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MotorStorm Arctic Edge
The
hit PS3 series MotorStorm slams
its way onto the PlayStation Portable in
MotorStorm Arctic Edge that
transfers this popular off-road racing game onto this handheld console.
Thankfully the developers have managed to capture the original
fast-paced gameplay of the PS3 as player’s race on a variety of tracks
with a good selection of vehicles to assist in the process. As this is
an open world racer, the one "hit" that the PlayStation Portable took
was in the graphics department and although the game does not look as
shiny and impressive as the PS3 version, where it matters is with the
gameplay and I can safely say that it works quite well.
With a variety of different gameplay modes that includes quick races to
career, gamers are definitely spoilt for choice. The tracks of
MotorStorm Arctic Edge is set in
Alaska and the developers have successfully managed to capture the look
and even feel of this environment with 12 courses being made available
to the player. Whether you’re racing through a lumber yard or driving on
dangerously high mountains, the variety actually assists with the replay
value of the title, although most gamers will find their favourites
early on in the game. These environments are also quite perilous,
whether it’s avalanches triggered by horns or ice bridges collapsing
with heavy vehicles, it’s quite cool indeed. In terms of gameplay, you
need to "win" additional events in the game by coming in the top 3 which
does you give some incentive to continue playing not to mention your
trophy collection.
When it comes to vehicles, the player has access to six different
vehicle classes that include bikes, ATVs, buggies and two new snow
classes. The control system on the PSP works well and the buttons have
been well mapped, including the use of the analog stick. With that said,
the learning curve is quite low which should always be the case for a
game of this genre. Of course, the turbo functionality of this game is
still the most fun aspect of MotorStorm but should be used carefully
because this can also cause you a disadvantage. Although the game has
no tutorial per se, the game does offer a Free Play mode that allows you
to roam around without any competitive edge and allows you to get a good
handle on the vehicle. When you’re not racing, the game even contains a
garage that allows for basic customisation options such as liveries and
body parts.
As
opposed to the single-player mode,
MotorStorm Arctic Edge offers some fun multiplayer modes such as
adhoc racing and online multiplayer. The online play is really fantastic
and we had some great fun playing with other owners of this game across
the globe. The game even supports up to eight racers via online mode
which is quite cool considering the size and limited power of this
console. For those playing the single-player game, the AI in the title
and depending on what vehicle you are controlling can provide some
challenges but for the majority, once you have raced a few tracks and
tested out the vehicles, you'll be able to compensate for any short
falls.
Graphically, the game may not be as shiny as the PS3 version, however
the PSP version does successfully manage to recreate the atmosphere of
the game. Although the vehicles look a little basic compared to its more
powerful next-gen console, the sense of speed and environment is all
there. Add in a great soundtrack and a variety of vehicle sounds and
this is sturdy looking and sounding title. And if you don’t like the
soundtrack, the game even allows you to customise your own soundtrack
with your own music. Another notch up in the cool factor.
At the end of the day,
MotorStorm Arctic Edge is
definitely a fun off-road game set in a winter wastelands of Alaska that
will keep most gamers appeased. The only issue with the game is that the
replay value may eventually wear thin, however most players will easily
be able to finish this game while in the Honeymoon phase. Definitely a
good gaming snack for the PSP. |
