|
ModNation Racers
After having the pleasure of reviewing
ModNation Racers on the PS3 as well, I was a little apprehensive about
the PSP version but considering the limitations of this portable
console, the developers have actually done the game some justice.
Although
many of the PS3 elements are still there, in terms of a racing game,
it's lacking some of the major mechanics which made the high-end console
version so thoroughly entertaining. But then again, if you don't own a PS3 and
didn't know what to expect from ModNation Racers, than thankfully
enough, the game is still competent, especially as a kart game.
The main element of
ModNation Racers is Play, Create & Share. Not only does the game contain
an interesting single-player career mode, it also gives the
player a variety of multiplayer options that makes this game quite
reminiscent of Mario Kart. And then, the game throws another element at
the player with the Create mode which basically allows you to create
your own tracks, vehicles and driving Avatars that can then be shared
online.
All in all, it's not a bad idea if you ask because it definitely makes
it quite a community orientated game, like Little Big Planet.
The control system works
well on the PSP for most instances as you drift around a variety of cartoon
inspired tracks but best of all, there is quite a large amount of
strategy involved in the game from powerups to boosts and a shield
system. Nothing is more satisfying than racing around the tracks and
using your special powerups to knock your opponents out of the way or
even better, collecting your powerups to boost them up which in turn
creates a true gamble.
The only bad thing about
the control system is that it does take time getting use to the mapping
of them on the PSP and they are not as responsive as the PS3 version.
This means that at the start, you need to think before you move as
opposed to reflexes.
In terms or creation, that is probably the biggest issue that I had with
ModNation Racers on the PSP. Given that the developers made the tools as
user friendly as possible on this portable console, it's not as easy as
the tools on the PS3 but given some time and practice, you can still
create those virtual masterpieces.
Where the game does
shine is when it comes to multiplayer as the
title allows you to race against friends or foes via wireless, both
locally and through the internet with up to six players. Not a bad
compromise, compared to the PS3 version and sharing your creations is
just as easy as its all been implemented into the menu system quite
well.
Graphically, the title
is pure eye candy on the PSP that mimics that Saturday morning cartoon
atmosphere well, not to mention the soundtrack which is quite boppy and
poppy. The environments are well designed and although they appear a
little simplistic, it suits the whacky premise of this title and
thankfully the developers have managed to capture that true element of
speed in the racing. There are a variety of sound effects in the game
from the grunts of the karts to the high speed crashes plus some great
subtleties that with the gameplay, make this a rather sturdy gaming
experience.
In conclusion, ModNation
for the PSP works as a good PSP game, however it's hard not to compare
it to the PS3 version which it is based on. As a kart game, it succeeds
on most levels and does give the player some great replay value with
multiplayer and its creation tools. However, if you're the owner of the
PS3 version, than it's best to stick with that but if you're a one
person portable console person, than there's far worse racing games than
this. It's still definitely worth checking out though! |
