game discord, Rockateer (game dev) has been very communicative, taking all the criticism and feedback very well.
As for the gameplay, I was never big on racers but this one has really hit well for me. Whether it's the music or aesthetically pleasing visuals I'm not sure, but I want to at least 100% all the achievements at this point. I like to enjoy the game by adding in my own custom synth music from other popular artists like carpenter brut, perturbator, lazerhawk etc. Unfortunately I'm a one-handed player so things like drifting and manual-shifting are kinda impossible for me, but it's been really enjoyable nonetheless, once key-binds are also fixed I suspect I'll enjoy it even more. Personally, I find endless to be the best mode on here due to how fun it is vibing to synth in this outrun world, but also the extra encounters of gunships, tomcats and such (hopefully more in the future), races and time-trials also allow room for competition and more succinct engagement.
This is a brilliant, impressive solo-project William, you've really made the game come to life through the vibrant and distinct art-style played along with the unique and fulfilling gameplay.