Free Steam racing game channels the spirit of PS2 and Dreamcast classics

Hyperboard Extreme has arrived on Steam as a free arcade racing game aimed squarely at fans of the PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast era. Developed by indie creator SlyBalto, the retro-styled racer combines early-2000s-inspired visuals with high-speed combat racing. Its stated influences include Burnout 3: Takedown and Blur, with SlyBalto stating that the project was developed over two years.

Rather than simply competing for position, players can attack rivals and traffic while collecting power-ups and using takedowns to build boost. Hyperboard Extreme also supports local multiplayer for up to four players on a single system, while customization options allow players to alter racer appearances and the interface. The developer describes the release as a "free vertical slice and proof of concept for a future generation of indie arcade racers."

Steam currently displays a 100% positive rating at the time of writing, but only from 34 user reviews. Some player feedback also highlights the limitations of its proof-of-concept format, with requests for additional tracks and a campaign or championship mode. SlyBalto has not stated whether the game will receive continued development or refinement. In any case, the game is now free to download and play. An overview of the game's features and controls can be found here.