Futuristic racer Phaseshift announces Early Access release date

The indie racing genre finds itself in a bit of a purple patch currently, with the likes of Gravity Chase, Formula Retro Racing and Art of Rally releasing in the past year, and other titles such as Horizon Chase Turbo enjoying a resurgence thanks to its Senna Forever DLC.

And now another example is set to join the fray. Phaseshift, by Devon-based developer Bubblehead Studios, is set to be released to PC via Steam Early Access this year.

Phaseshift is a futuristic combat racing game inspired by the likes of wipE′out″ and F-Zero, and bears heavy resemblance to 90s N64 classic Extreme-G. Action zips along at speed, and the cyberpunk-inspired aesthetics evoke Tron-like comparisons.

Players can choose from 17 power-ups separated into four categories – Light and Heavy weaponry, Defence power-ups and Utility abilities. Vehicles have four ability slots, so picking and choosing your arsenal before the race brings a strategic element to proceedings.

Intriguingly, online multiplayer has been announced, with local split-screen available at point of release. Although we are unsure at this stage whether two or four ways – like recently released rival Gravity Chase.

Bubblehead Studios – also known as one-man development team Josh Lyell – has set a Steam Early Access release date of 3rd March, priced initially at £9.99. Showing a lot of potential, and with promises of more features and further gameplay enhancements in future, we are looking forward to seeing how this title progresses.

Are you a fan of nostalgic retro-inspired racers? How do you think Phaseshift will fare in an increasingly competitive market? Let us know in the comments below!