Trailblazers
- May 9, 2018
- Supergonk
When creating a game, there’s always the need to make it stand out. To make it unique.
"Trailblazers" is a Sci-Fi arcade racer that allows up to six players online or local split-screen play for four. By painting the track to create a racing line, players can boost up to insane speeds in teams of up to three-versus-three. The innovative co-operative gameplay and high-speed action make for a unique and exciting racing experience.
Reviews
- The game features a unique painting mechanic that adds depth to the racing experience, allowing for strategic gameplay.
- The visuals and aesthetic are praised for their vibrant and appealing design, reminiscent of classic arcade racers.
- Multiplayer modes, including local split-screen and cross-platform play, enhance the fun when playing with friends.
- The game suffers from significant technical issues, including a lack of save functionality that resets progress upon closing the game.
- Controls are limited to gamepads only, with no customization options, making it inaccessible for some players.
- Many players report frustrating gameplay due to poor collision mechanics and handling, which detracts from the overall racing experience.
- gameplay21 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its unique "painting" mechanic that adds depth and strategic choices to racing, while others criticize balance issues that favor players in the lead. Many players appreciate the fun core mechanics and aesthetic presentation, though some report technical problems, such as the painting mechanic being broken on Linux. Overall, it is seen as a refreshing take on arcade racing, despite some flaws in content and technical execution.
“I'm only an hour in, but the gameplay is fabulous, as is the bouncy soundtrack and the cartoon aesthetic.”
“The paint mechanics and scoring system in this game give a lot more depth to the race than just speed as fast as you can and get in first.”
“Trailblazers is a pleasant throwback to the age of simpler arcade racers, but with a fresh gameplay twist.”
“Balance is another huge issue, because the implementation of the paint mechanic lets the person in first place dominate the entire time as they are able to paint over the boost path of other players, so those stuck toward the back are there permanently.”
“Painting mechanic is broken on Linux since the launch.”
“I really like a lot of the mechanics in this game except where you can drive by a wall and the breeze from your car cancels your points.”
- music14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it both enjoyable and annoying, often criticizing the limited variety of tracks. While many appreciate the unique and chill soundtrack that complements the gameplay, others express frustration over the inability to toggle the music effectively. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its energetic and engaging qualities, contributing positively to the game's aesthetic.
“I'm only an hour in, but the gameplay is fabulous, as is the bouncy soundtrack and the cartoon aesthetic.”
“The soundtrack is unique and top notch, somehow managing to be very chill and very speedy at the same time, like Sonic going Mach 1 while eating breakfast and reading the newspaper on a Sunday morning.”
“I love how it plays, I love the controls, I love how fresh the concept is, I love the aesthetics, I freaking love the music and the visuals.”
“The music is so annoying.”
“Also, why have a music toggle if it only works in the menu?”
“Only 30hz, horrible controls, washed out graphics, can't turn the annoying music off, on and on.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their beautiful cel-shaded style and vibrant aesthetic, reminiscent of classic titles like Jet Set Radio. However, some users report issues such as a lack of proper graphic settings, random FPS drops, and washed-out visuals, which detract from the overall experience. Despite these concerns, the artwork, character designs, and the unique "painting" mechanic are highlighted as standout features that enhance the game's charm.
“The visuals and the visual style are great in the race.”
“The aesthetic is amazing; the artwork, sounds, and visuals are all wonderful.”
“Beautiful cel-shaded graphics that make Trailblazers feel like the best Sega Dreamcast racer that never was.”
“No proper graphic settings and random FPS drops.”
“Only 30Hz, horrible controls, washed out graphics, can't turn the annoying music off, on and on.”
“Not just the Naganuma-esque music and arcade-era-Sega-ish visuals (to an extent; the game has a style of its own), but even the noises the characters make alongside the speech bubbles--I think it's a direct inspiration or a purposeful homage.”
- story4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story mode lacks progression, requiring players to restart a new campaign each time they play. While the overall narrative is considered enjoyable and the single-player missions offer a solid challenge, the voice acting and writing quality received some criticism. Despite these issues, the game is recommended for its engaging gameplay and effective cross-platform online play.
“Story mode was very engaging, would recommend.”
“Great game, cross-platform online play works really well, single-player missions provide a nice challenge too.”
“This game does not support story progression; you have to start a new campaign every time you restart the game.”
“As a final gripe, the voice clips and writing in the story mode are kind of bad, but nothing unbearable.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The monetization model is praised for its absence of microtransactions, loot boxes, season passes, and any content locked behind paid DLC, providing a straightforward and player-friendly experience.
“On the plus side, there are no microtransactions, no loot boxes, no season passes, and no basic content held for ransom behind DLC.”
“There are no loot boxes, microtransactions, or season passes.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability at launch has been criticized for being buggy, particularly in team selection and matchmaking, which can hinder the overall experience. While playing with friends can be enjoyable and unique, the technical issues detract from the initial gameplay.
“Getting a game started with your friend and then picking teams is kind of buggy; I'm not even sure you can choose teams at all.”
“Buggy at launch, and matchmaking was empty, but unique and fun with friends.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game is well-optimized, with no significant performance issues noted.
“The game runs smoothly with no major performance issues.”
“Optimization is top-notch, allowing for a seamless gaming experience.”
“I appreciate how well-optimized the game is; it runs flawlessly on my system.”
Critic Reviews
Trailblazers Review
Trailblazers successfully sets itself apart from others in the same genre, especially as the Nintendo Switch marketplace is full of crazy racing games. While it is evident that the soundtrack and art style are somewhat borrowed, they have been churned into a product that is new, refreshing and unique, blazing itself a trail all of its own.
80%Trailblazers (Switch) Review
Rarely has the phrase "more style than substance" been so fitting.
65%Trailblazers Review
Trailblazers is a fun arcade racing game – from its varied modes to the solid presentation and unique gameplay, the formula for success is definitely there. However, a relatively high price, inconsistent AI and barren multiplayer prevent this title from reaching the podium.
67%