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Brutal offroad racing hits PS3
MotorStorm kicks off the next generation in spectacular style.
Publish date: 19/03/07
Evolution Studios' MotorStorm has been a flag bearer for what PlayStation 3 is capable of ever since it was first unveiled. Ask a member of the development team - famed for its work on the WRC series on PlayStation 2 - what MotorStorm is all about, and they'll say three words: "brutal offroad racing". And by focussing their efforts on this concept, they've produced an incredible experience that truly demonstrates what the next generation is all about: stunning visuals and sophisticated technology working together to create sublime gameplay.
The future is here
The first thing you'll notice about MotorStorm is the sheer amount happening on screen. Each and every vehicle has superbly simulated physics, and the feeling of racing against them is fantastic, thanks to the Artificial Intelligence that underpins your competition's behaviour.
Then there are the tracks, which are spectacular. The game's setting in Monument Valley is an inspired choice, and there's a wonderful variety of different races to compete in. With plenty of different vehicles to try, from nippy dirtbikes to hulking big rigs and plenty in between, this is a true festival of offroad racing.
The power of PS3 is put to very good use here, whether the game is played on a standard TV or in High Definition, but inevitably it's the latter that really demonstrates what a stunning technical achievement this game is. Choose the in-car view and the carnage of a MotorStorm race is particularly awe-inspiring, as sun filters through billowing dust clouds, thick mud spatters all over the bonnet, and vehicles shatter into pieces as the fight for first place descends into chaos.
Racing heaven
Don't get the impression that the game is merely a technical showcase, however. The physics, graphical detail and captivating A.I. only add to the intensity of what is a brilliant racing game - it's the sensation of competing, the varied, interesting courses and the variety of different vehicles that really make it.
Online multiplayer matches the quality of the rest of the package, with the physical nature of the racing and the variety of vehicles really adding to things - it's much more satisfying to knock a biker off a cliff edge when you know it's being controlled by a real person, after all.
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the PS3 launch line-up, MotorStorm really shows off what the system can do, and is a fantastic racer in its own right.
