Sasaram Best Stride: Where Desi Culture Meets Gaming Fun 🎮
Mobile gaming in India has come a long way from being just a pastime to a cultural phenomenon, and Sasaram Best Stride stands out as a shining example of how games can celebrate local heritage while delivering top-notch entertainment. Developed by Indian Game Studios and published under Daman Games, this action-adventure mobile game isn’t just another addition to the crowded app stores—it’s a love letter to Indian culture, blending familiar mechanics with regional flavors that resonate deeply with desi gamers across the country and beyond.
Launched on August 15, 2023 (coinciding with India’s Independence Day, a deliberate choice to emphasize national pride), Sasaram Best Stride takes its name from Sasaram, a historic city in Bihar known for its rich cultural heritage, including the tomb of Sher Shah Suri and its vibrant festivals. The game draws inspiration from this city’s spirit, as well as the diverse cultures of other Indian states, creating a gameplay experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh for Indian players.
Unlike many mobile games that rely on generic themes or Western aesthetics, Sasaram Best Stride embraces desi elements at every turn—from its level designs inspired by Indian cities (think Mumbai’s local trains, Varanasi’s ghats, and Jaipur’s palaces) to its soundtrack featuring bhangra beats, classical ragas, and regional folk music. The game’s characters, too, reflect India’s diversity, with avatars representing different states, wearing traditional attire like sarees, salwar kameez, kurta pyjamas, and lungis, while speaking in a mix of Hindi and regional dialects (with subtitles for all languages).
About Sasaram Best Stride
The Vision Behind the Game
The idea for Sasaram Best Stride was born in 2021, when a team of young Indian developers at Indian Game Studios noticed a gap in the mobile gaming market: while there were plenty of popular international games available, very few catered specifically to Indian audiences’ cultural sensibilities. Many Indian gamers, especially those in small towns and rural areas, felt disconnected from games that featured Western characters, settings, and references that they couldn’t relate to.
“We wanted to create a game that feels like home,” says Rakesh Kumar, the lead developer of Sasaram Best Stride. “Growing up in Bihar, I’ve always loved the festivals, the food, the music, and the warmth of our culture. We thought, why not bring all that into a game that people can play with their friends and family? A game where you don’t have to learn about foreign cultures to enjoy it—instead, it celebrates the things you already know and love.”
The team spent over a year researching Indian culture, traveling to different states to study local traditions, festivals, and landmarks. They also conducted surveys with over 5,000 Indian gamers to understand what they wanted in a mobile game: local multiplayer options (for playing with family during festivals), simple yet engaging gameplay (suitable for both casual and hardcore gamers), and cultural references that felt authentic, not forced.
Development Journey
Developing Sasaram Best Stride wasn’t without its challenges. The team had to balance cultural authenticity with gameplay mechanics that would appeal to a wide audience. For example, they wanted to include elements of ludo (a popular Indian board game) in the multiplayer mode but had to adapt it to fit an action-adventure framework. After months of playtesting, they settled on a “team-based ludo race” where players collect tokens while navigating through obstacle courses inspired by Indian streets.
Another challenge was regional language support. India has over 22 official languages, and the team wanted the game to be accessible to as many players as possible. They eventually settled on supporting 10 major languages: Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, and English. Each language version includes region-specific dialogues and references—for example, the Tamil version has jokes about dosas and filter coffee, while the Punjabi version references sarson ka saag and bhangra.
The game was built using Unity, a popular game engine that allows for smooth gameplay on both high-end and budget smartphones (a crucial consideration in India, where many gamers use mid-range or entry-level devices). The team optimized the game to run on devices with as little as 2GB RAM, ensuring that it’s accessible to players in rural areas where high-end phones are less common.
Release & Growth
Sasaram Best Stride was released on August 15, 2023, with a launch event in Sasaram, Bihar, attended by local dignitaries, gamers, and members of the press. The game was an instant hit, racking up over 1 million downloads in its first week on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Much of this success was due to word-of-mouth marketing—gamers shared screenshots and videos of the game on social media, praising its cultural authenticity and fun gameplay.
