MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Review

A little late I am aware, but as I have finally purchased a Sony PSP, it seems fitting I review the first game I bought. And that game is, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge. BigBig’s sequel to the other MotorStorm games for the Playstation 3. In reality, I bought the game a few days ago, and became addicted immediately. Throughout the first few hours of game play, I felt I had gotten far enough to write a proper review. Unfortunately, I’ve had numerous troubles in writing this review, as, in my opinion, there is no true way to describe this game.

Starting off with the game play and the features in general, the game flows neatly for a handheld console. Featuring 12 diverse tracks and 24 vehicles divided into 8 classes. Your vehicles vary from the small and fragile Motorcycle, to the daunting Big Rig, with the inclusion of Snow Machines and Snow Cats. (Ploughs) And with the added bonus, all vehicles are customizable, with different body kits, sponsor stickers and paint jobs to make you stand out online. Although the vehicle you drive may prove worthless if your track is inadequate, but not here. Each map is fully diverse, varying from muddy logging areas, to icy tundra’s along the cliffs of the Arctic Circle. Within the environments are their multiple shortcuts and, their hazards. Arctic Edge hides avalanches, icy conditions, and feeble ice bridges to alternate the terrain and take out a few drivers in the bargain.

Online is acceptable, maximum 6 players with custom map rules. Even there, the driving is smooth and easy to get along with. Although, when your not online (and you would most likely not be) you will need to face the juggernaut of the AI, tormenting you in it’s unholy wake. In the beginning, this artificial beast is simple, taking the long routs, getting caught in the mud, and overusing the boost from which they explode, taking their others with them. Suddenly, half way through the game, things pick up. And eventually, doom is inevitable, as the CPU’s become faster, smarter, and, still use up too much boost. The game play, although smooth, still has a few massive difficulty curves, where at times you are driving the fastest vehicle, the slowest passes you without boost. (And I’m not kidding)

No doubt you’ll be able to overcome that minor obstacle and dominate the races. Though you’ll definitely be able to enjoy the scenery at the same time. While driving, snow falls, mud and ice hit the screen, the tires leave terrain changing grooves in the mud. Mountains in the distance, rocks and obstructions in front of you, and in the end, amongst enjoying the world around you, comes the exterior cam, viewing your face plant into the boulder, leaving parts flying around the surrounding area.

With well performing AI, numerous vehicles, diverse maps and a difficulty curve which will keep you sucked to the screen of your PSP, MotorStorm; Arctic Edge, is a well recommended game for the racing/hardcore fan in all of us… And I still like it better than the PSP’s Gran Turismo.