The Funky Return Of Rail-Grinding Games
by Tito W. James
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a colorful game that mixes the aesthetics of Hip Hop street culture and Jazzy Techno Music with rail-grinding mechanics. The game is a spiritual successor to the cult-favorite game, Jet Set Radio Future. Now it appears that this Homage Game to the 2000’s has spawned its own Homage Games, as we are seeing the rise of rail-grinding as a sub-genre.
Denshattack! has the same funky attitude as Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, the major difference being that you play as subway train. This is a bonkers concept that only works within the pop-surrealism of video games. I love that there are also transforming mecha in this game.
Developed by the creators of Journey, Sword of the Sea transposes the rail-grinding mechanic to the atmospheric desert dunes. Players create their own oasis by returning sea life to the desert. Sword of the Sea makes great use of the cel-shaded art style for a gaming experience that’s all about the vibes.
I’m pleased to see the rise of games like Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Denshattack!, and Sword of the Sea. We need more indie games that are colorful, stylized, and unapologetically fun!