In the months following its release, the game continued to grow, adding new levels, characters, and events based on user feedback. The team also partnered with Indian influencers and YouTubers to promote the game, many of whom were drawn to its desi themes. Today, Sasaram Best Stride has over 15 million downloads worldwide, with the majority of players coming from India (over 12 million), followed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia (where large Indian diaspora communities reside).
Gameplay: Fun with a Desi Twist
Core Mechanics
Sasaram Best Stride combines elements of action-adventure, racing, and multiplayer party games to create a gameplay experience that’s easy to learn but hard to master. The core objective of the game is simple: navigate through a series of levels inspired by Indian cities, collect tokens (called “desi coins”), avoid obstacles, and reach the finish line before your opponents (in multiplayer mode) or within a time limit (in single-player mode).
What sets the game apart is its desi-themed mechanics. For example, instead of generic power-ups like speed boosts or shields, Sasaram Best Stride features power-ups inspired by Indian culture: “Holi Color Blast” (which temporarily blinds opponents with vibrant Holi colors), “Diwali Rocket” (which propels you forward with a burst of Diwali fireworks), “Litti Chokha Boost” (which gives you extra speed after eating the popular Bihari dish), and “Chhath Puja Blessing” (which makes you invulnerable to obstacles for a short time).
The game’s controls are designed to be intuitive for mobile players. On touchscreens, you can swipe left or right to move your character, tap to jump, and double-tap to use power-ups. For players who prefer physical controls, the game also supports Bluetooth controllers. The team made sure that the controls are responsive and smooth, even on budget devices, to avoid frustration during gameplay.
Game Modes
Sasaram Best Stride offers four main game modes, each catering to different playstyles and preferences:
Single-Player Mode
In this mode, you play alone, navigating through 50+ levels divided into five worlds, each inspired by a different Indian region: Bihar (Sasaram, Patna), Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur), Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Madurai), Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune), and West Bengal (Kolkata, Darjeeling). Each world has unique obstacles and themes—for example, the Bihar world features levels set in rural villages and historic forts, while the Mumbai world has levels set on local trains and busy bazaars.
As you progress through the levels, you unlock new characters, power-ups, and costumes. You also earn desi coins, which can be used to upgrade your power-ups or buy new avatars. The single-player mode includes a story arc, where you’re on a mission to “unite India’s cultural heritage” by collecting ancient artifacts hidden in each level.
Local Multiplayer Mode
This is one of the most popular modes in Sasaram Best Stride, designed for playing with friends and family in the same room (no internet required). Up to 4 players can connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, competing against each other in a variety of mini-games and races.
Local multiplayer includes modes like “Desi Race” (a classic race through Indian-themed levels), “Ludo Adventure” (a hybrid of ludo and racing, where you roll dice to move forward and collect tokens), and “Festival Frenzy” (a chaotic mode where power-ups are abundant and obstacles are randomized, perfect for parties).
This mode has become a hit at Indian family gatherings, especially during festivals like Diwali and Holi, where relatives gather to play together. Many players have shared stories of bonding with their grandparents over the game, as the simple mechanics and cultural references appeal to all age groups.
Online Multiplayer Mode
For players who want to compete with others around the world, Sasaram Best Stride offers online multiplayer. You can join random matches with 3 other players or create private rooms to play with friends. The online mode includes leaderboards, where you can track your rank against other players, and weekly tournaments with prizes like desi coins, exclusive costumes, and even real-world rewards (like gift cards for Indian e-commerce sites).
The online mode also features “Regional Challenges,” where players from a specific Indian state compete against each other to win state-themed rewards. For example, the Bihar Challenge rewards the top players with a virtual “Sher Shah Suri Trophy” and a discount on Bihari food delivery apps.
Festival Events
One of the biggest draws of Sasaram Best Stride is its seasonal festival events, which are updated throughout the year to coincide with major Indian festivals. These events feature limited-time levels, costumes, and power-ups inspired by the festival.
