We recently had the opportunity to meet with the developers of DeathSprint 66 during Gamescom, where we had our first hands-on time with the game. After getting a taste of its intense, fast-paced action, we were eager to dive deeper into the full experience. The game, developed by Sumo Digital and published by Secret Mode, brings a fusion of competitive racing and gladiatorial combat to the PC. Set in a dystopian future where the thrill of violence and speed are broadcasted to a bloodthirsty audience, the game casts players as “Clone Jockeys” who must race for their lives, quite literally. With an endless supply of clones at your disposal, every race is a fresh opportunity to prove your worth, or to die trying. It’s a bit like Death Race, but on foot, and on steroids.
At its core, DeathSprint 66 thrives on chaotic multiplayer races, with eight players racing one another on obstacle-laden courses. The gameplay feels like a blend of futuristic racing and platforming, where running, jumping, and sliding through dangerous environments is key to success. One of the game’s major strengths lies in its flow state mechanics, encouraging players to chain together moves to build momentum and earn “HYPE”, the in-game currency that determines not only your performance but also your appeal to the bloodthirsty audience – popularity matters. The addition of power-ups like the Giga Saw and Seeker Drone add a tactical layer, and you’ll need some split-second decisions to secure victory.
The game leans heavily into its dystopian, reality-TV-inspired theme, with the Bachman Media Network serving as the narrative backdrop – quite possibly a reference to Stephen King’s pseudonym for The Running Man. In a world where entertainment is all about violence and spectacle, your success is measured not only by how fast you can run but also by how entertaining you can be. This narrative of “fame as currency” is reflected in the game’s progression system, where players earn cosmetics and upgrades based on their FAME rank. This system ties into the core mechanics well, as the more you entertain the virtual viewers, the more cosmetic rewards you unlock for your character, adding a sense of progression beyond simply winning races.
Visually, DeathSprint 66 delivers a grim yet sleek aesthetic, with racetracks set in the ruins of once-great cities, now transformed into deathtraps. The post-apocalyptic design lends itself to some creative level layouts, with tracks filled with deadly traps and industrial hazards that keep each race unpredictable. While the environments are diverse, the overall visual design does sometimes feel repetitive after extended play sessions. The dark, gritty look of the game fits the theme well but lacks the variety that could make each run stand out more vividly, but perhaps this is something that can be addressed in post-launch DLC.
One of the most impressive aspects of DeathSprint 66 is its tight control system. The platforming feels responsive, which is essential when navigating the intricate obstacle courses. Whether you’re jumping between crumbling platforms or sliding under dangerous hazards, the game rarely stumbles in terms of gameplay fluidity. That being said, the chaotic nature of eight-player PvP races can sometimes make it hard to follow the action, particularly when abilities like the Mag Shield or Enraged Charge come into play. With a lot going on on screen, it’s easy to lose track of your surroundings, which can lead to frustrating deaths.
The audio design complements the game’s high-octane atmosphere, with high energy music tracks that enhance the tension during races. The sound effects, from the roaring of traps to the clash of abilities, further immerse you in the experience. However, the commentary from the virtual audience and the game’s announcers could have been more dynamic; after several runs, the repetitive nature of their lines starts to wear thin, slightly detracting from the immersion.
One thing to note about DeathSprint 66 is its current exclusivity to PC. With the game’s fast-paced, chaotic nature, it’s hard not to imagine how well it would play on consoles. A game like this would be a perfect fit for couch co-op or online multiplayer on consoles, especially given the rise of competitive multiplayer games in recent years. It feels like a missed opportunity, at least for now, not to have this experience available on platforms like PlayStation or Xbox, where it could reach a wider audience.
In conclusion, DeathSprint 66 offers a fast-paced and chaotic racing experience that marries platforming with competitive multiplayer action in a Death Race-like setting. Its focus on fame, spectacle, and fluid gameplay makes it an engaging experience, even if the visuals and audio sometimes lean towards repetition. The lack of a console release is a shame, as the game’s blend of racing and action seems perfect for those platforms. Nevertheless, for those looking for a thrilling, high-energy challenge on PC, DeathSprint 66 delivers an adrenaline-fueled ride that’s worth taking.
Score: 7.8/10
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