SkyDrift

SkyDrift is an aeroplane racing game with power ups such as heat-seeking missiles, machine guns, mines, as well as defensive shields and repair pick-ups. You can carry two different power-ups at once and collecting the same type of power-up will boost it to a stronger version.

There are three race modes: Power, Survivor and Speed. Power mode is the standard racing with power-ups. Survivor is an elimination-based Power mode where the last placed player is removed at timed intervals; and Speed has no power-ups, but there are rings which give you a brief speed boost.

The single player campaign involves playing through several sets of races made up of a mix of these game-types over a the game's six tracks plus reversed versions. As you play, you unlock new planes and liveries for them. Multiplayer is also available, although it's probably going to be tough to find matches.

The controls are well responsive and you can easily manoeuvre your plane at speed. If you do crash, you respawn pretty quickly, but being shot down has a longer respawn time. When flying, the tracks can be fairly wide to give you a bit of freedom, but invisible walls will push you back if you stray too far. It is a good idea to try fly close to the ground for extra speed, which helps fill up your turbo gauge. You can also earn this by drafting and destroying other planes, or by discarding your power-ups which is useful to do in the final stretch for an extra boost of speed. The game's combat and respawn system works well in keeping the amount of action high, because it encourages you to fly at high speeds and aim to destroy opponents for a large turbo refill in order to maximise your overall speed.

There's no damage gauge on your HUD, but you can see the damage done to your plane by visual clues; black smoke is a useful sign it might be best to find a repair pick-up. The graphics are very impressive for a indie game and £7 is a great price since you can get several hours of fun from it; especially if you replay the campaign to try and improve your grades. The hard mode is surprisingly tough and it's a great challenge to come in the top 3, never mind first place. It's a shame there aren't a few extra tracks; but it's the only bad thing in my opinion.