Race the Sun

Overview

Race the Sun, developed by independent game studio Flippfly, is a self-described "endless racer". Players control a solar-powered aircraft attempting to collect as many of an object known as tris whilst avoiding myriad obstacles before the sun sets, at which point the run ends.

Although traditionally a mobile developer, Flippfly designed the game specifically for the PC with no mobile ports planned. This was due to the belief of the studio that the only way developers could make siginificant money via mobile is through Free to Play titles: Flippfly felt strongly that they did not want to go that route and instead made the game for PC.

Gameplay

The goal of the game is for the player to steer their ship through endlessly-generating obstacles both stationary and mobile to make it safely to the next area. Each level is procedurally-generated, a new level being created every 24-hours.

The ship runs on solar power, but the sun sets quickly as the player progresses. If the sun sets, or the player crashes, then the player must start over. The sun's descent can be reversed by picking up a specific type of power-up that grants a temporary burst of speed. Other power-ups include a jumping ability and a teleport function that resets the player should they crash.

Progression system

By completing various challenges during runs -- e.g. perform X number of barrel rolls in a single run, survive two levels with no collisions, or gain a certain number of points -- the player levels up, thus unlocking upgrades for their ship. These include magnets to increase the range the player can obtain tris from, greater storage capacity for power-ups, and improved steering.

Leveling up also unlocks new gameplay elements, such as the aforementioned power-ups, as well as a flat increase to their score multiplier.

Apocalypse Mode

Upon reaching level 11, a new mode known as "Apocalypse" opens up. This mode pits players against a much harder level than the standard mode, throwing explosions, toppling pillars, moving blocks, and more right out of the gate. Like standard mode, new levels are produced on a 24-hour basis.

System Requirements

PC Minimum

• OS: Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8
• Processor: Dual Core Processor
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: SM2.0 (or later) Graphics Card
• Hard Drive: 150 MB available space

Mac Minimum

• OS: Mac OS X: 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9
• Processor: Dual Core Processor
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: SM2.0 (or later) Graphics Card
• Hard Drive: 150 MB available space

Linux Minimum

• OS: Ubuntu 10.04 (and newer)
• Processor: Dual Core Processor
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: SM2.0 (or later) Graphics Card
• Hard Drive: 150 MB available space