There’s something that continuously draws us back to old/retro games. Is it nostalgia? Is it wanting to relive the memories? Did we love the storyline? Maybe the somewhat now dated graphics and the soundtrack kept our blood pumping as we eagerly awaited the next boss battle or the revealing of a hidden item? If you have chosen all of the above, then you’ll be delighted to learn that Powerhoof’s newest game, ‘The Drifter’, will unlock all your old-school gaming desires!

The Drifter is a compact, cinematic point-and-click thriller that blends mystery, sci-fi, and noir into a gritty, edge-of-your-seat story-driven experience. You take control of Mick Carter, a drifter who’s way out of his league, running from his past, and haunted by his demons. Suddenly, Mick finds himself wrapped in a deadly conspiracy after witnessing a murder. Trying to escape, Mick is caught by said killers and dies… only to wake up 1 minute prior!

The gameplay is a classic throwback to MS-DOS/early 90s adventure thrill ride with a modern update. You’ll explore moody environments, collect items, solve puzzles, and engage in dialogue with a colourful and often sinister cast of characters (most of which are Australian!). What sets The Drifter apart, and the definition of its modern update, is its tight pacing. Unlike many adventure games that overstay their welcome or tend to drag the story out to the point of switching the console off, The Drifter moves fast and never loses tension.

Puzzles are intuitive and grounded in the story, never feeling like arbitrary obstacles. On the topic of obstacles, there does not appear to be any hint, clues, guides or guidelines on assisting with some of the more ‘hair-pulling’ level of problem-solving investigations. Though not a game-breaking factor, it would be nice if an NPC could drop an audio clue on how to navigate through the hindrance.

There’s also a subtle time loop mechanic that adds a metaphysical twist without overcomplicating the flow. When we mentioned Mick died and woke up, this is the time loop we’re referring to. It’s narrative-driven but interactive enough to feel like you’re truly unravelling the mystery through your actions, not just watching it happens. It allows for immediate replayability without suffering through those dreaded ‘Game Over’ and ‘Load Last Save’ screens that remove you from the action.

Though, the story itself is amazing to travel through, the sad part is that once it’s over, it’s over. At this date of release, there is no alternative story mode provided or DLC to continue this thrill ride, which does limit replayability.

Controls are simple and effective. As mentioned, the navigation and investigation are all point-and-click. Left clicking on your mouse will be your bread and butter throughout this ride. Inventory management is smooth and unobtrusive, and investigative ‘hot spots’ are easy to identify without requiring pixel-hunting frustration. The interface is slick, responsive, and designed to keep you immersed. Even newcomers to the genre will find it easy to navigate.

Powerhoof’s signature pixel art style shines here. The team has managed to recreate the classic ’90s pixel-driven game with detailed, gritty, and deeply atmospheric environments. They are packed with personality, from the opening locomotive streaming past a worn-down city, slightly illuminating a nearby almost abandoned train station, to neon-lit backstreets, every single pixel has its perfect place and purpose, keeping you immersed for hours on end.

If retro visuals aren’t your bag, the cinematic presentation will keep your modern cravings fed, garnished with dynamic lighting, clever animation, and an adaptable frame rate limiter listed in the graphics settings. Character designs are expressive, with pixelated reactions, hits, blood, water, and movements all working in harmony. You’ll find yourself frequently pausing just to admire the composition of certain scenes.

The sound design in The Drifter is stellar. The ambient effects are eerie and immersive, giving life to each scene. From the hum of the overhead fluorescent lights to the distant rustling of tree leaves, futuristic sliding doors sound modern-day smooth, whilst the creak of an old train car helps create continued audio storytelling of this gritty world.

As mentioned, the game is fully voice-acted, with excellent performances led by a heavy Australian/New Zealand-based cast. The standout being the protagonist Mick’s gravelly, world-weary, done-with-this narration. The soundtrack immediately captures the senses with its synth-wave-noir-inspired tunes, helping to continue the mystery, suspense and shock with every twist and turn.

The Drifter is a lean, gripping noir adventure that punches well above its pixelated weight. Powerhoof delivers a memorable short-form narrative with style, mystery, and a killer atmosphere. If you’re a fan of classic adventure games or moody thrillers with a sci-fi twist, this is a ride worth taking.

Written by: James Fraser-Smith