PC Review | Neon Shifter Demo

We’ve looked at Kittens in Timespace before. Their incredibly fun action-adventure game Clawpunk scored very well with us, and what we liked the most was their incredible attention to detail on their 2D-sprite based art, and fun, destructible environments. You can read our review here. Kittens in Timespace are back with a new, up-and-coming racing destruction game that borrows inspiration from games like Burnout Revenge. This time, it’s a fully 3D world, with beautifully designed neon colourways, exceptional music and co-developed by none other than Weebl’s Stuff under their Jelly Penguin Productions name. Music is of course produced by Savlonic, the famous Electro Pop band, who produced hits like Happy Friends, and Silent Faces. Now they are on the road making a game set within this universe, and what I’ve seen so far, is great. The team are actively making progress towards its full release, but if you want to try the game for yourself, the demo is now live on Steam, and also for those wanting to bag yourself some backer rewards, they have a Kickstarter that is going on right now too.

Things I liked!

• Beautiful Art Style | Neon Shifter immediately stands out thanks to its striking visual presentation. The vibrant neon colour palette and futuristic environments create a strong arcade aesthetic that feels both modern and nostalgic. Every track is filled with visual flair without becoming distracting, helping the game establish a unique identity from the moment you start racing.
  
  The visual design also does a fantastic job of communicating speed and intensity. Bright lighting effects, glowing track elements, and detailed cityscapes combine to create a world that feels alive as you race through it. Even during chaotic moments, the visuals remain clear and readable, ensuring style never comes at the expense of gameplay.

• The Music | The soundtrack does an excellent job of setting the tone for each race. Its energetic electronic beats complement the high-speed gameplay perfectly, creating an immersive atmosphere that keeps adrenaline levels high. The music consistently enhances the action and helps make even short play sessions memorable. Music is produced by none other than Savlonic, who also created Weebl’s Stuff, and for the many internet folk who remember, I salute you.
  
  What makes the soundtrack particularly effective is how naturally it blends with the game’s visual style and pacing. Every race feels amplified by the music, creating an experience that is as much about atmosphere as it is destruction. Long after finishing the demo, many players will likely remember the soundtrack just as much as the gameplay itself.
  
  
• Random Track Generation | One of the most interesting features of the demo is its use of randomly generated tracks. Rather than memorising layouts after a few races, players are constantly encouraged to adapt to new twists, turns, and obstacles. This adds a welcome layer of unpredictability and gives the game significantly more replay value than many demos in the genre.
  
  The system also helps ensure that races remain exciting over repeated playthroughs. No two runs feel exactly the same, which keeps players engaged and rewards quick decision-making. It’s a feature that feels perfectly suited to the arcade-style gameplay and has the potential to be one of the game’s biggest strengths going forward.
  
  
• Destruction of other cars | Racing isn’t just about crossing the finish line first; it’s also about surviving the chaos around you. Slamming into opponents and sending them careening off the track feels incredibly satisfying, adding an aggressive edge to the gameplay. These moments create exciting bursts of action and encourage players to take risks rather than simply sticking to the racing line.
  
  The game’s biggest influence is clearly the legendary Burnout Revenge, and Neon Shifter does an impressive job of capturing the spirit that made it so popular. Aggressive driving is actively rewarded, turning rival vehicles into opportunities rather than obstacles. The satisfying impacts, high-speed takedowns, and constant sense of vehicular chaos evoke memories of Burnout’s golden era while still feeling fresh enough to stand on their own.
  
  
• Speed feels great | Neon Shifter captures the sensation of speed exceptionally well. As the velocity increases, the game conveys a genuine feeling of momentum that makes every corner and near miss feel impactful. Combined with the visual effects and soundtrack, races feel fast, intense, and consistently engaging.
  
  Many futuristic racers struggle to make speed feel meaningful beyond simply increasing a number on-screen, but Neon Shifter avoids this pitfall. The track design, camera work, and visual feedback all work together to sell the illusion of travelling at incredible velocity. The result is an experience that feels exhilarating from start to finish and encourages players to push harder every time you play.

Mixed & disliked!

• Very Short | As a demo, Neon Shifter succeeds in showcasing its core mechanics, but the experience is over surprisingly quickly. Just as the game’s systems begin to reveal their potential, players may find themselves reaching the end of the available content. While it leaves a positive impression, it doesn’t provide enough time to fully explore everything the game has to offer.
  
  This is very much a case of quality over quantity, but some players may be left wanting a little more before making a purchasing decision. Additional tracks, modes, or progression elements would have helped provide a better understanding of how the full game will evolve over extended play sessions. However, looking at the Kickstarter, it really looks like more features like split screen racing, and more will be added over time.

• No settings menu available | At the time of playing, the demo does not include a settings menu. This means players have limited control over options such as graphics, audio levels, or key bindings. While understandable for an early demo build, additional configuration options would help improve accessibility and allow players to tailor the experience to their preferences.
  
  The absence of these options is unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most players, but it is noticeable in a modern PC release. Having the ability to adjust performance settings, tweak controls, or balance audio levels would help ensure the game feels comfortable across a wider range of hardware and player preferences.

Score: 88/100

Neon Shifter delivers an exciting glimpse of a promising arcade racer, combining stunning neon visuals with an excellent electronic soundtrack that perfectly complements the action. The procedurally generated tracks ensure races remain fresh and unpredictable, while the satisfying vehicle combat adds an extra layer of excitement in classic Burnout style. Although the demo is brief, it leaves a strong impression and provides a compelling reason to keep an eye on the full release.

Aaron

Gaming is in my blood.  Be it handheld games, Xbox, PC, Switch or Playstation, I am all over it.
I make my own games as part of my profession and love playing co op games with friends in my spare time. Avid dog lover and camper van enthusiast.