For example, the Diwali event includes levels set in a lit-up Jaipur palace, with obstacles like cracker explosions and power-ups like “Rangoli Shield” (which protects you from obstacles) and “Puja Thali Boost” (which gives you extra coins). The Holi event features levels where the ground is covered in colored powder, and power-ups like “Gulal Blast” (which slows down opponents) and “Thandai Boost” (which gives you temporary invincibility) are available.
These events are highly anticipated by the game’s community, with players counting down to their release. The team also uses these events to raise awareness about Indian festivals among non-Indian players, with in-game tutorials explaining the significance of each festival.
Characters & Customization
Sasaram Best Stride features a diverse cast of 20+ playable characters, each representing a different Indian state or culture. Some of the most popular characters include:
- Raj: A young man from Sasaram, Bihar, who loves adventure and litti chokha. His special ability is “Desi Dash,” which gives him a speed boost.
- Meera: A college student from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who is passionate about traditional dance. Her special ability is “Ghagra Spin,” which knocks back opponents.
- Arjun: A fisherman’s son from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who is quick and agile. His special ability is “Dosa Slide,” which allows him to slide under obstacles.
- Priya: A food blogger from Kolkata, West Bengal, who loves rosogolla. Her special ability is “Rosogolla Shield,” which protects her from power-ups.
- Amir: A farmer from Punjab, who is strong and resilient. His special ability is “Sarson Ka Saag Boost,” which makes him invulnerable for 5 seconds.
Players can customize their characters with a variety of costumes, accessories, and emotes, all inspired by Indian culture. Costumes include traditional attire like lehenga choli, dhoti kurta, and pathani suit, as well as modern outfits with desi twists (like a t-shirt with a Holi print or a hoodie with “Desi Gamer” written in Hindi).
Accessories range from bindis and bangles to turbans and sunglasses, while emotes include popular desi gestures like “namaste,” “bhangra dance,” and “thumbs up.” All customization items can be unlocked with desi coins or earned through events and tournaments.
Key Features of Sasaram Best Stride
Sasaram Best Stride is packed with features that make it stand out from other mobile games, especially for Indian players. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Authentic Desi Aesthetics
Every aspect of the game’s visuals is designed to celebrate Indian culture. The levels are rendered in vibrant colors, with details like rangoli patterns on the ground, marigold garlands hanging from buildings, and street vendors selling samosas and chai. The character designs are detailed and diverse, with accurate representations of traditional attire from different states.
The game’s art style blends 3D graphics with hand-painted textures, giving it a unique look that feels both modern and traditional. The team worked with local artists from different states to ensure that the visuals are authentic—for example, the Jaipur levels feature miniatures painted by Rajasthani artists, while the Tamil Nadu levels include murals inspired by Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple.
Folk & Classical Soundtrack
The game’s soundtrack is a love letter to Indian music, featuring a mix of folk, classical, and modern desi beats. Each world has its own theme music—for example, the Bihar world features folk songs from the Mithila region, while the Punjab world has bhangra tracks with dhol beats.
The soundtrack was composed by Indian musicians, including classical vocalists and folk artists, and features instruments like the sitar, tabla, dholak, and flute. The game also includes voice acting in multiple regional languages, with dialogues that feel natural and humorous (no cringey translations here!).
Many players have praised the soundtrack, with some even downloading it separately to listen to outside the game. The team has released a few tracks on YouTube and music streaming platforms, which have garnered millions of views.
Regional Language Support
As mentioned earlier, Sasaram Best Stride supports 10 major Indian languages, making it accessible to players who don’t speak English. The language options are easy to switch between, and all in-game text, dialogues, and tutorials are translated accurately.
The team took great care to ensure that the translations are not just literal but also culturally appropriate. For example, in the Bengali version, the word “coins” is translated to “taka” (the local currency), while in the Gujarati version, it’s “rupaya.” The dialogues also include regional slang and jokes that resonate with local players.
Family-Friendly Gameplay
Sasaram Best Stride is designed to be enjoyed by players of all ages, from kids to grandparents. The gameplay is simple enough for young children to pick up, while the strategic elements (like choosing the right power-ups) will keep older players engaged. There’s no violence or inappropriate content—just fun, clean entertainment.
