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Descenders

Descenders ended up being a really fun, challenging game. Even if you’re not great at sports games, or you have young children that might not understand the goal, this is one that the whole family can enjoy
Descenders Game Cover
85%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
story, optimization
95% User Score Based on 12,348 reviews
Critic Score 75%Based on 10 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchAndroidPlaystation 4Xbox Cloud GamingSteam DeckWindowsPlayStationLinuxXbox Series X|SPCTabletXbox Game PassCloudMac OSPhoneXbox OneMobile Platform
Descenders Game Cover

About

Descenders is a single player and multiplayer arcade racing game. It was developed by RageSquid and was released on May 7, 2019. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Descenders is a challenging downhill biking game that features procedurally generated worlds and physics-based controls. With a rogue-bike system, you can earn unique abilities and work your way up the online reputation rankings. Choose a team and compete to become the next legendary Descender, with a soundtrack by drum & bass label Liquicity.

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95%
Audience ScoreBased on 12,348 reviews
gameplay277 positive mentions
story24 negative mentions

  • The game features an energetic drum and bass soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience and creates a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Gameplay is widely praised for its fluid mechanics, engaging trick systems, and addictive nature, making it a standout in the mountain biking genre.
  • The game boasts exceptional replayability due to its procedurally generated maps and diverse gameplay mechanics, keeping each session fresh and engaging.
  • The limited number of music tracks can lead to repetitiveness, prompting some players to mute the in-game music.
  • The game suffers from performance issues, including stuttering and bugs, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
  • Many players criticize the lack of depth in the story and poorly designed missions, leading to frustration over the minimal narrative experience.
  • gameplay
    594 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Descenders is widely praised for its fluid mechanics, engaging trick systems, and the thrill of navigating procedurally generated tracks, offering a satisfying blend of speed and skill. While many players appreciate the addictive nature and variety of gameplay modes, some express concerns about the repetitiveness and the need for better tutorials to explain core mechanics. Overall, the game is considered a standout in the mountain biking genre, providing a fun and challenging experience, though it may benefit from additional content and refinement in certain areas.

    • “The gameplay is very addictive, and you can play however you want.”
    • “Descenders is an exhilarating downhill mountain biking game with responsive controls, interesting progression mechanics, and a fantastic sense of speed.”
    • “The gameplay loop consists of riding through courses, doing tricks, and completing bonus objectives.”
    • “The mechanics are also poorly explained, with the tutorial referring to things such as 'skidding', the practical purpose of which is never fully elaborated on, and after doing the tutorial and playing for many hours, I still am none the wiser as to its functionality.”
    • “You have to crawl at 20km/h on the later maps just to keep your lives safe; I'm all for having a hard game or hard achievements, but when your game is hard for the sake of your bad mechanics and level design, that is exactly what makes a game bad.”
    • “The gameplay loop is where I started to lose a bit of interest after a while.”
  • music
    534 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, particularly for its energetic drum and bass soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the soundtrack's ability to create a vibrant atmosphere, making it enjoyable to play while listening to music or podcasts. However, some users noted that the limited number of tracks can lead to repetitiveness, prompting them to mute the in-game music and play their own selections instead. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant highlight, contributing to the game's fun and immersive nature.

    • “The soundtracks are absolute bangers and are worth getting the game for on their own.”
    • “The game’s vibrant, cartoonish visuals are complemented by a lively soundtrack that heightens the sense of speed and excitement, making each run feel energetic and immersive.”
    • “The soundtrack is fantastic and filled with plenty of great drum and bass tracks that all perfectly mesh with the environment and atmosphere.”
    • “I suggest turning off the music and listening to your own; the in-game music is not bad by any means, it's just that there really isn't much, so you'll hear everything again in a short amount of time.”
    • “Absolute dog-shit soundtrack though, one of the only games I own that I will fully mute the music and play my own music instead ten times out of ten.”
    • “The music is borderline irritating in my opinion; I would have appreciated something else than glittery house/techno.”
  • graphics
    398 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the vibrant, stylized visuals and smooth performance, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users note that the graphics may not be cutting-edge or highly detailed, they often emphasize that the overall aesthetic and gameplay experience compensate for any shortcomings. Overall, the graphics are generally considered good for an indie title, enhancing the fun and immersive nature of the game.

