Thick Air (2016)

Overview

Thick Air is a high-intensity drone racing game set in a world where humanity no longer exists. In this desolate environment, autonomous machines continue to operate, recreating and simulating the life they once observed. Among these machines, a specialized swarm of drones, originally designed for racing, relentlessly compete against each other across diverse terrains and landscapes. The game emphasizes precision, speed, and tactical maneuvering in a fully physics-driven flight environment.

Gameplay

The core of Thick Air revolves around its physics-based flight model, ensuring that every maneuver feels authentic and challenging. Players can utilize a gamepad for optimal control, while the game also supports HOTAS setups, other DirectInput devices, and Vive motion controllers for a more immersive experience. The racing experience is designed to be intense, with a combination of AI competitors that are both demanding and unforgiving. Various race modes provide additional replayability, ranging from casual competitions to highly competitive challenges.

Multiplayer and Social Features

Thick Air includes split-screen multiplayer, allowing players to compete directly against friends in local races. Online multiplayer functionality is planned for future updates, providing a platform for competitive drone racing across the globe. The game also encourages community engagement, with plans to integrate community-suggested features and enhancements, ensuring that player feedback directly influences the evolution of the game.

Customization and Upgrades

Players can visually customize their drones with a variety of options, including paint schemes and additional accessories such as spoilers. Beyond aesthetics, performance upgrades allow players to fine-tune their drones’ handling, speed, and overall capabilities, enabling a personalized racing experience that reflects individual play styles. Optional visual and performance damage adds another layer of realism and strategy to the races.

Audio and Immersion

The game features an energetic, headbanging soundtrack that enhances the adrenaline-fueled racing experience. For those seeking even deeper immersion, VR support is available and has been tested to function seamlessly with both HTC Vive and Oculus Rift systems. This feature allows players to experience races from a first-person perspective, increasing the intensity and realism of every competition.

Design Inspiration

The aesthetic design of the drones in Thick Air draws inspiration from the automobile styles of the late 20th century. This retro-futuristic approach combines mechanical sophistication with sleek, aerodynamic forms, creating a visually distinctive racing environment. Each drone is crafted to reflect both function and style, contributing to the overall immersive experience.

Recent Updates

The latest Alpha 0.2 update introduced significant performance improvements, enhanced controls customization, and expanded support for VR and motion controller systems. These updates aim to improve accessibility, responsiveness, and gameplay smoothness, ensuring that both newcomers and experienced players can enjoy a refined racing experience.

Key Features

• Physics-driven flight model for realistic drone handling
• Local split-screen multiplayer for competitive play
• Challenging and intelligent AI opponents
• Multiple race modes across diverse landscapes
• Optional VR support for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift
• HOTAS and DirectInput controller compatibility
• Extensive drone customization: visual, performance, and upgrades
• Community-driven development and feature integration
• Headbanging soundtrack to complement fast-paced racing

If you love fast drones, crazy races, and a world where machines take over, Thick Air is worth your time. The game controls smoothly, works with VR and HOTAS, and offers fun split-screen multiplayer. The flight feels realistic, and the AI can be tough, keeping every race exciting.

Customization is a big plus—paint your drone, tweak its performance, and make it yours. The soundtrack is loud and energetic, and the graphics have a unique style that matches the vibe of a world without humans. Online multiplayer is on the way, so the fun will keep growing.

In short, Thick Air is simple to pick up, hard to master, and genuinely fun. We recommend it if you enjoy challenging drone racing and a creative, tech-driven world.