

This makes it a burden to play on the go, and I imagine it would be even worse on the Switch Lite. Consequently, when in handheld mode, characters and elements become nothing more than tiny sprites in the middle of a gigantic map. Due to the unique way the game uses the camera as an important mechanic, at times, it shows the entire scenario in a zoomed out way. SpeedRunners also deals with a specific issue to the Nintendo Switch. The single-player counterpart isn’t up to the same standards. It also chooses to tell its narrative in a weird way, with comics that can be read. Its short campaign works more like training sections for its multiplayer, because it features the same levels and mechanics, but with bots – which isn’t nearly as fun as playing with friends.
#Speedrunners game modes series
To make things even worse (or better), in a very Mario Kart fashion, players also have access to a series of power-ups, which can be used to attack other players.Īs much as the premise and mechanics of SpeedRunners turn it into an amazing multiplayer experience, the same can’t be said about its single-player content. Small gaps, spikes, and lasers are just a few examples of the things you need to be careful of. With that, you must try to evade the many obstacles scattered through each level. In addition to jumping, you can also slide and grapple into certain elements from the locales. However, the game adds a couple of chaotic elements to the equation. With just this basic premise, SpeedRunners could already be an interesting multiplayer game. To make things more interesting, though, once one of the players is out, the screen starts to shrink, making it much harder for those who are behind to keep up.Īs the screen shrinks, the danger increases. Then, the match continues until all but one player is knocked down. If one of the players that are behind the lead gets out of the bonds of the camera, they are out. Basically, the camera is always following the player who is in first. How players are eliminated is one of the elements that make SpeedRunners so great. Instead, each match takes form as an eliminatory game, where the last one standing wins. The main catch is that the levels don’t feature a set number of laps, nor a defined main objective. Basically, it is a 2D side-scrolling platformer where up to 4 players compete in a kind of frantic race.

Playing or watching a single match is enough to make you understand what SpeedRunners is all about. The most incredible thing about SpeedRunners is how it builds such a fun multiplayer experience on top of a very simple concept. Use everything at your disposal to not be left behind. Games that are easy to play, but has depth to master. Some of the best multiplayer games, though, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, are the ones who manage to mix both approaches in a cohesive way. They often have deep mechanics, ranked modes, and feel more like ‘serious businesses’. Then, at the other side of the coin, there are the hardcore competitive multiplayer games. They are fun, light-hearted, and welcoming to all ages. At one side, there are the party-centric titles: family-friend experiences that are very easy to jump in and enjoy.

In a broader sense, you could separate most multiplayer-focused games into two big groups.
