Screamer Reviews
Screamer is a game brimming with personality and character, offering an old-school experience that will take you back to simpler times in the world of video games, with updates that are, for the most part, well executed. Despite a story that takes centre stage without merit and some design choices that seem designed to annoy the player, this is, on the whole, a good title within the genre, with a robust onboarding system for the various modes via its campaign mode, plenty of unlockables that don’t break the bank, and handling that, despite initial friction, is worth mastering, making it well worth a look for fans of traditional arcade racing.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
When it comes to Screamer, I had a lot of fun when it came to the actual racing part of the game, although it was a challenge to get used to the various mechanics and their difficulty curves at the start of the game. Once I was used to them, it was a lot of fun. In regard to the game’s story, there was a lot of information to take in, especially at the beginning of the game, as it shows you all the different factions, but as the game goes on, we learn more and more about them, and it is interesting to see why they are there and what their intentions are. The overall game design for Screamer is definitely high tier, as the different races are very detailed both on the track and the surrounding areas, and the fact that each track is varied in a lot of ways was also very fun.
Screamer is one of the most unique arcade racers of the generation - an eclectic mix of Blur and WipeOut infused with an over-the-top anime style, though some ideas don't always stick the landing.
Screamer delivers a stylish and fast-paced arcade racing experience with strong presentation, varied modes, and a compelling story, only slightly held back by inconsistent difficulty balancing.
Review in German | Read full review
Screamer is a fast-paced arcade racer that throws you straight into the action. With striking style and high speed, the game tries to breathe new life into the racing genre. Still, the controls and limited variety aren't always smooth, making the experience solid, but not perfect.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
In an era of safe, repetitive, live-service racing festivals, Screamer is a breath of fresh, nitrous-infused air. It is a game that demands your full attention, forcing you to master its complex twin-stick drifting and deep resource-management combat. The $60 price tag is undeniably steep for a game without an open world, which makes it a tough sell for your friends. But if you are nostalgic for the golden age of arcade racers and crave a game that actually respects your ability to learn and adapt, Screamer is a masterpiece. Milestone took a massive risk with this title, and for those willing to put in the work, it pays off in spades.
Milestone throws it over a different bow and delivers a strong performance with Screamer as far as we are concerned.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Screamer proves that Milestone possesses not only technical talent but also a unique artistic vision. Screamer is an adrenaline-fueled, vibrant, and decidedly ambitious game. So if you can get past the initial hurdle of the controls and embrace its over-the-top storytelling, you’ll find yourself with one of the freshest racing games of recent years. The high price tag remains a concern, as it might deter many players, but if you’re looking for something truly new in the gaming world, Screamer might just be the game for you.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Screamer is a distinctive arcade racer that blends anime-inspired storytelling with inventive mechanics, offering a quirky world for fans of the genre. Its ambitious scope, however, is weighed down by an overly long story mode, unpredictable difficulty spikes, and AI tricks that can frustrate newcomers. Despite these shortcomings, there’s still enjoyment to be found, particularly in its Arcade and Multiplayer modes. While not essential as a Day 1 purchase, Screamer demonstrates Milestone’s willingness to experiment, leaving us curious to see how the studio will refine its approach in future racing titles.
Screamer mostly succeeds in its mission, combining two very different gameplay styles despite some hiccups along the way. Your mileage may vary, but it’s clear a lot of love and passion went into this game, and I like to see such experimentation rewarded. There is a solid foundation here, and seeing how the plot leaves the door open for a sequel, I would more than welcome a new entry with an additional layer of polish and the kinks ironed out.
A slick, energetic racer that hits hard and keeps you coming back for more. Screamer is a bold and stylish arcade racer that delivers fast action, great presentation and a surprising amount of depth. The mix of single player modes, online options and generous accessibility features makes it easy to enjoy, and the anime inspired world gives it a personality that stands out. There are some rough edges, especially with the controls and difficulty spikes, but the overall experience is exciting, energetic and packed with content. If you are looking for a fresh arcade racer with plenty to offer, Screamer is well worth your time.
Screamer is a unique racing game that makes bold promises about its gameplay and storyline. The twin-stick approach to drifting and driving makes the cars feel like no other, and you can sometimes feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins during races. However, the story has a slow build-up, and while it is unique to have every character speak in their native language, it can also be tiring. A smaller selection of languages would have been a better choice. It’s also strange to include offensive driving and leave it out of most of the story mode. This wouldn’t matter much if it weren’t for the difficulty spikes in the opponent AI, which made me want to see them crash and burn in a fiery explosion. But when it’s just me and my car on the asphalt, the high-octane action even manages to bring a smile to my sometimes frustrated face.
Screamer is a bold and exciting arcade racer that stands out among the many similar titles in the video game landscape. Milestone has made bold choices, and most of them work well, with the exception of a story with slightly overly wordy dialogue. The races are original and challenging, and once you understand all its mechanics, mastering them is very satisfying. Completing the experience is a clean and realistic visual style, combined with anime-style characters.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Screamer revitalizes the arcade racer with a bold, anime-infused identity and high-stakes melodrama. While the experimental "twin-stick" drifting and uneven narrative pacing create a steep learning curve, the stunning Polygon Pictures cinematics and deep mechanical synergy make it a stylish, high-octane standout for the genre.
Screamer isn’t a Need for Speed or a Ridge Racer, but it comes closer than any racing game in recent years to the spirit that made them memorable.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Screamer is a triumphant return that honors the arcade roots of its franchise while introducing modern innovations in story, combat, and gameplay. It's loud, flashy, and crazy, but underneath it all is a surprisingly deep racer that requires careful planning, quick thinking, and skill. The story, full of anime references, and the complex, layered driving and combat mechanics work together to create an exciting experience.
Screamer is such a breath of fresh air. Milestone has built a combat racing system with genuine depth and wrapped it in stunning anime-inspired presentation that looks incredible on PC.
“Screamer” does not shy away on breaking expectations when it comes to what it is an “arcade racer”. In an industry filled with open world racing games, Milestone delivers a brutal yet satisfying racing experience. I just wished I could say the same about its narrative focused campaign.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Milestone took a risk, and I respect it. The combination of arcade racing, combat and anime storytelling is bold. When everything lines up, it feels brilliant. However, it is not flawless. The campaign drags, the writing feels hammy, and the chaos can sometimes outweigh the skill. Best case scenario, Screamer becomes your go-to “one more race” game. Something you dip into regularly, chasing better times, messing around in custom events, or battling your friends in split-screen. Worst case, it burns bright, burns fast, and ends up as that game you were obsessed with for a while before moving on to something else. Even so, in a time when so many games are chasing the live service carrot, it is refreshing to see something this loud and different. I will always take a game with personality over another safe, forgettable one. For this, Screamer earns the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Screamer is one of the most unique and challenging arcade racers ever made. It is bold, stylish, and deeply satisfying. Its twin-stick racing system has a steep learning curve that demands commitment, which may scare off casual players, but for enthusiasts, this might just be the next cult classic that will be remembered for a long time. Its neon-soaked, anime-inspired presentation delivers one of the best narratives in racing games we’ve experienced in over a decade.