Defunct review: Gravity-driven racing that prioritizes speed and flow
Defunct, developed by Freshly Squeezed, is an indie racing-adventure that sends a broken robot across a deserted, machine-populated Earth to reach a departing cargo ship. The core mechanic uses a gravity-manipulation engine to build and carry momentum through varied terrain. Key elements include momentum-focused traversal, unlockable skins and tricks, and a Time Trial mode with leaderboard competition. The game targets speedrunners and players who enjoy short, high-velocity runs on console.
What kind of game is Defunct?
In this game the player controls a quirky, damaged robot who has fallen from a cargo ship onto a post-human Earth inhabited solely by robots. Movement centres on a Gravitize engine that creates a localized gravity field; activating it on downhill slopes builds velocity, letting you coast over flats, launch gaps, and thread tunnels once the motor has failed. The core loop rewards chaining slopes and keeping momentum through precise line choice.
Does it have a multiplayer mode?
The experience is primarily single-player, with a separate Time Trial mode that adds five specialized levels and global leaderboards. The release contains eleven varied stages across different biomes, plus unlockable character skins and special tricks and hidden collectibles for completionists. The main campaign is short, typically sixty to ninety minutes; leaderboards, tricks and collectibles form the main replay drivers for players chasing better runs.
What does the game look and sound like?
Visuals shift between distinct biomes and climates that favour open sightlines and high-speed routing, while audio and level design emphasise the sensation of motion rather than combat. The title offers a peaceful racing experience with no enemies. Some reviewers note occasional camera or collision issues that can interrupt tight sequences. The PlayStation 4 build requires about 2GB of storage and is playable on newer hardware via backward compatibility.
Defunct is a compact, momentum-focused pick for skill-oriented runners
Defunct is a concise choice for players who prefer short, skillful runs that reward memorization and precise gravity timing. The developer is an indie studio based in Visby, Sweden, and the game's award recognition as 'Game of the Year' at the Swedish Game Awards underlines its design clarity. However, the limited campaign length and some technical rough edges mean it suits repeatable trial sessions more than long single sittings.
