Milestone has released a new patch for the anime-styled arcade racer Screamer, adding the option for single-stick drift controls. This update aims to make the game more accessible to players who may be put off by its previously unorthodox twin-stick setup.
When Screamer launched earlier this year, its control scheme, which required players to use a second stick for drifting and sliding, drew attention. While functional once accustomed to, this method diverged from the conventional single-stick approach common in racing games and could present a barrier for those unwilling to adapt their ingrained muscle memory. The new patch directly addresses this by allowing players to switch to a more traditional single-stick control scheme.
To enable the single-stick option, players need to navigate to the game's options menu before starting a race. Game director Federico Cardini noted that while the twin-stick system remains the recommended method for experiencing the game's ECHO System as intended, the developers acknowledge that the unique controls might feel unusual initially. The addition of the single-stick control is a concession to players who prefer a more familiar starting point.
Beyond the control scheme adjustment, the patch also includes several other refinements. Milestone has removed what they described as "unnecessary suspension lines," made adjustments to character unlock conditions, tweaked the automatic camera distance detection, and balanced the in-game powers of various competitors. Additionally, an invisible wall near a shortcut on one track has been repositioned to prevent unintended obstacles.