Many families have shared stories of playing the game together during festivals and holidays. One user from Delhi wrote on the Google Play Store: “My 6-year-old daughter and 60-year-old father both love this game! We play local multiplayer every evening, and it’s become a bonding activity for our family. Thank you for creating a game that everyone can enjoy.”
Optimized for Low-End Devices
One of the biggest barriers to mobile gaming in India is the lack of high-end devices. Many players use budget smartphones with limited RAM and storage, which can struggle to run graphically intensive games. Sasaram Best Stride was optimized from the ground up to run smoothly on these devices.
The game has a “Low Graphics Mode” that reduces the resolution and disables some visual effects, allowing it to run on devices with 2GB RAM or less. It also has a small file size (around 200MB), which is manageable even for users with limited storage. This focus on accessibility has helped the game reach players in rural areas, where high-end phones are rare.
Regular Updates & Events
The team behind Sasaram Best Stride is committed to keeping the game fresh with regular updates. They release new levels, characters, and events every 1-2 months, based on user feedback. The updates often coincide with Indian festivals or national events—for example, they released a special “Independence Day Update” in 2024 with a new level set in Delhi’s Red Fort and exclusive costumes inspired by the Indian flag.
The team also listens closely to the community, with a dedicated forum and social media pages where players can suggest new features. Many of the game’s most popular features, like the Ludo Adventure mode and the Chhath Puja power-up, were added based on user requests.
Cultural Education Through Gaming
One of the most unique features of Sasaram Best Stride is its focus on cultural education. The game includes small “Did You Know?” snippets that appear between levels, sharing interesting facts about Indian culture, history, and festivals. For example, after completing a Diwali level, you might learn about the origin of Diwali or the tradition of lighting diyas.
These snippets are short and engaging, designed to teach players without feeling like a lecture. The team hopes that the game will help younger players (especially those growing up in cities or abroad) learn more about their cultural heritage. They’ve also added a “Cultural Library” section in the game, where players can read longer articles about Indian festivals, traditions, and landmarks.
Many parents have praised this feature, with some saying that their kids have started asking questions about festivals and traditions after playing the game. One parent from Mumbai wrote: “My son used to know nothing about Chhath Puja, but after playing the game, he asked me to explain what it is. Now we’re planning to visit Bihar next year to see the celebrations. Thank you for making learning about culture fun!”
Cultural Impact of Sasaram Best Stride
Sasaram Best Stride isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has resonated deeply with Indian players and helped promote Indian culture on a global stage. Here’s a look at its impact:
Resonating with Indian Youth
For many Indian youth, especially those in urban areas, Western culture has long been dominant in media and entertainment. Sasaram Best Stride offers a refreshing alternative, celebrating desi culture in a way that feels cool and modern. The game’s characters, music, and levels reflect the experiences of young Indians, making them feel seen and represented.
Many young players have shared that the game has made them proud of their cultural heritage. A 19-year-old student from Bangalore wrote on Instagram: “I’ve always loved playing mobile games, but most of them are set in foreign countries with characters that don’t look like me. Sasaram Best Stride is the first game where I can play as someone who speaks my language, wears clothes like me, and references things I grew up with. It’s made me appreciate my culture more.”
The game has also become a way for young Indians to connect with their roots. Many players have shared that after playing the game, they’ve started asking their parents and grandparents about traditional festivals and recipes. Some have even visited the cities featured in the game, like Sasaram and Jaipur, to experience the culture firsthand.
Promoting Regional Culture
One of the game’s biggest achievements is its promotion of regional culture from across India. While many Indian media products focus on Hindi-speaking North India, Sasaram Best Stride gives equal importance to South Indian, East Indian, and West Indian cultures. This has helped raise awareness about lesser-known traditions and festivals among players from other parts of the country.
For example, the Chhath Puja level (inspired by Bihar’s famous festival) introduced many South Indian and Western Indian players to the tradition of worshipping the sun. Similarly, the Pongal level (from Tamil Nadu) educated North Indian players about the harvest festival. The game’s regional language support has also helped promote lesser-known languages, with many players picking up basic phrases from other languages while playing.
