Retrowave 2 Reviews

Journey for the off ramp.

Retrowave 2 isn’t just a sequel—it feels like a declaration. From its opening moments, the game doesn’t waste time trying to explain itself. Instead, it drops you into a neon-drenched dream world where glowing highways stretch endlessly, and every corner is lit with the artificial warmth of an imagined 1980s. The aesthetic is immersive and intentional, with visuals that go beyond retro homage and instead create a fully realized, synthwave-inspired universe. It's not aiming for realism, and it doesn’t need to. The game is built around mood, rhythm, and sensation—and it nails all three almost immediately. The core gameplay is simple, but not without substance. At heart, Retrowave 2 is a driving game, but unlike traditional racers focused on competition or simulation, this game invites you to cruise through surreal environments where the goal isn’t always to win, but to feel. You start with a basic car, and as you complete runs, you earn money to unlock and upgrade a fleet of vehicles, each one customizable in meaningful ways. The game modes are straightforward—one-way, two-way, time attack, and bomb mode—but their simplicity is balanced by the environments themselves. Whether you're weaving through traffic on a sunset highway or ascending into a stairway of glowing clouds, each “universe” you drive through feels distinct and atmospheric. The soundtrack plays a crucial role in defining the experience. With over 50 synthwave tracks available, the music isn’t just background noise—it’s the engine that drives the emotional tone of the game. Every note complements the visual palette perfectly, whether you’re gliding smoothly through a darkened metropolis or speeding under blinking neon signs. This harmony between audio and visuals gives the game a meditative quality. It's as much an interactive music experience as it is a driving game. Few titles are this confident in letting players settle into the rhythm of a vibe rather than chasing high scores or tightly scripted objectives. In terms of progression, Retrowave 2 offers enough incentive to keep you invested. Earning money allows you to unlock new cars, modify them with cosmetic and performance tweaks, and explore different maps. While the number of maps and features is still somewhat limited due to its Early Access status, the game already shows a strong foundation. Its customization system is intuitive, its cars feel varied enough to avoid monotony, and the level design—while stylistically unified—offers different moods and challenges that prevent the game from feeling repetitive too quickly. That said, a few areas still need refinement. The UI could be smoother in places, and while the driving feels generally responsive, some physics quirks are noticeable. These are minor issues in the grand scheme but worth mentioning. Community response has been largely positive, and for good reason. Players seem to understand what the game is aiming for and appreciate its unique approach. Unlike traditional racing titles that rely on complexity or hyper-realism, Retrowave 2 embraces elegance in its simplicity. The visual upgrade from the original game is substantial, and the new engine delivers better lighting, smoother performance, and richer environments. Steam reviews highlight the relaxing nature of the game, its gorgeous look, and the immersive quality of the soundtrack. A few players express a desire for more variety in tracks and maps, which the developers have acknowledged as part of their upcoming roadmap. What makes Retrowave 2 especially promising is the clarity of its vision. It knows what it wants to be and leans fully into that identity. The developers have been transparent about the game’s development, estimating that it's currently around 60–70% complete, with planned features including new environments, more vehicles, expanded music, and even multiplayer support. This clear direction gives players confidence in the game's future and makes early access feel like an invitation to be part of something evolving, not just a demo of something incomplete. Ultimately, Retrowave 2 is more than a game—it’s a mood. It’s about losing yourself in glowing lights and retro beats, feeling the hum of the road beneath you as the skyline blurs into color. It doesn’t demand your full attention or skill but instead offers a space to relax, to cruise, to exist in a carefully crafted aesthetic. For those who enjoy atmospheric experiences or games that emphasize style with sincerity, this is something special. It may not be perfect yet, but what’s already here is striking, heartfelt, and well worth the ride. Rating: 8/10