The Drifter, a new point-and-click adventure game from Australian developers Powerhoof, has arrived on PC and Nintendo Switch, bringing a dark pulp horror narrative wrapped in stunning pixel art. The game follows Mick Carter, an itinerant man who, after discovering he cannot die, becomes embroiled in a complex conspiracy filled with monsters and murder.
Mick's journey begins somberly as he returns home for his mother's funeral, only to be thrust into a violent encounter. This sets the stage for a nine-chapter story where Mick, aided by his sister, wife, and a cast of peculiar characters, attempts to unravel the conspiracy. Adding to the psychological turmoil, Mick is visited by the ghost of his dead son, raising questions about his grip on reality.
The game's "pulp" aesthetic is intentionally outlandish, yet grounded by Mick's relatable working-class Australian demeanor. The voice acting is a standout feature, with Adrian Vaughan delivering a compelling performance as Mick and voicing several other major characters. Rhiannon Moushall also impresses with multiple roles, and Shogo Miyakita earns praise for his portrayal of Detective Inspector Hara. Despite the variety of characters, many were voiced by a small group of talented actors, a fact revealed only during the credits.
Visually, The Drifter is exceptional. Powerhoof's signature pixel art style is on full display, with each scene meticulously crafted in a manner reminiscent of classic LucasArts adventures. Character animations are bespoke and fluid, contributing to the game's consistently striking appearance, even in its grittier settings like abandoned tunnels.
While the game's opening and middle sections are strong, the narrative falters slightly towards its conclusion. The plot becomes increasingly convoluted with numerous twists, which, for some players, may diminish the story's gravitas and emotional investment. The game is at its most compelling when focusing on more grounded elements, such as breaking into newspaper offices or planning with estranged family members. The escalating chaos in the final act, while drawing influence from directors like John Carpenter, ultimately becomes more chaotic than cohesive, failing to fully capitalize on the narrative's earlier potential.
The overarching themes of death and transience are present but feel underexplored or undermined by the increasingly absurd plot developments. The result is an enjoyable sequence of events, but one that may leave players feeling unsatiated.
Navigating the game's challenges is aided by a well-designed, spoiler-free hint system accessible via an itch.io page. This system guides players through their predicament by asking targeted questions, though it may occasionally enable players to overlook logically inconsistent puzzles, such as a particularly convoluted escape sequence.
The Drifter's structure, divided into distinct chapters with limited backtracking, provides a focused experience. While this approach sometimes feels restrictive, it generally helps to contain the narrative and maintain momentum. The game offers a unique story and remarkable presentation, distinguishing itself as a noteworthy pulp thriller. It is available on Steam for approximately $14.