Lifeslide

Lifeslide is an upcoming paper plane flight adventure game, where players have to master the art of flying a paper plane. In development by Dreamteck since 2016, the game was created and self-funded by a group of three developers who slowly crafted and improved it until its initial release in 2019. Launched exclusively for Apple Arcade, the success found allowed Dreamteck to slowly expand the title for its launch for PC on August 6th, 2021.

Gliding Through

Lifeslide is an indie game with a simple premise, players need to master flying paper airplanes through a multitude of levels to reach their destination. The game offers different game modes, but ultimately the core concept remains the same, select a new stage and overcome its challenges by traversing different obstacles.

The game itself has no narration, or text and tries to convey its story through its environment, which is a bold choice, to say the least. It becomes a subjective story that inviters deep exploration in search of its meaning, or just a laid-back experience. In the end, players are able to have one-of-a-kind journeys, knowing that two players won’t have identical experiences is a nice conversation topic.

Flying a paper plane through a brightly colored world provides a soothing and relaxing gaming experience, but the presence of weekly challenges creates a competitive aspect that can generate some thrill. Developers states that their motto is “Simple input, refined outcome” when it comes to gameplay, meaning that there is an attempt to follow actual flight physics to an arcade-like title.

Can We Get Much Higher?

How much paper plane flying do you need? Apparently, a lot, since Lifeslide provides two different modes: story mode and Zen mode. Story mode is where the players get to experience twenty-eight levels of unspoken stories while challenging players through time trial modes. This game mode offers players the ability to unlock eight planes that play differently from each other, as well as the ability to improve the stats of those planes, upgrading aerodynamics, steering, and lifting stats seem essential to maximizing performance.

The second mode is more an immersive experience attempt, where players can replay their favorite levels on an infinite loop. Zen mode allows players to randomize level design so they can experience different experiences than what story mode provides. Here players can better enjoy the original score and soundtrack which draws inspirations from alternative rock, synthpop, electronic music, and orchestral elements.

Conclusion

Lifeslide is a flight simulation game at its core, granted it doesn’t rival Microsoft Flight Simulator, but it doesn’t intend to. It seems the intention behind the game is to provide players a relaxing experience flying paper planes, and it looks like it delivers on that promise, while leaving little leeway for players with a competitive spirit.

PROS:

• Relaxing Experience
• Subjective Story Mode
• Pretty Level Design

CONS:

• Low Replayability
• Short Gaming Experience