Sunset Overdrive

Developer: Insomniac Games
Release: Nov 16th 2018
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Addictive
Creative
Humorous
Fluid Traversal
Save Corruption
Sunset Overdrive Poster

" Energetic action-adventure with fluid traversal and unique weapons but plagued by save bugs "

Sunset Overdrive Review

Sunset Overdrive is widely praised as a fast-paced, visually vibrant open-world game that offers a unique and exhilarating traversal system. Players enjoy grinding on rails, bouncing, wall-running, and dashing through a creatively designed city with fluidity and style. The game’s art style, character customization, and weapon variety contribute to a rich and engaging gameplay experience.

While the story is not the main focus, it features quirky humor and fourth-wall-breaking writing that many find entertaining, though some players consider it annoying or dated. The game includes free story DLC, enhancing content without additional cost. However, the PC port suffers from some technical issues, notably save corruption bugs linked to Steam Cloud, which can be mitigated with community fixes. Despite minor repetitiveness in missions and enemy types, the game is regarded as highly enjoyable, with a rewarding learning curve and replayability. Sunset Overdrive remains a cult favorite that many wish had a sequel or co-op mode.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the fluid and innovative traversal mechanics, comparing it to top-tier movement systems in games like Spider-Man. The vibrant art style and creative weapon designs enrich the gameplay, making combat both fun and dynamic. Character customization options and the game's humorous, fourth-wall-breaking narrative add charm and personality. The open-world design encourages exploration and fast-paced action, while the included free DLC adds value. Overall, it’s recognized as a uniquely entertaining and fresh experience that stands out in the action-adventure genre.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the save corruption bug on PC related to Steam Cloud, which frustrates some players despite available fixes. The story and humor, while appreciated by many, can feel annoying or dated for others. Some players find the enemy variety limited and the progression systems discourage weapon experimentation. The DLC areas are sometimes seen as too sparse, impacting traversal enjoyment. Additionally, the lack of a co-op campaign and multiplayer modes on PC is lamented. A few reviews mention repetitive mission design and technical crashes early on in gameplay.

Pros

  • Innovative and fluid traversal mechanics make movement exhilarating and fun.
  • Vibrant, stylish art design creates a unique and appealing game world.
  • Creative and diverse weapon arsenal keeps combat fresh and engaging.
  • Humorous, fourth-wall-breaking writing adds charm and personality.
  • Extensive character customization with quirky outfits and upgrades.
  • Included free story DLC extends gameplay without extra cost.
  • Smooth learning curve balances challenge and accessibility well.

Cons

  • Save corruption bug on PC linked to Steam Cloud frustrates many players.
  • Story and humor can feel annoying or outdated to some players.
  • Limited enemy variety reduces combat diversity over time.
  • Progression system discourages experimenting with different weapons.
  • DLC areas sometimes feel sparse and less enjoyable to traverse.
  • Lack of co-op campaign and multiplayer modes on PC version.
  • Early game crashes and technical issues reported by some users.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Sunset Overdrive transforms an open-world apocalypse into your tactical playground. Zip, grind and wall-run across Sunset City with an unconventional arsenal. Hyper-agility, unique weapons, and customizable abilities deliver an explosive and irreverent adventure in the end times.

Release Date Nov 16th 2018
Publisher Xbox Game Studios
Developer Insomniac Games, Blind Squirrel Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (6,534)
90% Positive 10% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
83