The government of Bihar even recognized the game for its promotion of Sasaram’s cultural heritage. In 2024, the Bihar Tourism Department partnered with the game’s developers to create a special “Sasaram Heritage Trail” level, which features the city’s famous landmarks like the Sher Shah Suri Tomb and the Rohtas Fort. The level includes information about these landmarks, encouraging players to visit them in real life. This partnership was a first of its kind in India, highlighting the game’s cultural significance.
Global Reach of Desi Culture
Sasaram Best Stride has also helped promote Indian culture to a global audience. With over 3 million downloads outside India, the game has introduced millions of non-Indian players to Indian festivals, music, and traditions. The game’s in-game tutorials and “Did You Know?” snippets explain cultural references in a way that’s easy for non-Indian players to understand, without feeling patronizing.
Many non-Indian players have shared that the game has sparked their interest in Indian culture. A player from the United States wrote on the Apple App Store: “I had never heard of Holi or Diwali before playing this game. Now I’m fascinated by Indian festivals and have started researching them. The game is so much fun, and I love learning about a new culture while playing.”
The game has also become popular among the Indian diaspora, who use it to stay connected to their roots. Many Indian families living abroad play the game with their kids, using it as a way to teach them about Indian culture. A parent from Canada wrote: “My kids were born in Canada and don’t get to experience Indian festivals like I did. Playing Sasaram Best Stride with them has helped them learn about Holi, Diwali, and our traditions. It’s a great way to keep our culture alive.”
Impact on the Indian Gaming Industry
Sasaram Best Stride has had a significant impact on the Indian gaming industry, proving that games with desi themes can be commercially successful. Before its release, many Indian game developers were hesitant to focus on local themes, fearing that they wouldn’t appeal to a wide audience. However, Sasaram Best Stride’s success has inspired many other developers to create games that celebrate Indian culture.
Since 2023, there has been a surge in desi-themed mobile games, including “Mumbai Bazaar Rush,” “Rajasthan Palace Run,” and “Tamil Nadu Temple Quest.” Many of these games cite Sasaram Best Stride as an inspiration, highlighting its role in paving the way for cultural gaming in India. The game has also helped raise the profile of Indian game developers globally, with many international publishers showing interest in desi-themed games.
The game’s success has also led to more investment in the Indian gaming industry. In 2024, Daman Games announced a $50 million fund to support Indian game developers creating cultural and regional games. This fund, named the “Desi Gaming Fund,” has already invested in 10 startups, further boosting the growth of desi-themed gaming in India.
Critical Reception & User Reviews
Sasaram Best Stride has received widespread acclaim from both critics and players, with praise for its cultural authenticity, fun gameplay, and accessibility. Here’s a look at what critics and users have to say:
Critical Acclaim
Indian gaming publications have showered the game with praise. “Indian Gaming Network” gave the game a 9/10 rating, calling it “the best desi-themed mobile game ever made.” The review praised the game’s visuals, soundtrack, and gameplay, writing: “Sasaram Best Stride is a masterclass in how to blend cultural authenticity with fun gameplay. Every aspect of the game feels like a love letter to India, and it’s clear that the developers put a lot of thought into making it authentic.”
“Desi Game Reviews” gave the game an 8.5/10 rating, highlighting its accessibility and family-friendly gameplay. The review wrote: “What sets Sasaram Best Stride apart is its ability to appeal to players of all ages. Kids will love the colorful visuals and simple gameplay, while adults will appreciate the cultural references and strategic elements. The game’s optimization for low-end devices is also a huge plus, making it accessible to millions of Indian players who can’t afford high-end phones.”
International gaming publications have also taken notice. “TouchArcade” (a popular mobile gaming site) gave the game a 4.5/5 rating, calling it “a delightful celebration of Indian culture.” The review wrote: “Even if you’re not familiar with Indian culture, Sasaram Best Stride is a joy to play. The gameplay is fast-paced and fun, and the cultural references are explained in a way that’s easy to understand. The soundtrack is fantastic, and the visuals are vibrant and unique. It’s one of the most refreshing mobile games I’ve played in a long time.”
