Why Stuntboost, a $7 Game with 253 Reviews, Is My GOTY

Sometimes the best games fly under the radar. Stuntboost, a $7 indie title on Steam, has only 253 reviews after a month, but it's already my game of the year. This first-person platformer mixes skateboarding, parkour, and racing into an adrenaline-fueled experience that feels like Trackmania without brakes—and it's utterly brilliant.

What Makes Stuntboost Special

At its core, Stuntboost is about precision movement and relentless speed. You control a skateboard (or occasionally a car or scooter) across toy-sized bedroom obstacle courses, using just three buttons: jump, crouch, and grind. The game demands expert mouse control, making it a dream for fans of FPS movement tech. Unlike many platformers, there's no brake—you're encouraged to find the fastest line, chain tricks, and shave milliseconds off your time through improvisation.

The game packs over 40 levels, each filled with hidden shortcuts and alternate routes. Leaderboards are smartly gated: you unlock friend times after finishing a track, and global rankings only after earning the top medal. You can watch replays of any run—once you've discovered the same shortcuts—which encourages exploration without spoilers, much like Neon White but without the pressure of juggling cards and targets.

Later worlds introduce vehicles like drift-focused cars and free-roam scooters, adding variety without losing the core thrill. The car levels force you to relearn turning and master drifts, offering a fresh challenge that's impossible on the skateboard.

Why It Matters

Stuntboost nails quality-of-life features often missing from bigger games. Automatic ghost runs, friend leaderboards, and a daily challenge mode keep you coming back. Hidden tapes unlock a free camera for scouting and bonus levels, including a rumored tower gauntlet with fierce competition. The movement is so exhilarating that I find myself vibrating in place and leaning into turns—a rare, intoxicating rush.

In a year dominated by deckbuilders and autoshooters, Stuntboost stands out by focusing on raw, physics-based movement. It's a reminder that the most exhilarating games don't need huge budgets—just clever design and a deep understanding of what makes speed feel good.

Have you discovered any overlooked indie gems lately? What's your go-to game for pure movement joy?