Screamer

Screamer is an arcade racing video game and a reboot of the studio's 1995 title of the same name. It reimagines the franchise with a contemporary design influenced heavily by 1980s and 1990s Japanese anime and manga. The game is set in a futuristic, neon-lit world and combines high-speed arcade racing with vehicular combat mechanics. Its core gameplay is defined by a twin-stick control scheme: players steer primarily with the left analog stick while using the right stick to control drift angle by swinging the rear of the vehicle. This system requires coordinated input to navigate corners effectively, as conventional steering alone results in significant understeer. In addition, the game features a semi-automatic transmission system that rewards precise gear shifts with boost energy.

A central gameplay feature is the ECHO system, which governs both speed and combat through interconnected meters. One meter is dedicated to boost, while the other powers offensive and defensive abilities such as attacks ("Strike") and shields. The two systems are interdependent, requiring players to manage resources strategically during races. Characters differ in how these meters are structured and utilized. Some characters possess high-risk abilities that can be detrimental on certain track types.

The game includes a narrative-driven tournament mode that serves as both the primary campaign and an extended tutorial. The story follows five teams competing in a clandestine racing competition orchestrated by a mysterious masked figure, with an unusually large prize at stake. Participants include a diverse cast of characters, such as pop stars, scientists, soldiers, and criminals, each with personal motivations. The narrative is delivered through fully animated cutscenes and extensive dialogue, with characters speaking in their native languages and communicating via an in-universe translation system.

Track design includes open circuits featuring long straights and sweeping turns. In contrast, tighter, more technical tracks with frequent sharp turns can slow the pace. Vehicle design has cars featuring exaggerated aerodynamic elements and liveries inspired by 1990s anime aesthetics.

Beyond the story mode, the game offers a range of additional gameplay options, including arcade modes with customizable rulesets, online multiplayer, challenge modes with global leaderboards, and local split-screen multiplayer for up to four players. The game also includes a suite of accessibility features, such as colorblind filters, adjustable game speed, and fully remappable controls, including an alternative one-handed control scheme that adapts the twin-stick system for simplified input.