Planet Surfer

Planet Surfer is a forward-scrolling anti-gravity survival racer set in the distant future. You race through obstacle-filled courses, dodge hazards and collect upgrades as you try to reach the end of more than 40 levels. The story follows your character in a virtual-reality drone navigation program: winning could earn you the chance to pilot a real drone on a one-time mission to save the universe.

Courses and progression

The courses span four semi-realistic biomes: Earth, a desert planet, a water-rich beach planet and Voltanis, the story’s central fire planet. A fifth, unrealistic, meme-filled biome can be unlocked. Tutorials introduce the game’s challenges, and you can revisit any level or planet you have unlocked through the selection menu.

Each course has checkpoints that award coins when you reach them. Some require quick reflexes, while others call for exploration or puzzle-solving. You can spend coins at the interactive shop aboard your ship to unlock abilities and bonus levels, improve abilities or customize your ship.

Abilities and ship

The abilities can be combined in different ways to suit your approach. They include:

• Phase Dash: pass through obstacles in a dash for a limited time.
• Jump booster: add a 3D platforming element.
• Shrink Drive: temporarily fit through small spaces.
• Time slowing drive: slow time for especially difficult moments.

You can also explore the inside of your ship from a first-person perspective, including your living space, hologram machine and swiveling captain’s chair.

Story and challenge

Your character competes in the VR program for the right to control a real drone on a make-or-break mission to save the universe. The ending changes depending on whether you succeed or fail on the final mission. Later courses are extremely difficult, and the game notes that most players may not beat them.