[Mechanical R]

When it comes to off-road racing, Motorstorm has it down to a tee. The games varied tracks, catering for all the different vehicle types and breathtaking visuals really make Motorstorm the fantastic Playstation 3 title its built itself up to be since launch. However, Motorstorm Apocalypse has me worried.

The Expo had a series of the 3rd instalment in 3D, which, once you figured out the glasses had to be turned on, the game looked good. Not the best 3D in the world, but looked alright.

Unfortunately, the game only showcased one car and track. This track, was incredibly disheartening. For some reason, the game had a feeling that the developers at Evolution Studios had all bought action racer Split/Second and everyone thought…’Yeah! Motorstorm needs more explosions and falling buildings!’

No. It doesn’t.

Upon playing the race I was bombarded by falling buildings and crumbling roads which gave way to new parts of the track. Round every corner is a set piece for a building to fall down, and a giant Square button appears in the middle of the screen telling you. ’PRESS THIS SO YOU CAN LOOK AT THE FALLING BUILDING…LOOK AT IT GUYS! LOOOOOOOK!’

This ISNT what Motorstorm is about. Motorstorms previous tracks were well known for having multiple routes which catered for all vehicle types. Long dusty tracks for the Rally cars and Bikes, thick mud for the Big Rigs and Monster Trucks. But it still keeps the friendly aggressive style of close racing. Apocalypse just doesn’t have that feel.

By Sunday, by hopes had blossomed, if only by a little. After the developer session with Evolution Studios, a new track was released on the show floor. So I had a little sit down with it. The new track was…better. The track was a little more open, with a few diversions in the track, a hint of the Motorstorm we know and love. However, the game still focused on throwing buildings and clouds of smoke at you every turn, and it just removed the point of the game. To race. The A.I. racers were spaced out so much it was rather hard to find anyone, weather they were miles ahead or meters behind, racing felt rather solitary.

It’s a shame to say but I feel Apocalypse is a little much out of Motorstorms comfort zone, and just doesn’t pull off what its trying to convey very well. Go back to the deserts and jungles Evolution Studios, or hell, make the Arctic version for console rather than handheld. Only time will tell.










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