Battle is similar to Race, but like “Mario Kart,” there are items strewn about the course that can greatly impact the outcome. Attack items, support items, defensive items—there’s a variety of things to use, many of which can alter who shows up in the winner’s circle. At times it can be a bit frustrating losing after being ahead the whole race, but hey, that’s life!

Coin is my least favorite mode, but sadly one of the most neccesary. While racing down the slopes, you’ll need to collect the most coins to win. These coins not only help you win (thereby earning exp), but they also transfer into your character’s coffers after the race, making this the best way to earn in-game money.

In-game money is very important in “Project Powder.” While you can purchase SparkCash via Outspark to buy items and apparel, you can also do this with in-game currency. The downside? Items are often on a timer. (Usually seven days.) This means that you’ll have to not only save up to buy the better gear, but also keep saving up for it week after week, assuming you want to keep using it without paying real life cash.

That’s the form the grind takes in “Project Powder.” Level grinding is present, but exp is earned by participating in and winning races, and higher levels results only in racing tougher competition, and learning a few advanced tricks here and there, via the License Challenges. Is it fun unlocking new tricks? You bet. But, in the heat of the race, you’ll usually fall back to whichever tricks you’re most comfortable pulling off, and a lot of them won’t ever be used.

Gameplay-wise, “Project Powder” plays with your keyboard, with the arrow keys controlling movement, space controlling jumping, and WASD serving as grab modifiers in the air. It’s a simple scheme to learn, and works well.

If there’s one downside to the game, it’s that, on the whole, it’s not very social. There are always people online racing, but given the nature of the game chatter is at a minimum. No one has time to type while they’re trying to win a race, after all. In my days playing “Project Powder,” I can count on one hand the number of people who actually try to spark up conversations. (And, from that number, roughly 2/3 aren’t in English.)

Is “Project Powder” a fun game? If you like racing titles, or played the snowboarding games of old, then yes. It’s free, it’s fast-paced, it’s easy to play, and it’s fun to play in short bursts. If you’re looking for a long-term game or something to socialize with, though, you’d be better off picking something that’s more of a traditional MMO. But if all you want is a good time for a few afternoons, give “Project Powder” a shot.

Review Brendon Lindsey
October 21, 2009