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GAME:
With the crazy amount of
stunt racing games on the market, it’s hard to single one out as
being the best…as they all have pros and cons unique to their
design. ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin’ Trails for the PSP is a
solid launch title for the portable system…but as is the case with
many titles, interest may be limited to a specific audience.
ATV Offroad Fury
is broken up into two main game modes: Single Event and Championship…which
is a series of different event types with unlockable content and ATV
customization as an incentive. There are many different tracks and
ATVs to unlock, and your game is broken up between freestyle
competitions (stunts and goals) and 4-player races.
The out of play
experience is fairly deep for a portable system, and includes the
ability to modify your ATV with newly accessed parts, purchase
locked ATVs with your earnings and even color your rider and ATV
appropriately. With some skill, you can also create your own gear
logo to personalize the experience.
The Single Event mode
is for the pick-up-and-play gamer who just wants to run a few laps
to beat their best time or practice in the training environment. The
system is intuitive and user friendly
Finally, the multiplayer
function for the game is not just limited to a wireless lan, but
includes the ability to play online against others with use of an ad
hoc infrastructure. All you need to do is set yourself up with a
user name, find an event and jump in…you’ll be able to utilize
all your practiced skills against gamers of all different types with
fairly impressive ping times for a wireless system.
TECHNOLOGY:
For a launch title, ATV
Offroad Fury for the PSP is a fairly impressive offering…with
a good frame rate, solid 3d modeling and well proportionate sound
effects.
The only real problem
comes from the handling itself, which can be a bit awkward at
times…especially while trying to perform the many stunts included.
It’s hard to tell whether the handling is meant to be stiff to
offer a more simulated feel of the drive, or if it is a system
slowdown issue.
Still, Climax studios
came away with a clean looking launch title in ATV Offroad Fury,
and fans of unlockable content should be happy with the gameplay as
well as the overall look of the game.
OVERALL:
A fairly stable launch
title, the only real issue found with ATV Offroad Fury stems
from interest level of the race-heavy game. Since the game really
doesn’t offer anything on top of the standard stunt racer, it’s
hard to catch eyes from the other side of the market.
Let’s just say if you
generally like the genre, you’ll probably find some entertainment
out of the game.
Game: B- (Has some good
from both aspects)
Technology: B+ (Control?)
Overall: B (Seeing
potential for more)
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