This post discusses controls and basic gameplay mechanics which consist of movement and rotation. Boosting will be discussed in detail in the next post. For now just know that boosting allows the player to overcharge any thrusters (front, back, or side) at the cost of energy. This allows the hovercraft to quickly change direction regardless of orientation.
The Controls
I highly recommend playing Ionic Surge with a controller as it simply plays and feels best. It is playable with a keyboard/mouse, however I have found the learning curve to be more severe. Having an analog stick (LS) dedicated to the movement of the hovercraft provides more precise control compared to a keyboard (W,A,S,D).
Movement Mechanics
The hovercrafts in Ionic Surge move differently from those featured in most other futuristic racing games. The key difference is the ability to move from side to side. This allows them to move in any direction horizontally without turning, which is perfect for weaving through obstacles. This freedom of movement takes some getting used to, but it gives the gameplay a unique feel.
Note: To be clear, the player has full control over the movement of the hovercraft. Ionic Surge is not a runner-type game in which the player has no real control over forward movement. Knowing whether to speed up or slow down is very important while playing.
Rotation - On Track/Off Track
The hovercrafts also behave differently while on and off the track. On the track, they turn around their vertical axis which is typical of most racing games. While off the track they no longer turn, but rather roll on their 2 horizontal axes. In other words, they act like cars on the track and fly like spaceships off the track.
