Upgraded Gripshift.
I was really excited before this game came out and I thought it will be in vein with Motorstorm (PSP) with possibilities of Trackmania (PC) for track building - that didn't happen. I don't know if this title even can be called racing- it has customization for the racer and the kart - awesome - but come on buying a racing game I have no interest in adding hair and shoes. Some racing games sort of grow on you, like Rdge Racer 2, didn't like at first but got quite enjoyable once I got the hang of its mechanics - ModNation Racers is NOT it.
The good:
* Animations (not the essential part of a racing game but I fear I will run out of good things to say about this PSP title).
* Track editor, might add some longevity to the game, I doubt that but maybe.
* Graphics are decent, it is helter skelter but looks nice for the most part.
* Loading time are relatively short.
The bad:
* Driving is no fun whatsoever, it feels like work. Karts feels like they are hovering and not ride on wheels..
* Karts are too small and primitive
* Engine sound is epic lameness. Music also always makes you want to "press forward"
* No sense of speed, boost is short lived.
* Shooting, I like vehicle combat but this is a watered down version of Fired Up, Battlezones or Wipeout. Makes controlling a bigger nuisance without any gratification.
*The annoying mechanic that apparently can't shut up, you drive first and he is unhappy because you're not using guns...
Customizations – very limited – most kart parts are plain ridiculous and I have no idea why it made to the game. What are the reasons for "to be 'creative' you have to unlock stuff"? I don't know, but you won't be creating anything different with the unlocked content. The character creation is … well as much as it is important it is good, nothing to praise here.
Track editor – best part of the game hands down, terrain can be raised boost plates added, and cosmetic stuff like trees and houses and people and vehicles to be placed by the road.
Would be great if the tracks created could be used with Burnout, Flatout or Motorstorm but that is not possible you can use your beautiful track in a broken race only.
Online/ Ad Hoc: Driving is still NOT fun but I admit it is better that racing AI.
I started to think what the target audience for this game was: kids with ADD – they'll play the game for an hour and go look for a new toy. I know creators wanted it to be for everyone, hence the rating, but they probable should have made some beta testing with different age gamers, I think what happened was the creators 'decided' they know what kids like, what's hip, and missed…
I remember seeing a developer or a producer interview where he said "this will be a 'triple A' title" now I can say WAKE UP!!!
Buy or rent: Rent it, if you must.
I would recommend other titles: Midnight Club, Burnout Legends, Motorstorm Arctic Edge, Wipeout, FlatOut: Head On – these games are racing games and they have game play not just 'content'.
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-Korado3D, May 2010
http://www.youtube.com/Korado3D