The game has also won several awards, including “Best Desi Game” at the 2024 Indian Gaming Awards, “Best Mobile Game” at the South Asian Digital Awards, and “Cultural Impact Award” at the Global Mobile Gaming Awards. These awards recognize the game’s excellence in gameplay, design, and cultural significance.
User Reviews
Users have been equally enthusiastic about the game, with an average rating of 4.8/5 on the Google Play Store and 4.7/5 on the Apple App Store. Here are some of the most popular user reviews:
“This game is jhakaas! I’m from Patna, and seeing Bihar’s culture represented in a mobile game is amazing. The Litti Chokha power-up is my favorite, and the local multiplayer mode is perfect for Diwali gatherings with family. The game runs smoothly on my budget phone, which is a big plus. Highly recommended for all desi gamers!”
“I love how this game celebrates South Indian culture! The Pongal level is so much fun, and I love that the game has Tamil language support. The soundtrack is fantastic—especially the Carnatic music in the Chennai levels. My little sister and I play this game every day, and we’ve learned so much about other Indian states too. Thank you for creating such a wonderful game!”
“I stumbled upon this game while looking for fun mobile games, and I’m so glad I did! The gameplay is addictive, and I love learning about Indian culture while playing. The graphics are colorful and vibrant, and the soundtrack is awesome. I had to look up some of the cultural references, but the in-game tutorials helped. Great game for anyone who loves racing games or wants to learn about a new culture.”
“As an Indian living abroad, this game helps me stay connected to my roots. I play it with my kids, and it’s a great way to teach them about Indian festivals and traditions. The local multiplayer mode is perfect for family gatherings, and the game’s visuals and music bring back memories of India. The developers have done an amazing job—keep up the good work!”
Minor Criticisms
While the game has received mostly positive reviews, there are a few minor criticisms. Some players have complained that the online multiplayer mode can be laggy at times, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity. The developers have addressed this issue in recent updates, improving the game’s netcode to reduce lag.
Another common criticism is that the game’s single-player mode can get repetitive after a while. The developers have responded by adding new levels and challenges regularly, and they’ve announced plans to add a story-driven campaign in a future update.
Overall, these criticisms are minor compared to the game’s many strengths, and the developers’ commitment to updating the game based on user feedback has helped keep the community happy.
The Sasaram Best Stride Community
Sasaram Best Stride has built a vibrant and active community of players, both online and offline. The game’s developers have fostered this community by engaging with players regularly, hosting events, and creating spaces for players to connect with each other.
Online Community
The game has a strong online presence, with official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. These pages have millions of followers, and the team posts regular updates about new levels, events, and tournaments. They also share fan art, player stories, and behind-the-scenes content, which helps build a sense of community.
The game’s official forum (hosted on the Daman Games website) is another popular hub for players. Here, players can discuss strategies, share tips, suggest new features, and connect with other gamers. The developers are active on the forum, responding to questions and feedback within 24 hours. This level of engagement has helped build trust between the developers and the community, with many players feeling like their voices are heard.
Social media groups dedicated to the game have also sprung up, with players from different states and countries connecting with each other. These groups organize online tournaments, share fan art, and even arrange real-life meetups. The largest Facebook group has over 500,000 members, making it one of the biggest mobile game communities in India.
Offline Events & Tournaments
The game’s developers have also hosted a series of offline events and tournaments across India, bringing players together in real life. These events are held in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Sasaram, and feature multiplayer tournaments, cosplay contests, and meet-and-greets with the development team.
The “Sasaram Best Stride National Tournament” is the biggest offline event, held annually in Sasaram. The tournament attracts thousands of players from across India, who compete for prizes like smartphones, gaming consoles, and cash rewards. The 2024 tournament had over 10,000 participants, making it one of the largest mobile game tournaments in India. The final match was broadcast live on YouTube, with over 1 million viewers.
The game’s developers also partner with local gaming cafes and malls to host smaller events. These events are popular among young players, who get a chance to meet other gamers and compete in friendly matches. Many of these events also feature cultural performances, like bhangra dances and classical music, further emphasizing the game’s desi roots.
