over the hill review: an offroading adventure with little purpose

Review info Platform reviewed: PC Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 Release date: October 14, 2026 (PC) Funselecktor Labs Inc. is known for its minimalist yet vibrant takes on various forms of motorsport, starting with Absolute Drift in 2015, followed by Art of Rally in 2020 and Golden Lap in 2024.

Now, the independent studio is tackling offroading, but rather than competing against the clock or other drivers, over the hill is about exploring an open world on your lonesome (or with a friend or three) at your own pace.

Taking inspiration from the recent wave of cozy games, over the hill doesn’t have concrete aims or objectives as such.

Rather, you simply pootle around the various maps to discover various points of interest and earn Pebbles, the game’s currency, to upgrade your vehicle to better navigate the environment.

Off the beaten path (Image credit: Future / Funselektor Labs Inc.) Best bit (Image credit: Future / Funselektor Labs Inc.) The trial challenges.

Not only do they test your off-road skills with a variety of difficult routes to overcome, but they also provide a more pronounced sense of purpose and achievement than anything else in the game. over the hill sticks to the same cardboard-cutout aesthetic of the developer’s past efforts.

Textures are flat and basic, but they’re elevated by the pastel colors and lush lighting effects, with environments drenched in pinks, oranges, and greens that invite players to explore them.

There are two main regions to choose from at the start of a game: Canada and Algeria.

Each has its own sub-areas (three for Canada and two for Algeria), featuring all kinds of terrain and climates; you’ll see rain, snow, and sandstorms, which naturally affect your driving and navigation abilities, adding an extra element of challenge.

The music complements the visuals perfectly.

The in-game radio gives you four ‘albums’ to choose from, each representing a certain flavor of ambient, from synth-heavy pieces to folksy guitar numbers, all with gentle melodies to lull you as you play.

I was impressed with the score’s production value, given that it merely serves to subtly set the mood as you play. (Image credit: Future / Funselektor Labs Inc.) This is a game low on story and characters, but high in vibes — specifically of the zen variety.

Aside from the Buddha statue that acts as your tutorial guide, the only other character is Crazy Günther, the hippie mechanic you visit to customize your vehicle.

His textual dialogue (there’s no VO) adds a small amount of flavor to an otherwise purely functional NPC, and it chimes well with the gentle tone of the game.