Squid Drifter brings 1-bit racing to iOS devices today

It’s about to get slippery. Mobile game developer Atrium games has announced the launch of their latest game, Squid Drifter. The one-man developer, who has a solid portfolio of 1-bit mobile games, unleashes this new title with the hope of providing fun racing thrills on-the-go.

Today’s launch of Squid Drifter is accompanied by a quick trailer, showcasing the type of racing game mechanics players can expect. It’s an arcade-style racing game, where the goal is to race and drift through a course in the shortest possible time.

The squid is automatically moving forward, and the key is to time when to go left or right. The control interface is extremely simple for players, only focusing on drifting left or right while the squid propels forward.

Through the many 1-bit levels, players propel themselves through simple yet increasingly challenging levels that will test reflex and anticipation. Squid Drifter does have leaderboards, leaving any single player to challenge the rest of the world for the fastest times possible.

Squid Drifter swims out today!

Mobile games can be a really good area to learn game development and even experiment with different visual styles and gameplay mechanics. Atrium Games clearly has an enthusiasm for mobile game development. The studio’s portfolio reveals several other games including a spaceship shoot-’em up called Pixel Shooter Infinity.

Squid Drifter successfully drew me in with its 1-bit visual style. In fact, it’s a style I wish we could see more of in video games. The style evokes a remarkably simple and profoundly nostalgic feeling. It’s as if the game was made on a Commodore in the early 80s, in a wood paneled office, with a slice of Pizza Hut pizza to quell hunger, and a can of TAB soda to quench the thirst.

I wish more developers would experiment with the 1-bit style and craft various worlds and gaming experiences. I can easily imagine first and third-person action games to be developed with this particular style and design. Squid Drifter makes full use of this style. This includes various sharp colors, and while simple, should also be a delight to play.

Squid Drifter is available now on the App Store on iOS devices.

Via YouTube