A potential contender for racing game of the year in 2026 may be on the horizon. Milestone’s arcade racer, Screamer, has generated significant buzz in recent months. The latest project from the PlayStation-focused developers could position itself as a leader in the racing genre. Ahead of its release, international magazines have begun publishing their first reviews.
Follow! What is Screamer Actually Like?
Early impressions of Screamer were positive, though some questions remained. Not every aspect of Milestone’s newest racing game fully resonated with reviewers. However, the final version may address these concerns. Initial international tests offer a glimpse into the game’s true quality, providing a clear picture days before its official launch.
The game is receiving praise for its quick-paced, arcade-style racing and impressive visuals. However, some critics have raised concerns, citing a thin storyline and an overabundance of ideas that don’t significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Here’s a sampling of early reviews:
Checkpoint Gaming – 85%
“Among the many excellent arcade racing games, Screamer stands out with its television-inspired ‘The Tournament’ campaign, which puts the game’s exciting characters front and center in a tour across a futuristic urban environment.”
Gameliner – 80%
“Screamer doesn’t fully become the narrative spectacle it sometimes seems to be, but it performs very well when it counts.”
Push Square – 80%
“Screamer is a bold and exciting arcade racing game that stands out from the crowd. It takes a lot of risks, and most of the ideas perform – except for the story, which may run on a bit too long.”
IGN Adria – 50%
“Visually stunning, but overloaded with ideas and mechanics that mostly don’t enhance the gameplay experience. It also fundamentally misunderstands what makes arcade racing games fun, making Screamer appear to be Milestone’s latest unsuccessful attempt to break out of the hardcore motorcycle game genre.”
ScreenHub – 50%
“Screamer feels like a half-finished game. Its anime style is limited to the menus and cutscenes, the cool drift mechanics can’t really shine due to the boring track design, and the long story campaign simply doesn’t approach together.”
Screamer will be available to the public starting March 26, 2026. The game, developed by Milestone, is a reboot of their 1995 title and is available on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, as detailed on the developer’s website. The release highlights the continued evolution of arcade racing games and the integration of anime-inspired aesthetics into the genre. Pre-orders are now available, including a Digital Deluxe Edition, as noted in a recent release, and the game is also verified on Steam Deck, according to the Steam store page.
(The article originally appeared on the German website pcgames.de.)
