There was only one thing wrong with Lonely Mountains: Downhill, the mountain biking game: it wasn't co-op. Thankfully, developer Megagon Industries has rectified that issue with Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, the skiing-themed sequel. The new game features a cute and attractive art style, intuitive controls, and online co-op. It's out now on Xbox and PC, and the Xbox version is available on Game Pass too.
Upon launching the game, players will customize their characters and then complete a tutorial. The controls are fairly simple, with the left stick steering, the triggers controlling acceleration and breaking, and two other buttons dedicated to jumps and tricks. Part of the challenge comes from the fixed camera that doesn't follow stay behind the player's back. You have to navigate the twisting slopes without the camera's help, which is tricky but fun.
While Snow Riders supports both co-op and competitive racing, players can only play private games until reaching level 3. After that, public matchmaking unlocks. It will take a few hours of solo or private play before multiplayer becomes easily accessible, for better or worse. Still, the game is both challenging and enjoyable, so it's surely worth the effort. The Xbox version is receiving some random review bombing from a handful of goofy Game Pass users, but don't let that keep you from giving Snow Riders a try!
Features:
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is a game that balances serious challenge with a relaxing atmosphere. Slice through deep snow, skitter over ice lakes, and leap into the air in spectacular jumps, bringing your friends along for the ride. Snow Riders also adds a brand new feature to the Lonely Mountains world – online multiplayer! Work your way down the mountain as a team in co-op, carefully sharing your limited checkpoints, or compete in a breakneck race to the base in versus mode. Available for 2-8 players, with multiplatform crossplay. Perform daredevil tricks or try to best your time for a spot on the leaderboard. Or you can take the road less travelled, discovering shortcuts as you explore the slope. Unlock new equipment, outfits and tricks as you play!Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders costs $24.99 on Xbox and Steam. It's also on Xbox Game Pass at launch, so be sure to try it!