Sci-fi racing platformer Distance gets a surprise update with Steam Deck improvements

Distance is a name I've not heard for a while. A really good fun sci-fi racing platformer from developer Refract that released in 2018, and they're bringing it back for v1.5: The Kinetic Update.

More about it: "Distance is an atmospheric racing platformer. Fusing futuristic arcade racing with parkour, survive a deadly, mysterious, neon-drenched city by jumping, rotating, and flying.

The roads are treacherous with obstacles around every corner. Instead of doing laps on a loop, survive to the end in the quickest time. Your car has abilities that not only allow you to drive on the track, but upside down and on buildings and walls! You can also fly to discover new shortcuts and paths. Take on the roads alone, or in multiplayer with your friends!"

With the update both Linux and Windows versions are now 64bit builds, which should keep it running smoothly into the future. And for Steam Deck specifically, there's a few nice adjustments to make it a better experience out of the box and just nicer to play through on it.

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The full list of changes include:

v1.5 Changelog (Build 7049):

• General Improvements:

  • Updated Windows and Linux to 64-bit
  • Updated the Steam backend to utilize Steamworks' latest version
  • Improved Workshop level updating to be more informative during enumeration
  • You can now skip Workshop updating while files are enumerating

• New Community Levels:

  • Absorption
  • Aeris
  • Earth
  • Floral
  • Glide in the Hole
  • Homestead
  • Macro
  • Orthodox
  • Pacebreaker
  • Sakura Skyway
  • Salmon
  • Storm 2: Neon Thunder
  • Table
  • Too Many Dots
  • Toy Time

• Level Updates:

  • Updated Cosmic Glitch and Sugar Rush with new versions from Pinapl (Michael Ammel)
  • Updated Event Horizon with a new version from Plasmawario
  • Updated Credits level to update copyright dates and include Susan Lusty (PR) in the special thanks

• Steam Deck Improvements

  • Added Steam Deck button icons when using the Deck natively or with Proton
  • Added on-screen keyboard support for Steam Deck
  • Added haptics support for Steam Deck
  • Improved default graphics settings for Steam Deck
  • Fixed issues with the default Steam Deck controller config

• Bugs Fixed

  • Fixed bug where highlighting a locked level in the advanced level select could prevent the leaderboards from being accessed in grid view
  • Fixed bug where Zenith wouldn't appear in the advanced level select

You can buy it from:

Humble Store

Steam