Drifter

Release Date: March 4, 2014 Early Access

Arcade, sandbox, in space, singleplayer

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Steam

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A simplified space simulation game created by the independent studio Celsius Games. The action of this production takes place in a distant future, where humanity has developed enough to colonize other planetary systems. The player assumes the role of a spaceship captain, and decides what path will the protagonist take. We can deal in trade and mining or even choose the career of a bounty hunter, an interplanetary convoy guard, or a pirate.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects

Drifter is an arcade space simulation game for PS4, PC and PSV that takes place in a distant future. It is the first PC project of Celsius Games, a studio known mostly for the popular iOS shooter entitled Red Nova. It is worth mentioning that the soundtrack was composed by Danny Baranowsky, the composer of music for Super Meat Boy, The Binding of Isaac, Canabalt, and Cave Story 3D.

Plot

The action takes place in a distant future, in times when the humanity colonized countless worlds. We assume the role of a spaceship captain and choose what career we want to pursue. We can deal in, among other things, trade, mining, bounty hunting, or guarding convoys. We might as well take the other side and become a pirate.

Mechanics

The game features fully three-dimensional graphics but movement is limited to only two dimensions. While adventuring, we sit at the helm of many kinds of ships that can be extensively modified. We choose our weapons, armor, energetic shields, engines, and other onboard systems ourselves. As we progress, our character also develops and perfects the skills that help in, for example, trade, combat, or mining.

All of the above activities take place in a vast galaxy that spans over 100 thousand light years. Drifter for PS4, PC and PSV was designed not to limit player’s freedom at all. At the same time, the game features an optional plot. The story is learned during a number of special missions that let us understand the history of the world and the people who inhabit it. Taking part in these assignments is not mandatory but completing them gives us access to unique ships and rare equipment.

Technical aspects

Drifter for PS4, PC and PSV started out as a project exclusive to mobile devices by Apple. The developer was flooded with e-mails asking about a PC version, though. The PC version offers enhanced graphics as well as a number of new features, including a cockpit camera and a controls system adjusted to a mouse and a keyboard.

Last updated on October 21, 2016

Videos and Screens

[2:01] Drifter trailer

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