KartRider: Drift

KartRider: Drift is an interesting launch in that not only is it launching worldwide, but Nexon is also taking the extra step of shuttering the original game’s service in South Korea. Mind you this was an extremely popular game over in Asia, with hundreds of millions of accounts registered for play, so Drift is a bit of a fresh start much to the dismay of many who will lose out on everything they’ve worked on for the last fifteen or so years.

KartRider: Drift is a fast-paced and fun arcade racing game with plenty of tracks of increasing difficulty, which, however, must be first unlocked. On the other hand, it is more of the same, with no real innovation compared to the genre's cornerstones, such as the Mario Kart franchise. As a free-to-play title, it is definitively worth giving it a chance, all the more so because its monetization system is solely based on cosmetic items that in no way affect the outcome of the races.

Overall, KartRider: Drift is a fun cute, and bubbly cart racing game that is definitely worth taking a look at especially with friends. The overall gameplay mechanics of the game is simple enough to learn which is good for casual gaming and racing with friends.

KartRider: Drift is a high-quality cross-platform Mario Kart-inspired racing game with lots of cosmetic customization options and fun game modes versus friends or random online players.

KartRider: Drift does plenty right, with stunning visuals and inventive item design, but it fails where it matters. Its minimalist map design and poor racing mechanics result in a kart racer that simply can't compete with Nintendo's best.

The tracks are plain enough that you can taste the vanilla. There’s very little in the way of height, landmarks or notable moments. The closest you get is some alternate routes and a few tunnels or cannons that propel you to the next section of track. In terms of pure track design, KartRider: Drift is decidedly par.