Reviews:
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If there was a major
genre on Switch to argue may be the worst represented, whether AAA titles or
indies, it could be sports. Given how much diversity that’s possible in the
category this is a bit of a surprise but it’s where we find ourselves. When a
genre title does then show up there can be a concern that fans on the platform
are so starved for a new experience that they’ll jump on anything. In the case
of Lonely Mountains: Downhill you shouldn’t have such a concern, at least
depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. Part discovery and
exploration, part precision, certainly part frustration, and I’ll gladly throw a
bit of luck onto the pile as well, it’s an experience not quite like anything
I’ve played before. Your goal is pretty simple at first, simply survive the
tough ride from the top of the mountain to the bottom. Along that ride, though,
you’ll see the hints of what’s in store for you as you then try to shave seconds
off your time. You’ll swear you see what could be a trail off to the side,
you’ll hit an intersection with a path coming from a completely different
direction, or you’ll even see a spot you’re certain must be a jump. What follows
is usually a grueling run or two where you’ll basically try to map out what’s
possible, typically learning the hard way how not to execute certain sections as
your rider plunges to a bloody (and often undoubtedly lethal) fall. No problem,
you’ll pop right back to your last checkpoint and try again… and again. As a
warning I’ve seen the game stutter at times as it scales in and out of the
action, and there are angles where the brilliant tilt shift perspective look
works against you with elements blocking your view from the foreground but the
unique experience, the open-ended nature of how you tackle your run, and the
sheer beauty of the different trails and mountains you’ll encounter make this an
outstanding game like no other that’s absolutely worth a look if you don’t mind
the challenge.
Justin Nation, Score:Nindie Choice! [8.5]