Hey friends! I’ve just spent a few cozy weeks carving down mountainsides in Driftwood, a downhill longboarding game starring a chill sloth named Eddy. This game, made by the small team at Stoked Sloth Interactive, launched on June 1, 2023. After seeing mostly “Very Positive” reviews, I had to try it for myself. Here’s my laid-back take, from first turns to last crashes.
Overall Impressions
Driftwood feels like sunshine on wheels. Right away I loved the simple goal: pick a board, point downhill, and hold on for dear life. The clean menus and clear signage made it easy to jump in. What really stood out was how the game strikes a sweet spot between relaxing cruising and heart-pounding speed runs. You can just chill out and admire the mountain views or chase world-record times. I’ve played other board games that feel either too slow or too hardcore, but Driftwood nails that comforting middle ground.
That said, it’s not perfect. I bumped into a few collision bugs—my sloth sometimes got stuck on rocks or flew off rails in unexpected ways. They didn’t ruin the fun, but a patch or two would smooth things out. And while the soundtrack is lovely, it’s a bit short, so songs repeat during long sessions. Overall, for its early-access spirit and cozy charm, Driftwood holds up well next to similar games.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Driftwood is all about balance: speed versus control, risk versus reward. You choose from boards with different wheels and decks—some feel like racing machines, others like big comfy sliders. Swapping parts changes your ride in real time, so there’s fun in experimentation. One player said the “immense gameplay and replay-ability” comes from these board setups, and I totally agree.
The controls are intuitive: lean with the analog stick, tap a button to drift, and hold another to boost. Drifts feel buttery smooth (sometimes literally—yes, you can equip butter wheels for comedic slide points). I had a standout moment when I cleared a tricky switchback at top speed and landed a perfect drift combo. Pure joy! The only hiccups were those occasional pops through the terrain or getting snagged on invisible walls. Still, for an indie title, it’s impressively solid.
Story and Characters
Driftwood doesn’t weave a deep narrative, but it has loads of charm. You play as Eddy, a laid-back sloth who’s more interested in good vibes than breaking his shell. Between runs, you hear Eddy’s relaxed greetings and quips. It’s a simple setup, but it feels personal—like your sloth buddy is right there cheering you on. The minimal story works, because the real fun is in the ride. If you want epic cutscenes or dramatic arcs, you won’t find them here, but you will get a warm sense of “just right” world-building.
Visuals and Graphics
Driftwood’s art style is a soft, colorful cartoon aesthetic. Mountains are covered in gentle gradients, trees sway naturally, and rock faces have just enough detail to feel real without getting in the way. The camera does a great job showcasing sweeping vistas as you pick up speed. I loved catching my breath at sunset summits or zooming through dappled forest light. There were moments that felt like living postcards. The graphics aren’t hyperreal, but they set a relaxed, joyful mood that matches Eddy’s slow-and-steady spirit.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is one of Driftwood’s high points. Upbeat indie-style tracks blend dreamy synths with mellow guitar riffs. They enhance that free-wheeling feeling when you’re bombing a cliffside or drifting around hairpin turns. Sound effects are crisp too: wheels hum on pavement, leaves rustle under your board, and Eddy occasionally lets out a satisfied “Yeehaw!”
My only gripe is the playlist is on the shorter side, so after a few hours you’ll start hearing repeats. I heard that the team plans to add more tracks post-launch, so I’m hopeful that future patches will expand the audio library. Until then, you might want to queue up your own chill playlist for marathon rides.
Difficulty and Replayability
Driftwood strikes a lovely balance between easygoing and challenging. Beginners can cruise down gentle slopes, practice drifts, and enjoy the scenery. Speedrunners can chase tight leaderboards, tweak board setups, and perfect every corner. The mountain has multiple paths and hidden shortcuts, so there’s always a reason to replay a run. One player perfectly described it as “great balance between challenge and chill.” I found myself coming back to try just one more run—only to realize three hours had slipped by.
The upcoming multiplayer mode (slated for a future update) is a big plus here. Imagine racing friends down the hillside or sharing custom courses. For now, leaderboards and time trials keep me hooked, but once online draft races drop, I’m sure Driftwood will get even more life.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Driftwood hits a sweet spot for cozy and casual gaming. It looks and sounds great, the mechanics feel tight, and Eddy’s lovable sloth energy ties it all together. Minor bugs and a brief soundtrack hold it back from true perfection, but those are small hurdles in an otherwise delightful ride.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Bonus Trivia
Driftwood was developed by just two people who met at a local longboarding meetup—you might say they channeled real-life stoke into the game. As of this writing, multiplayer and more tracks are in the works, so it’s a great time to hop on board.
Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or just sloth-curious, I think you’ll find Driftwood a fun, stress-free ride. See you on the slopes!
