Sonic the Hedgehog Stays Silent as New 3D Runner Steals the Spotlight

When a game’s tutorial breezes by faster than the download itself, you know you’re in for a treat. This year, Haste: Broken Worlds has set the bar for speed. Within just 30 seconds, you’re diving into the demo, no time wasted.

The concept? It’s refreshingly straightforward: the world is crumbling, and your only chance at survival is a race against time. You won’t be bogged down with complex storylines or endless cutscenes. Instead, you step into Zoe’s shoes—a girl with an exceptionally snug pair of glasses—and before you can blink, you’re sliding down hills and carving your path through chaos.

Sonic should take note because Haste captures the thrill of pure, unadulterated speed. The controls are delightfully simple, almost a one-button affair. Tap the spacebar to glide gently along the ground, then lift off again. Perfect landings are crucial—they charge a gauge that allows you to ride a hoverboard. This nifty upgrade comes in handy when crashing into obstacles or fleeing the encroaching corruption. Moments of pause are rare, limited to stops at the upgrade shop or quick chats with friends.

Embracing the roguelike genre, Haste lets you pick your own racecourse with each run. After crossing each finish line, choices await. Some levels challenge you to bring color back to a monochrome world, while others pit you against the clock, dodging black holes to the exit. Sparkling crystal trails serve as guides, currency for upgrades at shops. Most upgrades offer speed or health boosts, but some, like health restoration through crystal collection, shape how you navigate each level.

The demo culminates in a showdown against a formidable robot boss spewing lava. Strategy is key—dodge and weave until you can strike. Keeping up your speed is crucial for escaping the ever-spreading lava, encouraging you to nail perfect landings to boost your hoverboard bar. Gathering clusters of crystals to keep your health up adds to the strategic depth.

In games muddled by cumbersome mechanics, such a demanding boss fight could derail the experience, but Haste’s seamless controls make it a breeze. Even when you’re not at your best, maneuvering through its landscapes feels smooth and rewarding, especially when you embrace risk. When you hit your stride, it’s akin to acing every note in a rhythm game. The only jarring moment is when it’s over.

Landfall, the minds behind the quirky multiplayer horror hit Content Warning, plans to launch Haste: Broken Worlds later this year. Keep an eye out for its release.