Digital Reality has just released their arcade flight racer and it is absolutely amazing.  The screen shots do not do this game justice.  Just wait until you see it in motion.  Skydrift gives players a choice of 8 highly maneuverable planes with varying qualities and strengths. Each of these planes comes with 4 customizable skins for a total of 32 different racing skins.

The graphical presentation is stunning but rest assured you won’t be sight seeing for too long.  During all this eye candy you will be evading and attacking your opponents, while also trying to be the first to each set of power-ups located throughout each high intensity race.  These six power-ups play a large part in winning each race.   This element adds to the already high octane experience at hand.  As the Skydrift slogan states, “If you can’t overtake them, shoot them down!”.  While speeding through the highly detailed landscapes, you will also be firing missiles and shooting any possible threat ahead of you.   At the same time, you must be aware of what lurks behind you.   This chaotic environment keeps you on your toes and immediately harnesses all of your attention.  It fills every moment with an adrenaline rush found in few games these days.

 Controls and Multiplayer

The controls for all the aircraft are fluid and solid.  This enables the gamer to engage in sharp turns, barrel rolls and evasion maneuvers with ease.  It is obvious Digital Reality really took their time and fine tuned the controls to perfection.

Once you fly through the campaign, which can be accomplished in 2-3 hours, it is time to hit the multiplayer skies.   The matches load quickly and the gaming experience is silky smooth.  The online scene kicks up the chaos a couple notches.  I found myself leaning forward from the couch and deeply immersed in each race, gathering power-ups, evading gun fire from behind and taking out any planes that I could in front.

For the Skydrift enthusiast, DLC is available.

1. SkyDrift Extreme Fighters Pack

Experience the next level of speed and power. The three most powerful and deadliest planes of SkyDrift are ready for takeoff. You can swoop with the indomitable bird of prey that fits your style or the actual event:
- Vanguard
- Sparrow X1
- Triwing Vintage
All three planes are immediately available for every single and multiplayer challenge in any game mode.
Rule the skies and be the best with the premium fighters built without compromise.

2. SkyDrift Gladiator Multiplayer Pack

Are you a natural predator? Now SkyDrift brings you the two classic multiplayer modes Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch, where only the number of opponents you eliminate will earn you honor and respect.
Improve your hunter skills in 6 breathtaking arenas including Warfactory, U.F.O. and Scrapyard.
It’s up to you to join an existing dogfight or create a new arena and choose from settings like weather conditions or Time Limit.

Conclusion

While there are many huge titles coming out this time of year, Skydrift deserves your attention for the beautiful chaos it exhibits in every race.  It’s an unique arcade racer with depth, intuitive controls and vibrant graphics.  It is available on PlayStation Network for $14.99 or on Xbox LIVE Arcade for 1200 Microsoft Points.  You owe it to yourself to take a test flight in Digital Reality’s action packed racer.  I am confident you’ll be blown away.

Review Rating:  10/10