Descenders Review
Posted: 3 weeks ago.
Author: Wesley Williams and Andy Robertson.
Overview
The game provides a number of beautifully presented environments to race through, all which have their own unique elements. Deserts come with a large number of hills to perform arial tricks, while forests provide lots of tight turns and trackside trees to avoid, which makes it tricky to ride at full speed. It doesn't end there though, as you'll find yourself racing down an icy glacier, riding on the rooftops of Favelas and there may even be a volcano in there too.
However, what makes Descenders unique, are the rogue-like elements, which mean the tracks always have a random element to their design and layout. Complete an entire run in any environment without bailing out too many times, and you get to face the challenge of a boss level — a steeper, tricker course that has a massive jump at the climax.
As you race, you'll earn rep (reputation) points and these are key to unlocking the game's customisable elements. Progress well in the game and earn enough points and you'll be able to deck yourself out in new gear and try out the various different bikes and paint jobs the game has on offer.
Details
Rating: PEGI 3+, ESRB EVERYONE
Release Date: 08/05/2019, updated in 2020
Platforms: Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Genres: Racing, Simulation and Sports
Developer: @RageSquid
Tips
View our choice of games like Descenders. This game is good if you want to:
Commitment
Players: You can play this with 8 players online. This works as 4-8 player online multi-player, with support for public and private races.
Costs
You don’t need a paid subscription to play this game online.
Age Ratings
Accessibility
Difficulty
How you can adjust the challenge of play, and assistance the game offers when you fail or get stuck.
Save Anytime: The game automatically saves progress or you can save any time, and not lose progress.
Assistance
View Control Mapping: You can view a map of controls during play.
Tutorials: There are helpful tutorials, instructions and tips.
Reading
How much reading or listening comprehension is required, and how accessible this is.
Moderate Reading: Moderate reading required.
Controls
How you control the game, different options for alternative inputs and whether you can remap these settings to suit your needs.
Multiple Buttons & Two Sticks: Can play with multiple buttons and two sticks.
Controller Vibration
Vibration Optional: Controller vibration not used in the game or you can disable it.
Informative Vibration: Controller vibration indicates aspects of the game, echoing visual and audio cues.
Image
How you can adjust the visuals to suit your needs, and offer additional information if you can't hear the game.
Visual Distractions
No Flashes: No flashing strobe effects or you can disable them.
No Screen Shake: No screen shake effect or this can be disabled.
No Busy Backgrounds: No distracting backgrounds or you can make them static or blank.
Audio
How you can adjust the audio of the game and whether audio cues compensate for aspects of the game that are hard to see.
Balance Audio Levels: Set music and game sound effects separately.
Play Without Hearing: No audio cues are necessary to play the game well
System Settings
Nintendo Switch has some built-in features, including a lockable zoom, that can be used on all games. Windows has extensive accessibility features. Some, like colour correction, work with games. Lots of accessibility software can be used with PC games, from voice recognition to input device emulators. PlayStation 4 has a range of accessibility settings. Some are system only, some work in games (invert colours and button mapping). Xbox One has a system features, the excellent co-pilot share controls mode and adaptive controller support for all games. Xbox One has a system features, the excellent co-pilot share controls mode and adaptive controller support for all games... read more about system accessibility settings.
Supported by PlayabilityInitiative and accessibility contributors: Wesley Williams
Games Like Descenders
The following games are like Descenders. They address a similar topic or offer a similar way to play. They are good options to play next and also good alternatives to Descenders for younger age ratings.
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