    • “The graphics are stunning and it runs surprisingly well on my laptop with slightly lowered graphics settings.”
    • “The game incorporates a variety of environments—from lush forests and rocky mountains to icy slopes—each with their own unique hazards and aesthetic appeal, further enhancing the sense of exploration and discovery.”
    • “The graphics are clear and crisp on all aspects, some people complain and I wonder if they have their settings on low or they need a new monitor.”
    • “Really low quality, barely any tricks, stupid clunky, terrible graphics just a crap way to spend 4 quid.”
    • “Graphically it looks like a late PS3/X360 era game, which is a little disappointing.”
    • “The graphics are alright; even at ultra everything, the game feels incredibly '2007 console flagship', with crusty and jagged edges on thin things.”
  • story
    125 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with many users noting that it primarily consists of simple quests and missions without a substantial narrative. While some players find the gameplay enjoyable and engaging, they express frustration over poorly designed missions and a lack of coherent storytelling, leading to a consensus that the game is more focused on gameplay mechanics than on delivering a rich story experience. Overall, it is described as a fun game with minimal story elements, suitable for those who prioritize gameplay over narrative.

    • “Amazing game, the quests are fun and easy until later in the game but still enjoyable.”
    • “The game is very fun to play, and grinding the somewhat story mode and making progress is super enjoyable.”
    • “Reminds me of Fallout 3 and 4 quests - gives that feeling of freedom of finishing quests however you like as long as the conditions of clearing it are right.”
    • “The game doesn’t really have a story, just the premise of you participating in a race and your character gathering sponsors the more races you win.”
    • “There is no storyline or plot whatsoever.”
    • “More of a sandbox than a story game.”
  • replayability
    99 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, primarily due to its procedurally generated maps and diverse gameplay mechanics, which keep each session fresh and engaging. Players appreciate the online multiplayer features, unlockables, and various challenges that further enhance replay value. While some users feel the replayability may be overstated after a certain point, the overall consensus highlights it as a standout feature, making the game enjoyable for both casual play and competitive challenges.

    • “The procedurally generated maps make it infinitely replayable, but there are also handcrafted maps for those who want to play in more intentional environments.”
    • “The procedural generation of tracks makes runs feel different from one another, adding a lot of replay value.”
    • “The replayability is huge, and with a real reward system for team reputation, it should produce even more replay value and competition.”
    • “The replayability only lasts for 40 hours or so in my experience, which is enough, but if you're going for 100%, the dailies will feel like a total slog.”
    • “Bad replayability with a gameplay that will make you wish there was more to the game, but there isn't.”
    • “Content could be argued to be slim, but the procedural generation of the tracks makes for a reasonable amount of replayability.”
  • optimization
    85 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and stability, particularly on lower-end systems, while others report significant stuttering and frame drops, especially during extended play sessions or on specific maps. Many users express frustration over performance issues, suggesting that the game requires further optimization to enhance the overall experience, particularly for those using higher-end hardware. Despite these concerns, some updates have reportedly improved performance for certain players, indicating ongoing development efforts.

    • “Very smooth, very optimized.”
    • “Graphics are nothing fancy but the physics are optimized perfectly for a game solely about downhill mountain biking.”
    • “Great gameplay, well optimized, amazing soundtrack and plenty of things to do like stunts, challenges and unlocking items.”
    • “The game is in no condition to be marked as 'ready for sale'; the optimization is a joke, and even on the lowest possible settings, I cannot play without major FPS drops and stutters that render it unplayable.”
    • “After playing smoothly for a few days, it began stuttering.”
    • “The performance is just poor, and I got into a 3 FPS loop even after multiple restarts. For a game that costs €23, you can expect way better.”
  • humor
    78 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the hilarious ragdoll physics and comical crashes that lead to unexpected and entertaining moments. Many reviews emphasize that the game is particularly fun when played with friends, as the absurdity of stunts and failures adds to the enjoyment. Overall, the blend of serious gameplay with lighthearted humor creates a uniquely engaging experience that keeps players laughing.

