If you’re not familiar with Megagon Industries’ work, you should be. The company made a big name for itself with the extreme biking indie hit Lonely Mountains: Downhill. And alongside the core release, they supported it for years with new events and challenges – and we do emphasize the word “challenges.” Good luck making it through one run in one piece. Now, it’s moved into winter-based territory with the skiing game Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders. As expected, it’s good stuff.
The general goal is the same as the core Downhill game – make it to the bottom of the run in the fastest time possible. But the core mechanics are refreshingly touched up with skiing in mind. What’s more, there’s a lot of difficult (yet fun) runs here, along with multiplayer for up to eight people. Yes, it’s a good time going downhill with friends, even if they biff a landing in a tree. (In competitive multiplayer, that’s a plus.)
There may be mild points in frustration with certain sections of track (stupid rocks!), but don’t let that deter you. Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is eloquently designed, and plays so smoothly that you may be hooked for multiple runs. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
With Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, It’s All In the Skis
The cool thing about Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is how it plays. It’s downright excellent, with the only flaws coming from how you handle your runs.
Acceleration and braking are handled nicely with the trigger buttons, and you can also crouch and fine tune certain turns. On top of that, tricks come off without a hitch, from flips to grabs. It’s not fully loaded like, say, SSX, but it works and gives you nifty achievements.
That said, you’re in for a challenge. Like Downhill before it, Snow Riders gets diabolical pretty quickly in campaign mode. The later mountains you take on will throw plenty at you. Fortunately, you can take it at your own pace, though the faster you go, the more rewards you unlock. It never hurts to try runs more than once, however.
There’s More To It, Though
Still, if frustration isn’t your bag, you can give zen mode a try. Here, you can set checkpoints wherever you see fit and just take on more relaxing parts of a stage. That includes jumps, downhill spurts or whatever you want to try out. It’ll get you better accommodated with the game, so you can partake in those tougher sections.
When you’re ready, online fun also awaits in Snow Riders. Up to eight people can take part in runs, via crossplay, in either co-op or versus mode. Co-op is great for exploratory purposes, or if you want to have a blast with friends. But versus is where the excitement truly ramps up, as you jet for a first place victory (or a last place crash, oof). It works very well on Steam and Xbox (Game Pass!) alike, so don’t hesitate to try it out.
Overall, I found very little to complain about with Snow Riders. Some runs may be too much for rookie players, but there are options aplenty to help you get better. Plus the trick system is beautifully implemented, and the real physics are unbelievably addictive. Don’t be shocked if you spend hours carving your way through these mountains.
The Lonely Run Is the Best Looking Run
Like Downhill, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders runs on simple concepts. But its build is remarkable.
You choose a faceless skier (with a block head, male or female) and then dress them appropriately. From there, you’ll choose your run, across a number of vivid mountains. They’re superbly drawn out, and the camera angle works so well, throwing things at you from out of nowhere. Some of you may prefer a zoomed out mode, but, well, that’d be cheating, wouldn’t it?
The game runs at a fluid pace, even in multiplayer. It’s nice to have the speed work as a real-time effect like Downhill did. That said, the Steam version does have a little bit of particle work to clean up, particularly with larger levels. But I didn’t mind the visual effects here, particularly the trails left in the powder. Sometimes they can even help you in a later run, so you can avoid a critical obstacle.
As for sound, well, don’t expect any sort of SSX-style soundtrack. It consists of real-world effects and the occasional string strum to let you know you’re at a checkpoint. That’s a similar approach to Downhill, which did the exact same thing. Some may be turned off by the lack of a rockin’ soundtrack. But, again, this is a simple idea, so Megagon likely didn’t want to go overboard. It’s fine. (And you can always play your own tunes – preferably something from SSX Tricky.)
It’s not AAA budget by any means, but for an indie darling, Snow Riders definitely brings the wintery goodness.
Grab Your Skis and Ride
If you can accept the very few shortcomings found here, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is a terrific follow-up. It takes the concept of Downhill and twists it perfectly into a new sport, creating another addiction machine in the process. Despite certain challenges, it pushes you to go for “one more run” in the best way possible. Plus it gives you options if you want to become a better player, including the irresistible zen mode. And we mentioned how fun multiplayer is, yeah?
Kudos to Megagon for sticking with what works and somehow applying it into a completely different territory. Now all that’s left to wonder is perhaps making a skateboarding game. Maybe one day.
For now, take a run with Snow Riders. You owe it to yourself to engage in this snow business.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5)
Thanks to Megagon Industries for providing us with a review code. The game is available now on Steam and Xbox, and you can also get it on Xbox Game Pass!
Looking for more winter-based fun in gaming? Check out our review of The Thing: Remastered!
