Screamer
Review
Cyberpunk racing
by William Thompson
reviewed on PC
From Two Wheels to Four
While Milestone is currently a household name for hardcore motorcycle simulations like MotoGP, Ride, and the Supercross series', their latest venture, Screamer, sees the developer trading two wheels for four. This shift also signals a departure from their signature realism, leaning instead into a high-octane arcade style that prioritizes adrenaline over weight distribution and physics-heavy handling. Set against a futuristic, almost cyberpunk backdrop, the game offers a neon-soaked aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
A Global Tournament with Personal Stakes
The narrative heart of the experience is found in the Tournament Mode, which tracks five distinct teams as they enter a street-racing circuit organized by a mysterious benefactor. Each group has its own motivation, with personal stakes ranging from desperate financial burdens and the pursuit of fame to cold-hearted revenge. While the story is fleshed out through numerous cut-scenes between races that introduce a diverse cast of characters, most players will likely find themselves more invested in the mechanical thrill of the race than the benefactor's underlying schemes. A particularly impressive detail is that this dialogue is fully voiced, with each of the racers speaking in their native tongue—a nice touch that adds a layer of global authenticity to the futuristic setting.
Diverse Tracks and Unique Abilities
One of the game's greatest strengths is its sheer volume of content, featuring 32 different tracks that provide a significant amount of variation in scenery and layout. This variety ensures that the racing remains engaging as players progress through the campaign. Further adding to this diversity are the racers themselves; rather than just being cosmetic choices, each character comes equipped with their own special abilities. This layer of mechanical depth means that choosing the right driver can be just as important as mastering the racing line.
Precision Control and High-Octane Beats
Complementing the high-speed action is a superb soundtrack that perfectly captures the game's electrifying atmosphere. The electronic rock score, driven by fast-paced beats, mirrors the intensity of the competition and keeps the energy high from start to finish. This sensory experience is further heightened by a unique control scheme that may take players a moment to master. By splitting movement to the left thumbstick and drifting to the right, the game demands a specific coordination where players must decide when to use each stick independently or combine them to glide through tight corners.
Mastering the Sync and Entropy Systems
The game's boost and combat mechanics are deeply integrated into the world-building, specifically centered around a device equipped at Gage’s workshop. During a race, players generate a resource called Sync through both passive driving and specific actions. This Sync is then spent to activate either a speed Boost or a defensive Shield. Once spent, Sync converts into Entropy, which serves as the fuel for offensive maneuvers like Strike and Overdrive. The early missions of the Tournament act as a tutorial for these systems, ensuring players understand how to manage their resources before the competition becomes too fierce.
Beyond the Campaign
For those who prefer to skip the narrative entirely, Screamer offers a robust selection of game modes available from the main menu immediately. Beyond the standard campaign and online multiplayer, players can engage in customized races with special rules, or join Team Race for cooperative play featuring knockout mechanics. For those who enjoy a challenge against the clock, "Checkpoints" focuses on survival against a countdown, while "Time Trial" offers dedicated leaderboards. More specialized modes like "Score Challenge" and the explosive "Overdrive Challenge"—where a single mistake can end the race—provide significant replay value outside of the main story.
Screamer is a compelling purchase for any racing fan looking to trade technical simulations for pure, stylish speed. Its unique twin-stick drifting mechanics offer a refreshing challenge for those tired of standard controls, while the sheer variety provided by the 32 tracks and character-specific abilities keeps the gameplay from feeling repetitive. With its vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic, a pulse-pounding electronic rock soundtrack, and a wealth of game modes that cater to both solo and social players, it delivers a high-value package that captures the best of the arcade racing spirit.
As always, follow Hooked Gamers on Instagram for news updates, reviews, competitions and more.
7.2
fun score
Pros
Soundtrack is electrifying
Cons
Twin stick driving can take a little bit to get used to
