Combines the charm and customization of Little Big Planet with the fantastic kart racing of Mariokart

User Rating: 9 | ModNation Racers PS3
If you have played Little Big Planet and ever wondered what it might be like to throw in a kart racing game, then you would probably be right to see Mod Nation as that game. There are a number of similar ideas, including hours of customization and a certain charm that a game like Little Big Planet has brought to the PS3. What's even better is that the gameplay is actually quite good. It's not as genre defining as say Mariokart or other big racing games, but it plays well and makes for great fun. The game does seem to borrow many ideas from the tried and true Mariokart, with most of the same elements intact. Added is the ability to drift and swipe your opponent with your kart. But what truly shines here is the customization.

No longer are you just one in another of a dozen similar vehicles. You now have the ability to craft your own driver and car from over a hundred different modifications. And naturally, with DLC, there will be more in the future. In addition, you have the ability to craft your own tracks using an easy but extensive track making tool. Once all of these customizations have been made, you can publish them online for others to see. This customization is a huge part of the game itself (the game is called MOD nation after all). Not only do create a character all of your own, your character can become famous....or infamous, if you prefer. There are voting systems for people to pick their favorite vehicles and drivers. As well, players who play well will be recognized for their skills, namely on the big screens that adorn the Mod Spot, which acts as a central hub for karts. It's this sense of community and competition that makes the game addictive in an effort to become one of the best.

Naturally, the customization would mean nothing if the gameplay weren't great, and it is. There is a bit of a learning curve, but it's quickly overcome, and anyone who has played Mariokart will be familiar with most of the games aspects. There're powerups to help smack opponents around and collecting three of these will give you a super power up. Drifting is also a huge part of the game as it's often required to successfully take corners. Mastering the skill of drifting is just one example of the skill required to actually start winning in the game. Gameplay is simple but solid and creates for some fantasticly fun races.

This is a racing game that is fun to play, doesn't take itself seriously, and gives the individual a sense of community through the power of creation. This level of customization is the next step in racing games and possibly one of the best recent releases for the PS3.