Tail Drift

This racer will put you in a spin

Tail Drift is a bit like Mario Kart, but instead of dinky go-karts hurtling round inventive tracks, tiny aircraft tightly hug pipe-based circuits that twist and dive, like tubular rollercoasters. The aim is to finish first in races, beat lap times in time trials, or get as far as possible in time extensions; the last of those has the added complication of minute openings in regularly placed circular gates – fly through to get another five seconds.

The game controls well – hold left or right to move and tap a button to fire collected weapons. It’s also gorgeous; snake-like tracks thread through floating islands, silky smooth animation matching every spin and turn. On the odd occasion you’ll catch a glimpse of something interesting in the warm sunset or inky night, but you’ll mostly just be trying your damndest not to hit a wall. Craig Grannell

A playable and great-looking racer that provides a new twist (OHO!) on the genre.