Data Jammers: FastForward

Developer: Digital Eel

Publisher: Digital Eel

Release: 2011

Platform: PC

Genre: Action

In the trail of music/racer hybrids like Audiosurf, Data Jammers: FastForward ditches gimmicry for polish--and that choice benefits the final product in many levels.

The lanes system lends the gameplay more precision when it comes to grabbing collectibles or avoiding enemies, but the controls don't suffer from the apparent limitations--some nonrelated depth issues aside, they're silky smooth. New mechanics are introduced at a gentle pace, and twisted to some cool results in boss battles; that's where a puzzle component gets into play, and even when it occasionally frustrates, the satisfaction feeling after "solving" a battle is what stays with the player.

More value is added to the experience through some lovely useless "lore" of sorts: before each level, data on possible enemies and their motivations create an interest for what's to come--even if only for curiosity sake.

Lovely useless lore

Ultimately Data Jammers never crosses the "flow" line due to small balance issues; but the trip is a pleasant one throughout the short duration of its burst--one that never overstays its welcome.