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Screamer | Review Thread

nikos

Member
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Platforms: PC | PS5 | XSX/S
Release Date: March 26, 2026 (Digital Deluxe March 23, 2026)
Cost: $59.99 (US)

Campaign: ~15 Hours
Split Screen (up to four players) + Cross-Platform Online Multiplayer

Metacritic - Currently 77-82 (platform dependent)
Opencritic - Currently 85


87 The Games Machine
Milestone has done it. The Milan-based team decided to take a risk, stepping out of their comfort zone of motorcycle simulations to return to their roots with a *Screamer* reboot—a title that establishes itself as one of the most distinctive, entertaining, and engaging racing games on the market. The driving system—though occasionally a tad clunky—is a sheer delight of speed, technique, and drifting; the narrative compels you to tackle every race at full throttle; and the characters form a cast it is impossible not to grow fond of. It lacks only that extra aesthetic flair to truly stand out amidst the endless array of cyberpunk worlds released in recent years; yet, the technical solidity—combined with the meticulous aesthetic polish applied to the UI, the cars (some of which are truly stunning), and the characters—still manages to make Milestone's work shine, even in this regard. *Screamer* is the racing game that both the market and the players have been waiting for.
FULL REVIEW

85 Checkpoint Gaming
Among the many great arcade racers out there, Screamer sets itself apart with its TV-worthy campaign, The Tournament, which highlights its roster of compelling characters across a tour of a futuristic urban setting. For those who just want the racing, its Arcade modes offer more than enough challenge with unique driving controls that really make you feel like you're behind the wheel.
FULL REVIEW

85 IGN Italia
Easter is still a couple of weeks away, but as far as I'm concerned, I've already unwrapped my surprise: with Streamer, Milestone dares to venture where many developers haven't trod in quite some time—namely, the realm of arcade racing. It delivers an experience that employs its admittedly solid storyline as a Trojan horse to introduce an interesting and surprisingly deep driving system. This is paired with attack and defense mechanics that, while perhaps not immediately intuitive, become highly entertaining in the medium term—and fully justify the comparisons to fighting games. Perhaps a little more could have been done regarding the artistic direction of the tracks; however, considering this is a brand-new IP—or, at the very least, a full-blown reboot—we sincerely hope there will be the time and space to help it grow even further.
FULL REVIEW

84 Hobby Consolas
A game with a clear personality that can feel a little too hostile on the first races, but that manages to submerge you in spectacular and engaging races. Just give it some time.
FULL REVIEW

80 Gameliner
Screamer doesn't fully become the narrative spectacle it sometimes seems to want to be, but when rubber meets the road, it fully delivers. The racing is slick, stylish, and deeply satisfying, backed by impressive visuals and smart progression. If you're into arcade racers, Screamer might just be your next obsession.
FULL REVIEW

80 Indigo GEEK
Screamer makes the most of its arcade roots, delivering gameplay that feels both solid and challenging. While its career mode falls into some of the familiar pitfalls often seen in anime-inspired storytelling, the variety of modes offers different ways to approach each race. The controls and high-speed intensity may take some getting used to, but once it clicks, the experience proves highly rewarding and packed with fun.
FULL REVIEW

80 Creative Bloq
A racing reboot dripping in anime style, with unrelenting (but adjustable) speed and an exhilarating system between speed and combat on the race track. Even with an unevenly paced campaign, Screamer nonetheless succeeds in reigniting action-packed racers I thought had burnt out decades ago.
FULL REVIEW

80 Push Square
Screamer is a bold and exciting arcade racing game that stands out from the pack. It takes some big swings, and most of them have worked out, save for a story that maybe outstays its welcome. The racing itself is unique and challenging, and once you have a handle on all its systems, it's very rewarding to master. With its stylish presentation on top, this is one racer very much in its own lane.
FULL REVIEW


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The anime stuff turns me off, not because I dislike anime, but it makes me suspect that they are gonna force bad stories at you in some sort of push to be "different" than other arcade racer.

But it looks fun, I might try this.
 
Been looking forward to this and have it pre-loaded and ready to go. Between this, Grind Survivors and Dragonkin this month sure has some under the radar games taking up my time while Crimson Desert is getting neglected.
 
First trailer on the Steam page barely shows any gameplay at all, just a load of anime story nonsense.

If you're going to do a full blown proper arcade racer, then fucking do one. Don't fill it with pointless shit just to try and justify the price tag.
 
If you're going to do a full blown proper arcade racer, then fucking do one. Don't fill it with pointless shit just to try and justify the price tag.
...It's an arcade racer with a story. Same with the upcoming Star Wars Racer.

Here's gameplay if you're curious:



I think both games are a nod to the PS360 generation when they actually used to include story modes with racing games.

I'm probably going to pick this up in the future, but the only thing I would want changed (either with an update or mod) is for them to lean in further with the anime style that it's going for. Give the cars some further cel-shading or toon shading so that it looks more like Auto Modellista or something.
 
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Surprisingly good reviews. I like Milestone as they are one of the few devs that mainly make racing games, but they very much operate like a production line, spewing out game after game like their lives depend on it (which it probably does lol).

I will check this out at some point for sure.
 
I'm tempted but like others here I wish there was a demo due to its price, I'm more likely to jump into Star Wars: Galactic Racer without a demo than this because its graphics are so nice and also that looks so much like the Burnout game I love the most (Revenge) and worst case I know I'll love just pissing around racing while doing other tasks if the story is annoying/it isn't very deep.
 


Milestone studio is best-known for their series of motorcycle sim racers, but the Italian team also has an outlandish side. Hot Wheels Unleashed, Monster Jam Showdown, and now Screamer; these racers are more than just fitting grippy tyres onto unconventional ideas to see how much traction they've got.

They're fully realised. And in Screamer's case – complete with a heartfelt narrative, arcane controls, and what is best described as fighting game mechanics – unconventional might turn out to be an understatement. Before getting behind the wheel, here's fifteen things that'll give you a better idea of what this quirky racer brings to the grid.
 
I wish this game had a demo, absolutely love the look of it!

I really liked milestones hot wheels unleashed games a lot too!

But this is pretty pricey, has anyone here played this? Curious of other people's impressions of the game :)
 
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