Motorstorm, released in December 2006 to coincide with the launch of Sony's Playstation 3, immediately set a new benchmark for off road racing games. As a platform exclusive, developers could focus on cramming more action onto the newly developed Blu-ray disc, meaning more cars, more mud and more mayhem.
The game is set in an arid Nevada-like area known as Monument Valley with ramps, rocks, dust and mud making up all of the 8 tracks in the game. However it's the way you decide to tackle these courses which sets Motorstorm out from the crowd.
There are 7 main vehicle types; dirt bikes, ATVs, Buggies, rally cars, racing trucks, mud-pluggers and big rigs, each with their own specific attributes. It's these attributes which determine the best route to take through each of the courses. Bikes love tight short-cuts, ramps and dusty tracks, but are vulnerable to being knocked
over by the bigger vehicles and hate mud. On the other hand, big rigs are slow and have unresponsive but will destroy anything in their path and can handle mud without fear. The game leaves it up to you as to which routes you take and you can often find AI vehicles taking a wrong turn and ending up out of their depth.
Each car/bike has a boost bar allowing you to propel your vehicle through the pack at blistering speed. Boosting, however, increases the engine temperature which needs to be watched throughout the game, too much boost and your vehicle will explode, not enough and you'll find yourself at the back of the pack.
Graphically, Motorstorm is impressive. Fully deformable mud means that every lap has a different appearance and feel as all of the 15 vehicles on the track eat away at the surface. The vehicles are highly detailed, getting battered and splattered throughout each race while impressive crash physics which send body panels, wheels and drivers into the air.
Motorstorm is loud. From the crashes and slams on the course to the impressive soundtrack featuring artists such as; Pendulum, Slipknot, Wolfmother, Queens of the Stone Age and many more; all perfectly fitting for the atmosphere of the game.
I originally got Motorstorm with my Playstation 3 as part of a bundle and I am still playing it today! The game feels fresh and original and is exciting to play with racers taking different routes everywhere you look. The visual presentation is fast and exciting, with bikes getting taken down by big rigs and opponents boosting just a little bit too hard right in front of you. Handling for the vehicles is superb, there is a distinct difference with each surface and for each vehicle type, if you can't do a race with a big rig, try a rally car and take a different route!
The online mode is a very welcome addition allowing up to 12 players in a single race however the opponent AI in single player is so good you could be forgiven for thinking they were real players! Additional tracks, vehicles and game modes are also downloadable through the PSN keeping your game up to date with the latest goodies (at a price of course!)
Motorstorm, despite the praise, has its flaws. There is no multiplayer split-screen mode, if you want to play with friends they will need their own PS3 and copy of the game along with an internet connection. In gameplay, night time levels are frustratingly dark due to a lack of headlights on all the cars, making it very difficult to see other cars, rocks and the track in tight valleys.
The difficulty of the game can get frustrating, especially in the later levels where you can see yourself drop from first to last in the blink of an eye (usually with the finish line in sight!) Although discouraging to some, it does reward perfectionists with new races and cars unlocked as the game progresses.
Overall, I would strongly recommend Motorstorm to any one with a PS3. It can be picked up for less than £15.00 at Gamestation or Game pre-owned, which is a small price to pay for all the mud splattered excitement within.
The sequel, Motorstorm Pacific Rift, is due later this year.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Breathtakingly brutal off-road racing.Chaotic battles to the finish line between ... more
motorcross bikes, ATVs, buggies, rally cars, trucks, mudpluggers and big rigsChurn the beautiful wastelands of Monument Valley, Arizona into a wreck-strewn mudbath ? with ...
Advantages: A fun, fantastic looking game! Disadvantages: The Al is too clever!!!! They are just like real humans and will do anything to stop you winning!
kingchris 07.04.2007 (07.04.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of MotorStorm (PS3)
Advantages: Fantastically addictive, enjoyable gameplay; astounding graphics; great crashes; always fun Disadvantages: Poor soundtrack; high difficulty; no 2 player; tacked-on online; could have been even better
jonwebb5 28.01.2009 (28.01.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of MotorStorm (PS3)
Advantages: A fun, fantastic looking game! Disadvantages: The Al is too clever!!!! They are just like real humans and will do anything to stop you winning!
kingchris 07.04.2007 (07.04.2007)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of MotorStorm (PS3)
![Motorstorm [Platinum] PS3](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/97615904.jpg "Motorstorm [Platinum] PS3")
Jun 8th, 2008
(Jul 21st, 2008)
exceptional by (5%):
very helpful by (95%):
