Take a joyride down Neon Highway in this Tachyon-powered retrofuturistic universe.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept behind Vaporwave, it can best be described as a retrofuturistic subgenre of music, art, clothing, and architecture designed to induce a sense of nostalgia and surrealism. Often times this includes blue and pink neon colors, mood music styles—such as elevator and lounge music—and specific pop culture references.
Set within the neon-filled cyberscape of Retro City during the golden age of the Tachyon Era, Tachyon Rider is a vehicle-based VR experience that harnesses the unique aesthetics of Vaporwave to create a bold new visual experience.
Currently halfway through its Kickstarter goal of $3,000, Tachyon Rider puts you in the driver’s seat of one of three customizable Tachyon-powered supercars, allowing you to explore the complex and sprawling capital of the Tychon Era. The city is filled with multiple side quests, various game modes—including Prism, Highway121, Neon Cup—interactable NPC characters, and course, plenty of Vaporwave-inspired music.
“After discovering how to harness Tachyon Energy produced by the neighboring supergiant, mankind entered the era of efficiency and speed,” states developer Hollon Reed on the games official Kickstarter page. “The reign of nine to fives is over, and going fast is the new way of life.”
So far it’s unclear what each game mode will offer in terms of gameplay, although it looks like we’ll be dealing with a combination of racing and vehicle-based combat using a series of projectile-based weaponry. Each of these challenges earns you currency which you can then spend on various vehicle upgrades and abilities at Asher’s Upgrades.
Tachyon Rider is currently $1,300 shy of it’s $3,000 goal with 27 days left in the campaign. There are several stretch goals offered as well, such as an additional “Drift” mode at $3,500, followed by new customizable vehicles at $4,000. Larger goals include new weapons and abilities, graphic/asset improvements, and multiplayer functionality.
Planned platforms include Oculus Rift/Rift S, Oculus Quest, and HTC Vive, with possible support for Valve Index and PSVR pending additional funding and demand. Those interested in donating can head to the games official Kickstarter page located here.
