Sunrise Review Summary

Beautiful scenery and a relaxing soundtrack make it great for unwinding, and the endless free-flying mode is a nice addition, but the repetitive generated world and thin DLC content hold it back.

Beautiful visuals and scenery: Reviewers consistently praise the beautiful graphics, pastel color palette, and calming scenery. The new map is described as exceptional and visually stunning.

Relaxing soundtrack and atmosphere: Many reviewers highlight the calming background music and peaceful atmosphere as a key strength. The soundtrack is often described as beautiful, gentle, and worth the price on its own.

Great for decompressing after base game: Players find the DLC perfect for relaxing after the stressful, fast-paced base game Race The Sun. It offers a way to unwind and decompress from intense score-chasing sessions.

Zen Mode core feature: The addition of a Zen mode is frequently mentioned as a major selling point. It removes the setting sun and scoreboards, creating a conflict-free, relaxing experience focused on flying.

Adds endless free-flying mode: The DLC introduces an endless mode with infinite fuel, allowing players to fly leisurely without worrying about crashing or the sun. This free-flight experience is a highlight for many.

Repetitive randomly generated world: The randomly generated world becomes repetitive over time, with limited diversity. This repetition reduces the game's longevity and enjoyment.

Loud crash sound ruins mood: Many players report that the sudden loud explosion when crashing into a rock is jarring and breaks the game's calm atmosphere. The sound is also described as scary and inappropriate, affecting the overall experience.

DLC lacks content: Many users find the DLC boring and lacking meaningful content, with only one level and limited structures. It does not offer much beyond the base game.

Missing powerups: Players note the absence of powerups that were present in the core game, which would have added variety and engagement. This lack is seen as a drawback.

Low difficulty, no challenge: The DLC is criticized for extremely low difficulty and lack of increasing challenge, unlike the base game. There are no dangers other than crashing into walls.

Core game includes powerups and HUD: The core game has powerups, including a jump booster, and a HUD that displays score numbers based on survival points. There are crash sounds and a yellow object that shoots upwards.

Sunrise DLC adds Zen Mode: The Sunrise DLC introduces a new mode called Zen Mode, which is a simpler scenario with no conflict, no sun, and no challenges.

Randomly generated maps and level editor: The game features randomly generated maps and generated levels. It supports Steam Workshop and a level editor, and has online ranking.

Zen Mode lacks progression and challenge: In Zen Mode, there is no increase in speed, no race against the sun, and no progressive difficulty. The mode is an endless flight with no challenge, goals, or dangers except crashing.

DLC gameplay diverges from core game: The DLC offers a different sort of gameplay compared to the base game, focusing on calm flight rather than racing and obstacles. It removes the setting sun mechanic and the core game's powerups.

DLC installation issue after purchase: Players report being unable to install purchased DLC. This prevents access to additional content entirely.

Shadows flicker in DLC: Shadows flicker constantly in the DLC on GTX1080 with driver 372.90, while the base game does not exhibit this issue. This is a graphics bug specific to the DLC.

Worth buying on sale: Several reviewers suggest that the game is worth purchasing at a discounted price.

Strongly recommended for purchase: Multiple reviewers strongly recommend buying the game, describing it as a must-buy and definitely worth it.

DLC value is debated: Opinions on the DLC's worth are mixed, with some calling it a rip-off and others recommending it, especially if the base game was free.

Relaxing after competitive games: Several reviewers recommend the game for players who want to calm down after difficult sessions in competitive games like Race The Sun.

Absolutely worth it for fans: A reviewer says the game is absolutely worth it if you like the main game.

Community fair range: $4.99 - $8.99.

Session length: 1.5h.

Zen Relaxation Seeker: Long, non-progressive runs focused on relaxing scenery and music rather than challenge. Motivation: To unwind and zone out in a calm, low-pressure flying experience. Stance: buy.

Competitive Main-Game Escapee: Switches from competitive main-game runs to Zen mode for decompression and cooldown. Motivation: To escape the stress and competition of the base game without leaving the game entirely. Stance: buy.

Accessibility-Focused Parent: Child-friendly, non-progressive play with easy obstacles and minimal pressure. Motivation: To let a young or less-skilled player enjoy the game without difficulty-based frustration. Stance: buy.

Monetization: The reviews cover a single low-cost DLC called Sunrise for a relaxing game. The only monetization element described is a one-time paid DLC priced at 1.99€, which players generally consider fairly priced and worthwhile. One review reports a DLC installation/delivery bug redirecting to the storefront, but this is a technical defect, not a monetization scheme. There is no evidence of microtransactions, gacha, loot boxes, battle passes, paid power, paid convenience, or currency obfuscation. Per the scoring rules, a traditional paid DLC by itself cannot exceed a score of 20.

Supporting developers after free release: Reviewers bought the DLC to support the developers, especially because the base game was originally given out for free. This indicates gratitude and a desire to give back.

Low price and expected content: The DLC is priced at 1.99 (dollars or euros) and the price is considered expected for its content. It offers limited content for the price.

Relaxing alternative to Race The Sun: The DLC is compared to Race The Sun as a more relaxing experience. It introduces pure relaxation to the game.

Base game exceeds DLC: The original game is noticeably better than the DLC according to feedback. The base game is described as good and fun, unlike the DLC.

Tranquil zen-like mode: The DLC description states it offers an endless, zen-like mode with no leaderboards and no setting sun. The Sunrise DLC has a tranquil style.