Italian game developer Milestone is drawing inspiration from classic fighting games like The King of Fighters for its upcoming arcade racer, Screamer, slated for release in 2026. The company is reimagining its 1995 arcade racer with a unique blend of racing and combat mechanics, a move that reflects a broader trend of innovation within the racing genre.
Whereas Milestone has experience in arcade racing with titles like Hot Wheels Unleashed, it’s more widely known for its simulation racing projects, such as the Ride series. This makes Screamer a particularly noteworthy project, diverging from the studio’s typical output.
Screamer aims to “push the boundaries of what an arcade racer can be,” according to Milestone. The game will feature energy bars and KO-style takedowns, adding a layer of strategic combat to the high-speed racing experience. This approach sets it apart from traditional arcade racers, which typically focus on pure speed and drifting.
A key element of Screamer’s gameplay is its twin-stick control system. Players will steer with the left stick and control their drift direction with the right stick – a departure from the conventional left stick steering and handbrake/brake-based drifting found in most arcade racers. “This has massive implications,” Milestone’s Game Director, Federico Cardini, explained in a previous statement.
The company stated, “We thought, what if instead of remastering the game [Screamer], we try to reimagine it? What if we push the boundaries of what an arcade racer can be?” Milestone added, “We kind of looked at [The King of Fighters] for inspiration and did our own take on it.”
Screamer’s tracks will require precision, and the twin-stick system is designed to give players complete control over every maneuver. The game is currently available for pre-order, and a trailer showcasing the game’s story mode has been released. The dystopian-inspired world of Screamer features towering cityscapes, scorched deserts, and lush woodlands, each offering unique and unforgettable tracks. Players will race alongside a roster of characters, each with a unique backstory and a customized vehicle.