    • “So fun and its ragdoll physics when you crash is hilarious.”
    • “The ragdoll physics are hilarious and brutal sometimes.”
    • “This game never gets old, funny to play alone, funnier with friends!”
  • grinding
    74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while many players find it enjoyable and rewarding, especially for cosmetics, others feel it becomes tedious and overly time-consuming. Some reviews highlight that grinding can detract from the overall experience, making progression feel like a chore rather than a fun challenge. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate grinding, but it may not suit players looking for a more casual experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “The soundtrack is getting tedious now; it would be nice to have some more songs or the ability to play your own music if not streaming.”
    • “Kinda defies all logic on unlocking stages like any other normal game, making the game annoyingly grindy instead of focusing on player choice, but that's about my only major complaint.”
    • “For someone like me, who just wants to play around a bit, I'm being denied just trying out the different environments by arduous grinding... and the secret levels will probably forever be beyond my reach.”
    • “Not got time for grinding the same start-map a hundred times to get to the 'boss-map' which you have to do three times before you can get a reward to move on to the next level you unlock once you finished the boss level once.”
  • stability
    50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and connectivity issues, particularly in multiplayer modes. Players have experienced problems such as unexpected crashes, controller malfunctions, and erratic performance, which detract from the overall enjoyment. While some users note that the game runs well on certain platforms, the prevalence of these issues has led many to find it frustrating and unplayable at times.

    • “The game runs great, and the graphics are really good!”
    • “The gameplay runs great, and I've had no frame dips at all yet.”
    • “Runs great on Steam Deck, too!”
    • “The game is super glitchy and freezes constantly.”
    • “This game has too many bugs and glitches to be enjoyable.”
    • “Joining rooms is buggy -- joining a room with 1/8 occupancy says the room is full even if it is not.”
  • atmosphere
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its engaging sound design and a fantastic soundtrack, particularly featuring licensed liquid drum and bass that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the combination of adrenaline-pumping sounds and a chill vibe, creating a captivating environment that complements the gameplay. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both fun and immersive, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “The sound design also deserves praise; the roaring engines, environmental sounds, and energetic music combine to create an adrenaline-pumping atmosphere that keeps players engaged from start to finish.”
    • “To keep the gushing short, the soundtrack is two hours of licensed, liquid drum-and-bass provided by the record label liquicity, and the zen-like atmosphere it provides is absolutely brilliant.”
    • “The soundtrack is fantastic and filled with plenty of great drum and bass tracks that all perfectly mesh with the environment and atmosphere.”
    • “I guess a bit more atmosphere, but the shoutouts from the driver are a good start.”
  • monetization
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is praised for its absence of microtransactions, loot boxes, or DLC, allowing players to unlock cosmetics and customization options purely through gameplay. While some criticize the game as a shallow experience, many appreciate that it avoids exploitative practices common in mobile games, offering regular updates and rewards without additional costs. Overall, players value the straightforward and fair approach to monetization.

    • “The game doesn't have any in-game purchases that try to milk you for all you're worth.”
    • “There are a lot of unlockable cosmetics without being hidden behind microtransactions.”
    • “No overpriced DLC, no microtransactions, and regular updates.”
    • “Descenders is a mobile app that's been dumped on Steam as if it was a real PC game (it's not)... it's a cash grab from greedy mobile devs. The game is a contentless (procgen) BMX game where you ride a BMX down a procedurally generated slope and maybe do some stunts... it's a very shallow gaming experience, but then we shouldn't expect much from mobile apps.”
    • “No overpriced DLC, no microtransactions, regular updates.”
    • “But I can't knock it, the game doesn't have any in-game purchases that try and milk you for all you're worth.”
  • emotional
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express a strong emotional connection to "Descenders," highlighting feelings of accomplishment and joy from completing challenges and enjoying the game's fun, unpredictable nature. The game's blend of thrilling gameplay and wholesome elements, such as uplifting credits, enhances the emotional experience, while the roguelike mechanics add significance to failures. However, some users also report frustration, indicating that the game's rushed development detracts from their overall enjoyment.

    • “I love Descenders! I have recently completed the Grand Tour, and it made me feel so accomplished. This game is so fun and also looks cool.”
    • “The roguelike mechanisms make your bails (life) have much more meaning and emotional value.”
    • “Just like the generations of kids who grew up on games like Tony Hawk and Skate, you can enjoy it if you've never felt the physical and emotional agony of crashing out of that last trick in a complex string of insane things no human should really be doing on a set of wheels.”
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39h Median play time
69h Average play time
8-100h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 51 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Descenders is a arcade racing game.

Descenders is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck, Windows and others.

On average players spend around 69 hours playing Descenders.

Descenders was released on May 7, 2019.

Descenders was developed by RageSquid.

Descenders has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its story.

Descenders is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include STEEP, Descenders Next, Riders Republic, Distance, Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game and others.