Freeride - Nintendo Switch - Review

Freeride on Nintendo Switch is a small, dreamy adventure that doesn’t rush you or overwhelm you. You play as Proto, a small traveller who ends up guiding a spirit train through a world full of quirky characters. Released in January 2026 from Flightyfelon Games, this indie game is definitely worth your time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeV9t1CUHIY

Freeride begins with Proto, a small traveller who hops onto a mysterious spirit train without really knowing where it’s going. Before long, Proto ends up becoming the train’s temporary conductor, guiding it through the Spirit World, a place full of wandering souls, strange landscapes, and characters who all seem to be dealing with their own little emotional knots.

Each stop on the journey introduces you to new spirits, each with their own problems, quirks, or insecurities. Some are funny, some are sad, some are just plain odd, but they all feel like they’re stuck in some way. Your job isn’t to “fix” them, it’s to talk, listen, and choose how Proto responds. Those choices shape the tone of your journey and influence how the game interprets your personality at the end.

What stands out straight away is the vibe. Freeride has this warm, sketchy, storybook look that feels cosy without being childish. The characters wobble slightly as they move, the colours glow softly, and the whole world feels like it’s been drawn with a slightly shaky hand in the best possible way. It’s inviting, a bit surreal, and surprisingly emotional once you settle into it.

Most of the game is about wandering around, chatting to spirits, and deciding how you want to respond to them. Some are funny, some are anxious, some are dealing with things they can’t quite name. Your choices matter but not in a “good ending/bad ending” way, but in a “this says something about you” way. The game keeps track of how you behave and reflects it back at the end, almost like a personality snapshot. It’s gentle, not judgemental, and it gives the whole experience a personal touch.

The Switch version runs nicely overall. The art style really pops on the OLED screen, and the soundtrack is soft and atmospheric, matching the game’s mellow pace. Characters speak in cute little noises rather than full voice acting, which adds to the charm. There are occasional frame dips, but nothing that gets in the way.

Where things get a bit wobbly is the telekinesis mechanic. You can pick up and throw objects, sometimes for puzzles etc but it’s not the smoothest system and lining up throws can feel fiddly but it is rarely required, and most of the experience is about exploring and talking rather than using the mechanic!

There is an overarching mystery running quietly in the background: why Proto is here, what the Spirit World actually is, and what the train represents. Freeride is also intentionally vague. It doesn’t explain much, and your first playthrough can feel like you’re stumbling around in the dark. But that’s part of the design: each run is only a few hours long, and you’re meant to replay it to see different characters, different outcomes, and more of the world’s hidden details. If you enjoy games that let you wander, soak in the atmosphere, and slowly piece things together, this approach works really well, however If you prefer clear direction, it might feel a bit too floaty for you.

What Freeride does best is mood. It’s not trying to wow you with big set pieces or complex systems. Instead, it gives you space to explore, space to make choices, and space to think about why you made them. It’s a small game with a surprisingly big heart.

Pros

• Lovely, cosy art style with a unique hand‑drawn feel

• Gentle, atmospheric soundtrack

• Memorable characters with surprisingly emotional moments

• Short, replayable structure that encourages multiple runs

• Relaxed pacing that’s perfect for unwinding

Cons

• Telekinesis controls can feel clunky and imprecise

• Some players may find the vague direction confusing

• A few minor performance dips on Switch

Freeride is a lovely, unusual little adventure that’s more about feelings than mechanics. The clunky telekinesis and occasional confusion won’t be for everyone, but if you’re in the mood for something cosy, introspective, and a bit strange (in a good way mind you) it’s well worth hopping aboard the spirit train.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Freeride is available now!