Hover

Imagine an indie title that's biggest influences are Jetset and Mirror's edge and you get Hover. Hover is a game with fundamental design and movement flaws that limit the overall appeal of the game. However, surrounding these problems is a great universe that is matched by solid mission variety, a unique level up system, and interesting energy mechanics. In addition, the game’s robust basketball parkour mode, Gameball, is an absolute highlight, and offered the most fun Hover has to offer. Depending on how much these design issues affect your enjoyment will largely depend on what you prioritize in games, and as such, Hover is difficult to give a blanket recommendation.

Got 20+ hours in this on Switch so don't mind the low playtime.
This game is often, perhaps inevitably, associated with Jet Set Radio - and sure enough, if you vibe with the anti-authoritarian themes, cel shaded styling and a degree of high-speed platforming, you'll find overlap in your enjoyment here. But Hover is very much a different game from JSR/BRC, one focused on parkour, climbing and movement versus grinding, tricks and graffiti. Platforming is very much at the core of Hover and you're largely challenged in your ability to get around within a certain time limit.
Fortunately, the controls in Hover are fantastic for this, both intuitive and highly forgiving thanks to seamless rewind which you are encouraged to use. You quickly pick up speed and can easily send your character soaring towards your goals and climbing and rebounding over obstacles. It's just an absolute treat once it clicks and you know your way around the maps, and very little will stand in your way.
That said, the game -does- throw you in the deep end at certain points of the game, and the difficulty curve does tighten dramatically towards the end. You'll very much be wanting to make multiple characters with particular builds in order to have enough jump power, speed, hacking strength etc to overcome particular obstacles. It is admittedly a slight nuisance but doesn't detract from the game overall. In fact, you can very comfortably just ignore the story outright and enjoy bombing around the very expansive Haven District the game gives you out of the gate.
All in all, super enjoyable parkour game with very satisfying and fluid gameplay. Always happy to return to this one and throw some tricks and tags about.

TLDR: This game is fun and worth the money

This game has so much too it and is worth the $30 ish that i paid for it. I first had it on gamepass and enjoyed it and have since bought it on pc. Though the game says it has crossplay it does not have crossplay invites meaning you need to find each other in a server, (there are not many people playing so its not hard) but it does take away from the game a bit but not to make a negative review. The lower levels of playing a character when you have very few mods is a slog fest and it feels like you cant do anything but after a while (around level 5 ish of a character) the game really starts to pick up as your character gets faster and more agile. The game ball missions are very janky as when playing online your character can run over the ball and not pick it up. overall i would highly recommend this game as a single player experience and as a multiplayer game.

I really enjoyed my time with this game, super sleek gameplay and visual style.
8/10 recommended!

Hover, developed by Midgar Studio and Fusty Game and published by Nacon, is a game that sets out to capture the excitement of fast-paced parkour in a vibrant, futuristic city. Set in ECP17, a neon-drenched metropolis under the control of an authoritarian regime that has outlawed entertainment, the game casts players as part of a group of rebels known as “Gamers.” These characters push back against the regime not with weapons but with speed, agility, and creativity, using freerunning and tricks to defy authority and inspire others. It is an ambitious concept that tries to blend movement-focused gameplay with cooperative and competitive multiplayer elements, wrapped in a rebellious and stylish presentation.
The core of Hover lies in its movement system, which allows players to dash, vault, wall-run, and grind across sprawling city districts filled with vertical pathways and hidden shortcuts. Missions take many forms, from time trials and delivery challenges to sabotage missions and races against rivals. The variety helps maintain momentum, and the game encourages experimentation with different routes, strategies, and abilities. Players can also upgrade their characters with chips that enhance specific skills, adding light RPG elements to the otherwise arcade-style progression. When the systems click, Hover delivers exhilarating moments where speed, precision, and creativity flow together seamlessly.
Presentation plays a huge role in Hover’s identity. The cel-shaded art style and bold color palette immediately call back to classics like Jet Set Radio, and this inspiration is further cemented by Hideki Naganuma’s contributions to the soundtrack. The music, filled with funky and energetic beats, pairs perfectly with the rhythm of dashing through city streets or leaping across rooftops. The design of Hover City, with its sharp contrasts between bustling low districts and sleek high towers, reinforces the themes of rebellion and inequality that drive the narrative. There’s a distinct sense of energy and personality in how the world is built, making it an inviting playground to explore.
However, Hover is not without its frustrations, and the most persistent complaints revolve around its controls and camera. For a game that demands precision and flow, the camera can often become unwieldy, snapping into awkward angles or failing to keep up during hectic sequences. The movement, while exciting at its best, sometimes feels slippery or inconsistent, leading to missed jumps or lost momentum in critical moments. These issues can be especially noticeable in missions with strict timers or competitive races, where one small misstep can derail the experience. The mechanical looseness prevents Hover from reaching the same level of polish as the games it takes inspiration from.
Mission design also varies in quality. Races and trick-based challenges often shine, offering opportunities for creativity and skillful execution, but other activities feel repetitive or less fleshed out. The “Gameball” mode, for example, is an interesting idea but struggles to maintain balance and excitement compared to the core parkour gameplay. Story elements, while present, never quite rise above the surface, leaving the world’s lore more as a colorful backdrop than a narrative driver. For players looking for a deep plot or memorable characters, Hover offers little beyond its rebellious aesthetic.
Despite its shortcomings, Hover still has a lot to offer. The sheer amount of content, the freedom to play solo or jump into multiplayer seamlessly, and the ability to approach challenges from different angles give the game impressive replayability. Its dedication to style and community-driven fun makes it appealing to those who value atmosphere and movement over strict precision. While it may not completely escape the shadow of the titles it emulates, it succeeds in carving out its own niche as a playground for speed and creativity.
In the end, Hover is a game full of ambition and energy that sometimes struggles under the weight of its own ideas but still manages to provide a unique and enjoyable experience. It may not deliver the mechanical sharpness or narrative depth some players expect, but for those who enjoy stylish worlds, energetic music, and the thrill of running, leaping, and sliding through futuristic cityscapes, it is a title worth exploring.
Rating: 8/10

I had a great time playing this: exploring the open world, upgrading characters and optimizing them for different mission types, perfecting missions I thought were particularly fun and getting collectibles (which double as upgrades) for it, and watching other players do their own different races in the same world. There's missions of various kinds (platforming, racing, some mix), and a strong feeling of progression.
Downside: if you don't like a particular mission type you'll have to at least pass it anyway to progress the story and unlock new sections of the map.

Amazing game, addicting movement, crazy good soundtrack, amazing game for any parkour lover