Four years after captivating the PC gaming community, Slipstream has accelerated onto more modern consoles, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia for classic arcade racing games.
This indie title, known for its retro art style reminiscent of the iconic OutRun, has finally made its much-anticipated debut on PS5, joining the ranks of its previously released PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC versions.
A Seamless Transition to PS5
Now available on the PlayStation Store, Slipstream can be downloaded on PS5 for a modest price, with a special offer allowing owners of the PS4 version to upgrade for free.
While the PS5 version doesn’t boast any visual enhancements over its PS4 counterpart, the move to a native PS5 release is celebrated with a new trophy list, encouraging both new and returning players to delve into its vibrant, drift-focused racing world.
Developed by Brazilian developer Sandro Luiz de Paula, better known as ansdor, Slipstream is a labor of love, taking four years to perfect its recreation of the sprite scaling graphics that defined the 80s and 90s racing games.
The custom-built engine not only captures the essence of these classics but also introduces modern mechanics like drifting and slipstreaming, adding layers of strategy and excitement to the races.
Blue Hour Expansion: A New Dawn for Slipstream
Coinciding with its PS5 release, Slipstream introduced the Blue Hour expansion, a free update that celebrates the game’s fifth anniversary.
This expansion adds fresh content, including two new game modes, three additional cars, and five exciting locations, ranging from the historic streets of Marseille and Pompeii to the mysterious realms of Transylvania and the scenic landscapes of Granada and Edinburgh.
The Blue Hour expansion leverages an enhanced game engine, featuring atmospheric fog effects and dynamic lighting that breathes life into each race.
The cars’ headlights pierce the darkness, creating a more immersive and visually captivating experience.
This update not only expands the game’s world but also elevates its visual style, drawing inspiration from early 32-bit 3D games and accompanied by an electrifying soundtrack reminiscent of Ridge Racer Type 4 and WipEout.
Ansdor, the creative mind behind Slipstream, shares his inspiration for the Blue Hour expansion, describing the magical time after sunset known for its deep blue tones and soft lighting.
This natural phenomenon has long been a subject of fascination for artists and photographers, and now, it serves as a backdrop for Slipstream’s latest journey, adding a layer of beauty and depth to the racing experience.
Slipstream is more than just a game; it’s a homage to the era of sprite-based visuals and arcade-style handling.
Its release on PS5 and the accompanying Blue Hour expansion are invitations to both old fans and new to experience the thrill of retro racing reimagined for the modern era.
With its unique art style, engaging gameplay, and expansion content, Slipstream is a journey worth taking for anyone who cherishes the spirit of classic arcade racers.
