If you’ve been searching for a minimalist version of Mirror’s Edge featuring chainsaw combat against robots, you might be in for a delightful surprise. Motorslice, a parkour action game, is exactly that, and its demo showcased during Steam Next Fest is extremely exciting.
According to developer Regular Studio, Motorslice draws inspiration from classics like Prince of Persia, Mirror’s Edge, and Shadow of the Colossus. It delivers a third-person parkour experience centered around a character named P, who navigates a machine-dominated “megastructure.” The game offers a thoughtful exploration of transitional spaces, interspersed with adrenaline-fueled moments of high tension and instant deaths. Imagine Super Meat Boy, but with less gore and more atmospheric vibes.
In a recent update, the developer even included an “Embarrassing” section in the patch notes, noting that player feedback has led to significant improvements in the demo’s movement and combat mechanics. I can attest that the gameplay felt quite satisfying when I tried it out. While the camera can occasionally jitter and some climbing segments suffer from perspective issues reminiscent of Super Mario 64, which lead to unintended falls into pits or giant woodchippers, navigating as P is enjoyable, and it’s easy to find that smooth, flowy movement.
The character P is surprisingly charming for such a simple, low-poly design.
Exciting Upcoming Games
Don’t forget to wrap up your 100% Silksong playthrough, as I’ve discovered another exciting Metroidvania set to release next month, and it features one of the standout demos from Steam Next Fest.
Unique Gameplay Elements
The gameplay leans more toward Prince of Persia than how Mirror’s Edge operates, with a focus on puzzle-like traversal that occasionally takes precedence over a full-speed rush. While you’ll engage in rolling techniques to reduce falls or sliding under pipes to maintain speed, there are plenty of chances to pause and soak in your environment while figuring out the best route onward and upward. A sonar-like scanner may be activated to reveal various items and collectible drones, which you will lose permanently if you fall to your death.
Combat remains quick and light, primarily testing your distance management and timing rather than relying on evasive maneuvers. The game’s mechanics feel reliable, which is crucial for an experience like this. You’ll find yourself swinging from poles, sliding down slopes, and attacking these oddly delightful miniature construction vehicles that can eliminate you with a single hit. I particularly enjoy how the black bars creep onto the screen during significant falls, mirroring P‘s wince as you tumble.
Demo Highlights
The climax of the demo brings a touch of Shadow of the Colossus into play. Here, you’ll encounter a climb-and-defeat boss battle against a massive mining truck, complete with tires larger than some moons of Pluto. The visuals and audio are captivating, and with just a bit more polish, the parkour mechanics could evolve into something truly remarkable. As such, Motorslice has firmly secured a spot on my Steam wishlist.
So be sure to finish your Silksong run, because another incredible Metroidvania is just around the corner, featuring one of the best demos in this Steam Next Fest!