When a game’s tutorial lasts less time than it takes to download, you know you’re in for something special. That’s exactly the case with Haste: Broken Worlds, which is easily the quickest game I’ve dived into this year. The demo? You’re right into the action in less than half a minute.
Here’s the deal: Everything’s falling apart, and your only shot at making it out alive is to dash as fast as you can. The game doesn’t bog you down with endless backstory. Instead, it throws you straight into Zoe’s sneakers—complete with the snugest pair of glasses—and you’re off sliding and gliding down slopes in no time flat.
If Sonic the Hedgehog values his speed crown, he might want to keep an eye on Haste. This game is pure, unadulterated speed. It’s designed around a single-button mechanic: just tap the spacebar to gracefully land and spring back into the air. Nail those landings and you fill up a meter, unlocking a hoverboard that helps bounce back after hitting obstacles or escaping sinister waves of corruption. The only time you’re really slowing down is to browse upgrades or chat with pals.
Haste plays out as a roguelike, letting you plot your course in each, let’s say, sprint. Once you cross that finish line, you choose your path forward. Some levels task you with racing through monochrome landscapes, reintroducing vibrant colors as you go. Others have you dodging black holes, racing the clock to find an exit. A trail of shimmering crystals guides you, and these can be traded for upgrades when you locate a shop. Most tweaks offer modest speed or health boosts, but the more unique ones—like regaining health when gathering crystals—can dictate your strategy through a level.
The demo wraps up with a showdown against a towering robot that spews lava everywhere. Your task is to dodge through this hazardous terrain until you can land a direct hit on the mechanical menace. Keeping your pace is critical to stay ahead of the creeping lava, so exploits for perfect landings to fill that hoverboard bar are vital. Plus, snatching clusters of crystals keeps your health in check, adding an extra layer to the gameplay.
In less polished hands, a boss battle with so many moving parts might descend into chaos, but Haste flows with remarkable ease. Navigating its chaotic levels feels refreshingly intuitive, even when you’re struggling. It’s a game that rewards taking chances, and when things click, it feels like you’re in a rhythm game, hitting every beat flawlessly. It’s a thrill ride until the very end.
Landfall, the creative minds behind the quirky multiplayer scare-fest Content Warning, plans to launch Haste: Broken Worlds later this year. Keep your eyes peeled!
