Open Gaming & Graphics

Half Grip demo launches: one-handed roguelike combat racer for Linux

Key Takeaway

Indie studio Half Games released a Steam demo for Half Grip, a one-handed roguelike combat racing game with a planned Linux version.

Summary

Half Games has released a demo for Half Grip on Steam, where players steer, shoot, reload, and shift gears using only one hand. The game has reached 100,000 wishlists and features a seven-race roguelike run with over 70 upgrade items across five tracks. A full Linux release is planned but no date is set; Steam Deck support remains unconfirmed.

What's in the Half Grip demo

  • Built in Unity; demo currently playable on Windows, with Linux version planned for full release
  • One-handed control scheme handles all driving and combat actions simultaneously
  • Seven-race roguelike structure with branching paths, three lives, and inter-race shops
  • Over 70 items to modify guns, engines, tires, gearboxes, body, cockpit, chassis, steering, and passive charms
  • Five race zones: stadium, forest, snowy peak, fire factory, and neon Tokyo
  • Road grip and surface conditions affect handling; arcade combat blended with more realistic driving physics
  • Early Access planned for later this year with boss fights, PvP, and co-op modes including driver/co-pilot pairing

Why it matters

The 100,000 wishlists suggest strong commercial potential for a first-time indie release, and explicit Linux support expands the platform's racing catalog beyond established titles.

Original reference: linuxgameconsortium.com →