Steam drops 100% rated PlayStation 2 inspired racing game that's completely free to play

For fans of arcade racing games that were popular in the PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast eras, this brand new free Steam release is something for you to check out.

Hyperboard Extreme is a new retro-throwback game which combines 2000s-era graphics with arcade racing and high-speed action.

Developed by indie studio SlyBalto, the game feels reminiscent of the types of experiences you’d find on an old PlayStation demo disc that you’d never heard of.

“Hyperboard Extreme combines PS2-era arcade style racing with cool girls, crazy powerups, and intense, speedy action! This is a free vertical slice as a complete proof-of-concept for the next generation of indie racers,” reads the official description.

Some of the games cited as inspiration include Burnout 3: Takedown and Blur, but we also see shades of games like F-Zero, Tokyo Extreme Racer, and Wipeout.

The features of Hyperboard Extreme include taking down your rivals to earn boost, leaving them in the dust in the process. You do this using the various powerups that you can earn on the track, which allow you to obliterate other players, including the traffic.

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SlyBalto

Hyperboard Extreme's local multiplayer option is great for in-person gatherings

In the spirit of the retro games it’s inspired by, Hyperboard Extreme also has a local multiplayer option that supports up to four players playing on one system.

There are also a load of different customisation options for you to choose from, including adjusting the user interface colour scheme, as well as having options to change how the racers look as well.

Hyperboard Extreme has really resonated with the players as well. As of writing, the game has 100% positive ratings on Steam.

“I would absolutely be interested in seeing a fully developed release of this. It really just needs more tracks, a championship/campaign mode, and some unlockables. Everything else from the handling to the visuals to the traffic checking to the track layout is perfect,” reads one review on Steam.

“I miss old arcade racers. Everyone talks about forza or mario kart but hardly any real indie entries. Even as a small proof of concept my interest is piqued,” another review reads.

“Feels good to drive in at every speed class. It feels a lot like a PS2 game but very refined for the modern day. That's usually not easy to accomplish. The items work nicely and the game really just lets you have fun with it. A lot of thought went into it for sure. Though I am now left excited for potentially more for Hyperboard Extreme. This has to be one of the 2020s greatest hits,” a third reviewer said.

That’s quite the praise, and if you wanted to try it out for yourself, you can download Hyperboard Extreme for free on Steam now.

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