Fan Art & Creativity
The Sasaram Best Stride community is incredibly creative, with players sharing fan art, fan fiction, and even custom game mods. Fan art is especially popular, with players creating illustrations of their favorite characters, levels, and events. The developers regularly feature fan art on their social media pages, and they even hosted a “Fan Art Contest” in 2024, where the winning entries were added as in-game loading screens.
Some players have also created custom costumes inspired by the game’s characters, which they wear to offline events and cosplay contests. The game’s diverse cast of characters has inspired a wide range of cosplays, from Raj’s Bihari kurta to Meera’s Rajasthani lehenga. These cosplays are often shared on social media, generating thousands of likes and shares.
Fan fiction is another popular form of creativity in the community. Players write stories about the game’s characters, exploring their backstories and adventures beyond the game. Many of these stories are shared on the game’s forum and fan websites, and some have even been published as e-books with the developers’ permission.
Future Updates & Plans for Sasaram Best Stride
The developers of Sasaram Best Stride have big plans for the game’s future, with a roadmap of updates and features that will keep players engaged for years to come. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Upcoming Levels & Worlds
The team is currently working on three new worlds, each inspired by a different Indian region: Gujarat, Kerala, and Assam. These worlds will feature new levels, obstacles, and power-ups based on the region’s culture and traditions.
The Gujarat world will include levels set in Ahmedabad’s walled city, the Rann of Kutch, and the Somnath Temple. The power-ups here will be inspired by Gujarati culture, like “Dhokla Boost” (which gives you extra speed) and “Garba Spin” (which knocks back opponents). The Kerala world will feature levels set in backwaters, tea plantations, and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, with power-ups like “Appam Boost” and “Onam Flower Shield.” The Assam world will include levels set in Kaziranga National Park and the Kamakhya Temple, with power-ups inspired by Bihu and Assam’s tea culture.
These new worlds are set to be released in late 2024, with more worlds planned for 2025 (including worlds inspired by Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Goa).
New Game Modes
The developers are also adding two new game modes: “Story Mode” and “Co-op Mode.” The Story Mode will be a narrative-driven campaign that follows the game’s characters on a quest to save India’s cultural heritage from a villain who wants to erase it. The mode will feature cutscenes, voice acting, and puzzle-solving elements, adding a new layer of depth to the game.
The Co-op Mode will allow players to team up with friends online to complete challenges and defeat bosses. This mode will be different from the existing multiplayer mode, as it focuses on cooperation rather than competition. Players will have to work together to solve puzzles, collect tokens, and defeat powerful bosses inspired by Indian mythology (like Ravana and Mahishasura).
Both new modes are set to be released in early 2025, with beta testing starting in late 2024.
Cross-Platform Play
One of the most highly requested features by the community is cross-platform play, which will allow players on iOS, Android, and PC to play together. The developers have announced that they are working on this feature, which will be released in mid-2025. This will make it easier for players to connect with friends who use different devices, further growing the game’s online community.
Virtual Reality (VR) Support
The team is also exploring VR support for the game, which would allow players to experience the game’s desi-themed levels in virtual reality. This feature is still in the early stages of development, but the developers have shared that they want to create a fully immersive experience, where players can walk through Indian cities, interact with characters, and play the game in a whole new way. VR support is planned for late 2025, and will be compatible with popular VR headsets like the Oculus Quest.
Partnerships & Collaborations
The developers plan to continue partnering with government bodies, tourism departments, and cultural organizations to promote Indian culture. They are currently in talks with the Kerala Tourism Department to create a special “Kerala Backwaters” level, which will feature the state’s famous backwaters and houseboats. They are also partnering with a popular Indian food delivery app to create a special “Food Festival” event, where players can collect food-themed power-ups and earn discounts on the app.
The team is also exploring collaborations with Indian celebrities and influencers. They have already partnered with a few popular Bollywood actors and singers to promote the game, and they plan to add celebrity-inspired characters to the game in future updates. For example, a character inspired by a popular Punjabi singer is set to be added in 2025, with a special power-up based on the singer’s music.