Synthwave Dream '85

About

"Synthwave Dream '85" is a retro-style racing game set in a vibrant synthwave world. The game features various cars, tracks, and customization options, allowing players to experience the thrill of high-speed racing while enjoying the ambiance of the '80s. With a smooth soundtrack and intuitive controls, players can compete in various modes, including time trials, single races, and tournaments.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

+15

87%

Audience ScoreBased on 54 reviews

music20 positive mentions

stability2 negative mentions

Synthwave Dream '85 offers an immersive and nostalgic experience with stunning visuals and a fantastic synthwave soundtrack that perfectly complements the gameplay.
The gameplay is engaging and accessible, with intuitive controls that make it easy to pick up, while still providing a challenge for players to master drifting mechanics.
The game features procedurally generated tracks, ensuring a unique experience with each playthrough, and includes a variety of modes that enhance replayability.

Many players have reported issues with the driving mechanics, particularly with unresponsive controls and difficulties in executing drifts, which can detract from the overall experience.
The game is still in Early Access and has several bugs, including graphical glitches and problems with track generation that can lead to frustrating gameplay moments.
There is a limited selection of cars and customization options available, which may leave players wanting more content and variety as the game develops.

music
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
43%
8%
The music in the game is widely praised, particularly for its captivating synthwave soundtrack that evokes nostalgia for the 80s. Players appreciate how the music enhances the gameplay experience, with many noting its ability to immerse them in a retro atmosphere reminiscent of classic arcade games. While the soundtrack is considered a highlight, some users have reported occasional bugs affecting music playback.
- “The soundtrack is undoubtedly a highlight of this game.”
- “The synthwave music perfectly complements the gameplay, immersing players in the nostalgic vibes of the era.”
- “It's just an incredible soundtrack that hits all the nostalgia points for me.”
- “Could use more music or an option to add your own.”
- “There's a heavy emphasis on going high speed & listening to loud music, which I think misses the point of modern capabilities in its search to be a retroactively retro hit.”
- “I found a bug where the music just shuts off completely after one song finished.”
graphics
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
32%
14%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning pixel art and retro-futuristic aesthetics, effectively capturing the essence of 80s arcade visuals with a modern twist. Players appreciate the immersive combination of vibrant visuals and a synthwave soundtrack, which together create an engaging atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. While some users noted the option to tweak graphics settings, the overall consensus is that the game's visuals are a standout feature that contributes significantly to its charm and enjoyment.
- “The pixel art and neon-soaked aesthetics instantly transport players to a retro-futuristic world that's a joy to explore.”
- “Beautiful and perfect, this game has the most amazing driving game graphics I have ever seen.”
- “First with the good stuff, there's proper 4K support and even a few graphics tweaking options (first thing anyone will want to do is disable the ugly CRT effect and scanlines).”
- “Not sure if I would recommend at full price, but if this is your aesthetic, it's worth taking a look.”
- “Everything from the graphics, rendered as a composite of VHS style and Battlezone-like graphics, to the awesome music soundtrack to the gameplay is guaranteed to have you playing for hours on end.”
gameplay
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
38%
23%
The gameplay in Synthwave Dream '85 is engaging and accessible, featuring intuitive controls and a nostalgic soundtrack that enhances the experience. While the visuals and overall atmosphere are praised, some players find the driving mechanics lacking, particularly in terms of drifting and tutorial guidance. Despite these criticisms, the game remains addictive and enjoyable for fans of the synthwave genre.
- “The gameplay in Synthwave Dream '85 is both engaging and accessible.”
- “The controls are intuitive, and the mechanics are easy to grasp, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the game rather than struggling with complex systems.”
- “Its stunning visuals, immersive soundtrack, and accessible gameplay make it a standout title that's both enjoyable and memorable.”
- “I couldn't figure out how to drift, one of the two main mechanics of the game, and the 'tutorial' was barely that.”
- “It has an absolutely awesome soundtrack, but some of the worst driving mechanics of any racing game ever.”
- “One major issue I have with the gameplay is the tunnel.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its meticulous recreation of the '80s aesthetic, featuring vibrant cityscapes, well-designed characters, and fitting music tracks that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers consistently highlight the impressive graphics and immersive ambiance, contributing to a captivating gaming environment.
- “The attention to detail in recreating the '80s atmosphere is commendable, from the vibrant cityscapes to the character designs and animations.”
- “The tracks are wonderfully selected and fit the game's mood and atmosphere flawlessly.”
- “Really cool game, with nice graphics and atmosphere.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game exhibits stability issues, including bugs and glitches in course generation, indicating a need for further polish. Despite these shortcomings, players still find enjoyment in the overall experience, particularly appreciating the music.
- “There are still some questionable choices, glitches in the course generation, and a general need for polish, but it is a game, and I had fun.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers praise the character development for its meticulous attention to detail, effectively capturing the vibrant '80s atmosphere through well-designed characters and animations that enhance the overall experience.
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The storyline and characters in Synthwave Dream '85 are praised for adding depth and intrigue, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- “Moreover, the storyline and characters in Synthwave Dream '85 add depth and intrigue to the game.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game offers infinite replayability thanks to its procedural generation, ensuring that each playthrough presents a unique experience.
- “The game has infinite replayability due to its procedurally generated content.”
- “Each playthrough feels unique, thanks to the diverse environments and challenges.”
- “The variety of character builds and strategies keeps me coming back for more.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The humor in the game is appreciated as a lighthearted and entertaining element, making it an enjoyable way to pass the time.
- “It's a funny time killer :)”
- “The humor in this game is absolutely delightful and keeps me laughing throughout!”
- “I love how the witty dialogue and silly situations make every moment enjoyable.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, allowing it to run smoothly at extended 4K resolution on an RTX 2060 graphics card, achieving 60 frames per second.
- “Very well optimized, running at extended 4K on my RTX 2060 PC at 60 FPS.”