User Review : Motorstorm Arctic Edge

Ups

• Varied, Entertaining Track Selection{Outstanding Soundtrack{Exciting Gameplay

Downs

• Occasional Glitches

Small Screen, Big Carnage

My PSP has not seen much use recently, and i have been hopeing that MotorStorm Arctic Edge would give me a reason to pick it up again. I was not dissapointed.

Let me start by saying that the transition from PS3 to PSP has been seamless. The graphics for Arctic Edge are exceptional. The environments look great, especially the mountains and scenery in the background. The cars are pretty well detailed, and everything runs with zero framerate issues. The only small gripe i have with the graphical power of the game is the crashes. They are rather underwhelming but is to be expected since the PSP obviously can't put out the spectacular effects that the PS3 can.

Gameplay doesn't stray too far from the formula found in both PS3 games. There is a Time Attack mode as well as a Free mode which are both self explanatory. The Career is rather similar, with various events (Over 100 in total) being unlocked by winning races. The points you get from winning races are not just used to unlock races however. Once certian points thresholds are met you will unlock new vehicles, as well as new parts to customize your vehicles with. Yes, you can customize each of the vehicles in the game, although this is only a visual change, it is still a welcome addition. Once you get into an actual race, it will feel just like what you're used to with MotorStorm. The racing is still as hectic as ever(although a bit more managable). The tracks however, are an improvement over the PS3 versions of the game. There seems to be more drasticly different routes to take. It may take you many races on the same track until you discover all the directions to go. They have also added alot more big jumps, which is a deffinet plus. The selection of vehicles is pretty much the same, although they have replaced the racing and monster trucks with snowmobiles and snowcats(trucks with treads). These new vehicles are a good change, and are deffinetly suited for the game. I only have one minor complaint about the gameplay. Occasionally you may hit a random peice of something jutting out from the ground that you can't see. This in one case, sent the vehicle flying out off the map. This happens very rarely and only if your car is on 2 wheels or sliding.

Once again, Motorstorm delivers arguably one of the best soundtracks out there. With many high tempo songs, it really makes the game feel intense. The sound effects are top notch, from the engine sounds to the sound of impact against another vehicle or wall.

The online is standard for Motorstorm. Up to eight players can race either ad hoc or online, and there are plently of leaderboards for you to work your way up. You can also use the photo mode to take pictures of yourself(say getting runover by a car) and send them to your friends.

Overall, Motorstorm Acrtic Edge, is argueably the best racing game to come out on the PSP, and is a must have for all PSP owners. If you liked Motorstorm on your PS3 you should deffinetly pick this one up.

Score

9.0

Graphics

Same exciting gameplay from the PS3 versions. As well as quite varied and exciting track selection.

8.2

Sound

Surprisingly good enviroments, detail on cars, as well as tracks. No frame rate issues

9.5

Gameplay

Excellent soundtrack, although a little smaller than usual. Great sound effects as well.

8.5

Fun Factor

7.8

Online

Up to eight player racing ad hoc and online, with lots of leaderboards.

Overall

8.8

[Milky]

It really is one of the best racers on PSP. I have been playing it loads recently, its just like the PS3 version. I hope to see you online!