Krautscape Review

Krautscape may not have a lot of tricks up its sleeve, but it does one thing and it does (full disclosure, I received a press copy back then), and at the time only multiplayer was available. While there haven’t been many huge changes to the gameplay since then, the addition of achievements and single player challenges helps round it out to feel like a complete package.on.

Krautscape has been in Early Access for a long time - I first heard of it at PAX in 2014 (full disclosure, I recieved a press copy back then), and at the time only multiplayer was available. While there haven’t been many huge changes to the gameplay since then, the addition of achievements and single player challenges helps round it out to feel like a complete package.

First off, Krautscape is a wonder to look at. Its minimal UI, heavy use of primary colors and low-polygon graphics do a great service of emphasizing the elements that are most important for gameplay. The track floats above an endless red sky, sparsely filled with birds and black particles; it's gorgeous in presentation, and is one of the main draws to the game.

The three included multiplayer modes require players to think of different track-building strategies to stay in the lead, which keeps it from getting old too quickly. While these modes can be played online, it is rare that you’ll find a match without waiting a while for players to show up. Thankfully, the game includes LAN and Split-screen support up to four players, and this game shines when you can yell at your opponents in the same room.es will start to appear at the front of the track. It gives you a sense of control you just don't see in other racing games, and really makes Krautscape stand out.

The three included multiplayer modes require players to think of different track-building strategies to stay in the lead, which keeps it from getting old too quickly. While these modes can be played online, it is rare that you’ll find a match without waiting a while for players to show up. Thankfully, the game includes LAN and Splitscreen support up to four players, and this game shines when you can yell at your opponents in the same room.

The biggest addition to the game since Early Access is a collection of single-player challenges, which is a welcome addition considering how few players are online at any given time. The first of which are time trials centered around driving and flying respectively. While I have a greater understanding of the game’s driving physics after playing the driving challenges, I have to say it is likely to create a poor first impression for new players. Going too fast around turns and slopes can be extremely frustrating when the fallback of spreading out your wings is not available, making it feel like you’re fighting with the game’s physics more than you are learning how to control them.

This frustration is made up for by some of the flying time trials, as they allow for some excellent gameplay simply not possible in multiplayer. Due to their strict time restraints, these challenges force you to use your wings to get around the map as creatively as possible. Where most of the driving challenges force you to drive the entire length of the track, these challenges make the objective to skip as much of the track as possible.

For all of the excitement these modes bring to the table, my favorite mode by far is simply free play mode. There is something insanely satisfying about endlessly driving, creating a web of entangled twists and turns you go. While racing is clearly the main point of the game, it’s great fun to have the freedom to build whatever you want. For example, I always try and get certain parts of the track to overlap - like getting a loop-de-loop to wrap around a preexisting part of the track. Getting to create and play at the same time hits a sweet spot in player control, and something that can capture your attention really well.

If anything, my greatest disappointment is that free play feels like an afterthought. While it is possible to play Collector mode endlessly if all players agree not to score points, I would have loved to see free play included as its own multiplayer mode. One of my favorite memories of this game was building a map in split-screen for over an hour with a friend. Unfortunately, with no option to save the map, we had to say goodbye to it once we wanted to play something else. With the recent inclusion of pre-made challenge tracks, I would love to see the developers add a level editor in the future - it would certainly keep me coming back for more.

Krautscape is a welcome addition to my small collection of local multiplayer games. For its low price of entry, the ability to build tracks and promptly fly over them is more than worth it. Even if the main multiplayer modes don’t keep your friends entertained for long, there are plenty of single player challenges to keep you busy, as well as an endlessly entertaining free play mode. For only eight bucks, the dollar-to-hour ratio is a no brainer here, and the unique experience the game offers makes it worth the purchase. You can buy it on Steam here.