Motorstorm is a visceral treat that packs quite the wallop.

User Rating: 8 | MotorStorm PS3
Since Motorstorm's appearance at E3 2005 nearly two years ago, many we're left wanting more, and was easily one of the PlayStation 3's most anticipated titles currently in development. It literally showed off the visual flair the PlayStation 3 could pack, and it's chaotic gameplay looked as if it would be a treat to behold. Evolution Studio's gave PS3 owner's a little piece of the cake when it was available for download on the PlayStation Network, and ever since only fueled the expectations further. Now with the final product, it seemed if Evolution Studio's focused more on the graphics, than the actual long-term appeal of MotorStorm. But nonetheless, Motorstorm is a visceral treat that packs quite the wallop.

Motorstorm in a sense created quite a cool concept to say the least-- mix in an abundance of off-road vehicles such as dune buggies, ATVs, motorbikes, trucks, rally cars, big rigs, and others coupled with immensely complex tracks that features several branching paths, while adding a tune of destructive rock music and you literally have Motorstorm. If Evolution Studio's aim was to create a fan base, it's hard not to like MotorStorm, and to sum it all up: have done a fine job of creating a new franchise that will spawn sequels, and will only get bigger and better. While MotorStorm does have several negative attributes to it, Evolution Studio's can at least lengthen the overall length of the game by adding new vehicles, tracks, and online modes down the road.

The game's single-player campaign is fun to say the least, and before you decide to rev up your engines for online play, it would be wise you at least spend some time with the campaign mode. You'll end up participating in races by obtaining tickets and furthering your way to the end of Motorstorm's campaign mode. You'll gather points, unlock new vehicles, and in order to advance you'll need to obtain at least third place to advanced to the next ticket. The concept is rather repetitive but when you have a game that packs so much fun in it's gameplay, and a fantastically designed track you'll probably left wanting more. While the single-player campaign isn't nearly as appealing as the online mode, it would be in your best interest to at least gain some experience before you take it online. The difficulty ends up being bumped up a bit but if you memorize the tracks fairly well, you'll probably won't find it too hard to win the events.

Make no mistake about it: the gameplay featured in Motorstorm is as destructive as they come. You'd be hard-pressed to find such a more chaotic and engaging experience right now than Motorstorm. It does however have a few drawbacks that are a bit of an annoyance such as the ability to break off in races, Motorstorm really never gives a great sense of speed, despite using the boost button although you'll begin to see your racer further ahead when you hit the boost. The game's racing will literally keep you on the edge of your seat from start to end, and does add some excitement to the core package of Motorstorm, but in some cases it turns more into a trial and error affair, but not nearly as bad as you think. You'll still be able to catch up quickly if you play your cards right, and after you crash unlike the demo your boost meter turns all the way down.

The tracks are extremely fitting for such a game as destructive and high-fidelity action such as Motorstorm. The game's tracks feature several hazards like rocks popping out of the ground, and will literally stop you in your tracks if you're driving as a big rig depending on the speed and angle of impact. The game's mud will also make you slip and slide on the tracks and most likely crash into objects like other racers. The game's tracks also feature several paths such as high-jumps for motorcycles, ATVs, while alternative paths that are more stable for rides such as bigs rigs, or trucks. The downside is there's only eight tracks featured in the game, but you'll most likely find them very enjoyable. It's just a shame the shallowness of Motorstorm's track selection is extremely limited.

The vehicles in Motorstorm are all unique in appearance and handling, but it is a big disappointment that the vehicles aren't fully-customizable. The vehicles range from dune buggies, motorcycles, ATVs, big rigs, mud pluggers, trucks, and rally cars. They also handle accordingly, if you decide to use big rigs the controls are as if you've just taken a hold of a huge and bulky tank, ATVs handle very well on the mud but lack the agility of a motorcycle, but the while the motorcycles handle very well once you hit the mud, and the pure speed could cause you slip around. The mud plugger's are interesting vehicles and has great traction on the tracks but risk pure speed. Likewise there's something for everyone whether it be motorcycles, to more destructive vehicles that plow the way like the big rigs, it's done very well.

The game's online mode will probably where you'll invest most of your time, and to say the least it has quite the appeal to it. While the online features are rather shallow at the moment, and it's chaotic to play your online buddies it's still very enjoyable. You'll meet your potential opponents in lobby rooms, and be ranked accordingly. It'll show your win-loss percentage, some of your vehicle preferences and others. The game's online mode is a work in progress, and suffers greatly from a unified online service. But this should be fixed down the road.

Bottom line there isn't a more of a beautiful racer on the PlayStation 3 than Motorstorm. And to be quite honest, it's easily one of the best looking games all around. The game's vehicles are extremely detailed and as you jack up your damage you'll see tires begin to wobble, your car's deform from impacts from the tracks, the particle and mud effects are just as amazing. You'll see mud, and dirt splatter on the screen, it's easily some of the best particle effects on any game. The lightning effects are top-notch as it dims or lightens the game's exotic landscape. The game's eight tracks are also extremely detailed, and are a treat to behold. But there are a few ugly heads that pop out mostly when the immensely chaotic on-screen action is taking place. The frame rate dips hear and there but is usually forgivable. In all honesty, if Evolution Studio's aim was to deliver the best looking PlayStation 3 game it certainly didn't disappoint. From top to bottom, the game looks fantastic and coupled with the over-the-top-action you'll be impressed as it supports 720p output.

Motorstorm's soundtrack is also very good, as the several bands ranging from Nirvana, Slipknot, Primal Scream, Wolfmother, Spirtualized, and the ever-so recognizable Motorstorm theme found in the demo. The game's hard rock and indie inspired music is a great fit in nearly every angle of action in Motorstorm. The game's sound of powerful engines are also very well done as it depicts some of the game's vehicles accordingly to class, and you'll hear the typical sounds such as the crashes and booms from crashing.

Evolution Studio's definitely delivered from the gameplay aspect of Motorstorm, and it's literally a joy to play. While it does feature some trial and error it's something you'll probably get over. The bottom line, if you're looking for something new for your PlayStation 3 you'll probably want to pick up Motorstorm because you won't find a more gorgeous over the top racer like Motorstorm on any platform. While it's depth is in question, and overall replay value it's something you should approach with the least amount of caution if you have a broadband or high-speed internet connection. Evolution Studio's has created a fan base, and generated interest in off-road mayhem. Let's just hope it's sequel is chock-full of tracks, customizable options, vehicles, and other game modes to fully put together the perfect racing package.