Review: Star Overdrive | Xbox

Star Overdrive has been zipping around Nintendo Switch for a while now, but this Xbox port shows that good things come to those who wait. Caracal Games has clearly listened to feedback, because this version feels more polished than its earlier release.

As someone who’s spent countless hours grinding rails in Tony Hawk and carving powder in SSX, I can safely say Star Overdrive scratches that boarding itch in the most unexpected way. Trading snow and concrete for alien landscapes, you play as Bios, searching for his missing partner Nous on the mysterious planet Cebete.

The hoverboard mechanics are absolutely brilliant. What felt slightly clunky on Switch now flows like butter on Xbox. The sensation of gliding across diverse biomes whilst pulling off tricks is pure joy. The upgrade system lets you tinker with engines, boosters, and deck mods, creating a board that truly feels your own. Want better water traversal? Sort it. Need sharper turns for those tricky races? Done.

The world itself is gorgeous. Think Borderlands meets Breath of the Wild, with vibrant cel-shaded visuals that pop off the screen. Each biome feels distinct, from desert plains to mysterious crystalline caves. The art style creates this living comic book atmosphere that never gets old.

Puzzle-filled mines (basically shrines) are scattered throughout, offering brain-teasing challenges that make brilliant use of your abilities. The gravity manipulation and energy beam powers aren’t just combat tools, they’re integral to traversal and puzzle-solving. These sections genuinely made me think whilst keeping things fresh.

Combat remains the weakest link, though it’s noticeably improved here. The keytar weapon (yes, really) lacks punch, but the varied abilities make encounters more dynamic than before. Boss fights, while simple, provide spectacular cinematic moments that break up the exploration nicely.

The story won’t win awards, but finding Nous’s audio logs creates genuine intrigue. Bios himself could use more personality, yet the mystery kept me invested throughout the 15-hour adventure.

Performance on Xbox Series X is solid. The 60fps target holds steady, load times are snappy, and crashes that plagued the original seem eliminated. The improved objective tracking makes navigation much clearer too.

Star Overdrive isn’t perfect, but it captures that magical feeling of gliding through beautiful worlds that made games like Jet Set Radio special. For boarding game fans craving something different, this cosmic adventure delivers thrills that are genuinely out of this world.