Review of the Adrenalin fueled #Drive Rally PC Early Access

Released by Pixel Perfect Dude, #DRIVE is an endless driving game that stands out for its simplicity and retro aesthetic, offering a thrilling and engaging experience for both casual gamers and die-hard fans of the driving genre. Set in a variety of picturesque, yet challenging environments, the game takes inspiration from 1970s car chase films and features a laid-back style of play that marries relaxed vibes with high-speed excitement.

Visuals and Aesthetics

One of the most compelling aspects of #DRIVE is its unique visual style. The game adopts a minimalist, retro-inspired design that emphasizes style over high-end graphics. The use of muted tones and clean lines evokes a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of old-school arcade games and films of the 70s. This artistic approach gives the game an aesthetic edge, making it visually distinct in a sea of hyper-realistic driving games.

Each location, be it a desert highway, snow-covered mountains, or tropical seaside routes, feels thoughtfully designed. The attention to environmental detail—dust flying as you skid across sandy roads, or reflections bouncing off wet pavement—adds an immersive quality without overloading the screen. The visuals are coupled with a catchy soundtrack that matches the retro vibe, offering an audio-visual combination that transports you to a different time and place.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, #DRIVE is an endless runner, where the objective is simply to drive as far as you can without crashing. While this formula is well-worn in mobile gaming, #DRIVE manages to keep the experience fresh with intuitive controls, a variety of unlockable cars, and numerous locations to explore.

The controls are straightforward, requiring little more than tapping on the left or right side of the screen to steer. This simplicity is part of the game’s charm, as it doesn’t require players to master complex maneuvers or advanced driving mechanics. The focus is on the experience of the drive rather than the challenge of driving itself, making it an accessible option for players of all skill levels.

However, simplicity doesn’t mean a lack of depth. As you progress, the game throws more obstacles in your way—oncoming traffic, roadblocks, and increasingly narrow roads—that demand quick reflexes. Balancing fuel consumption is another key element. As you drive, you must make pit stops to refuel, adding an extra layer of tension and strategy to the game. Miss too many stops, and you’ll find yourself stranded mid-ride.

Cars and Customization

A wide selection of cars is available for players to unlock, ranging from classic sedans to off-road trucks, all paying homage to vintage vehicle designs. Each car comes with its own stats, affecting the way it handles and feels. Some cars are faster, while others are more durable and can take more hits before crashing. The customization options aren’t extensive, but they’re sufficient for a game of this type. You can tweak your car’s colors or select different liveries, but the focus remains firmly on driving rather than modification.

The game’s progression system is based on collecting in-game currency, which you can earn by driving long distances, completing challenges, or picking up items along the road. While it’s not the deepest upgrade system out there, it offers enough incentive for continued play, as each new car or location feels like a tangible reward for your efforts.

Challenge and Replayability

#DRIVE shines in its replayability. The randomness of each level’s layout ensures that no two drives are ever the same. You’ll be constantly pushed to beat your previous high score, and the various environments offer unique driving conditions that keep the experience fresh.

While the game is predominantly casual, some players might find the lack of a more structured challenge—such as a traditional campaign or storyline—a drawback. It’s designed for short bursts of play rather than long gaming sessions. However, this bite-sized appeal works well for mobile gaming, and the endless nature of the game can become addictive as you continually aim for that next high score.

The difficulty curve is gradual, with early levels being forgiving enough to allow new players to get the hang of things. But as you unlock more environments, the game becomes noticeably more difficult, demanding precision driving and faster reflexes.

Final Thoughts

#DRIVE is a standout in the endless driving genre. Its charming retro aesthetic, intuitive controls, and easy-to-grasp mechanics make it an enjoyable and addictive experience. It’s not a game that offers deep storytelling or intense racing mechanics, but it doesn’t need to. The fun of #DRIVE lies in its simplicity and the laid-back thrill of the open road.

For those who enjoy endless runners or driving games with a nostalgic twist, #DRIVE is a fantastic pick. It’s perfect for filling short bursts of free time, yet challenging enough to keep players coming back for more. With a wide variety of cars to unlock and visually diverse environments to explore, #DRIVE offers plenty of reasons to take it for a spin, again and again.