Lonely Mountains: Downhill has always been celebrated for its tranquil yet challenging gameplay, and Snow Riders continues that legacy while venturing into new terrain – literally and figuratively. With its snowy slopes and fresh multiplayer modes, this winter-themed take on the formula offers a mix of serene exploration and exhilarating competition, though it doesn’t completely avoid pitfalls. We checked it out on an Xbox Series X console, but it’s also out on PC.
At its core, Snow Riders retains the series’ signature gameplay loop of navigating treacherous terrain and perfecting your path down the mountain. The addition of snowy environments, from dense forests blanketed in snow to icy lakes that test your control, adds a fresh aesthetic and mechanical twist since you’re not on skis. The snow’s impact on traction and speed makes the descent feel different from the dirt trails of previous entries, demanding new strategies and, at times, tighter precision. This change keeps the gameplay engaging for returning players, though the steeper learning curve may frustrate newcomers at first – and you might want to pick up Downhill first. It’ll give you a good idea, it might be on sale, and it’s a great game.
The introduction of online multiplayer is a major highlight, bringing a social dimension to what has traditionally been a solitary experience. Co-op mode encourages teamwork as players collectively navigate the mountain while setting checkpoints, which is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed and cooperative challenge. On the flip side, versus mode caters to competitive players, offering intense races down the slopes. While these modes enhance replayability and cater to different playstyles, occasional connectivity issues (at launch) can disrupt the flow, which feels at odds with the game’s polished solo experience. There is no local split-screen option, although we feel that could have been fun as well.
Control precision remains a hallmark of the series, and Snow Riders doesn’t disappoint in that regard. Every twist and turn feels intuitive, allowing for graceful maneuvers or thrilling recoveries when things go awry. However, the slippery surfaces of the snow and ice introduce a steeper difficulty curve, which can be both rewarding and frustrating depending on player skill. The physics, though satisfying in most cases, occasionally produce erratic results when encountering environmental obstacles, breaking immersion momentarily, but this doesn’t feel like something that can’t be tweaked post-launch.
Visually, Snow Riders is stunning in its simplicity. The low-poly art style is enhanced by the serene beauty of snow-capped mountains and dynamic lighting effects, creating a visual experience that feels both relaxing and awe-inspiring thanks to some great camera angles. The sound design complements this with crisp environmental audio, such as the crunch of snow underfoot and the whoosh of wind, immersing players in the alpine atmosphere. The music, which is very subtle and atmospheric, fades into the background, letting the sounds of nature take center stage.
Despite being a well-designed title that fans of Downhill will love, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is not without its flaws. While the new content and multiplayer options are welcome additions, the game doesn’t completely escape the shadow of its predecessor. The core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged, which might feel repetitive for some players, especially those expecting more significant innovations. Additionally, while the snow effects are visually stunning, the abundance of white sometimes obscure important details in the environment, leading to unnecessary crashes.
Ultimately, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is a strong addition to the IP that balances its tranquil roots with new challenges and social elements. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it provides a refreshing winter escape for both solo adventurers and competitive thrill-seekers. Whether you’re here to carve out the perfect run or simply soak in the serene landscapes as you make your way to the bottom, Snow Riders offers plenty to enjoy, even if the occasional misstep interrupts the flow.
Score: 8.1/10
Press Play Media 