Review : MotorStorm: Arctic Edge on PlayStation 2

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MotorStorm: Arctic Edge

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MotorStorm: Arctic Edge

Sony has you covered

By Marko Djordjevic (finalkross)
Posted on November the 10th 2009 at 08:27:00 AM

Back in September, PSP owners were treated with a truly enjoyable arcade racing title with MotorStorm: Arctic Edge. For those who haven’t jumped to the HD era of gaming or don’t own a PSP now have their chance to pick up Arctic Edge for the PlayStation 2. It might not be anything more than copy of the portable version, it still is a fine racing title.

Gameplay

Rather than going through the ins and outs of Arctic Edge, the PS2 version plays out the exact same way as its PSP relative. There are plenty of great races on hand that will keep you occupied with for a very long time.

While the game itself is identical to the portable edition, there is one thing that certainly stands out on the gameplay side of things and that is controls. For those accustomed to the PS2/PS3 Dual Analog controller, you will absolutely love playing this version of Artic Edge. With the more accommodating analog stick and overall comfortable grip of a controller, this is certainly the best way to race.

All the same pros and cons from the PSP version exist here. The first dozen or so races are still extremely easy and the physics are still very jumpy with cars not reacting the way they should. At the same time, all the great parts of the portable version have been translated to your PS2. You will be greeted with fast and frantic races, great courses and a lot of variety in the cars to choose from. You will have fun going through the game’s long campaign in your attempt to unlock everything available to you.

Graphics

Arctic Edge looked absolutely fantastic on the PSP and this version ends up looking fair for a PS2 game. There are no real noticeable additions to the graphics, in fact, playing this on a larger television show off more of its faults. The draw distance is not that good, there are a lot more evident screen tears and the details on the vehicles and environments don’t benefit from the power of the PS2. Other than those minor gripes, there is still some nice course designs and great variety in the models of the cars and characters.

The sound has also seen a complete transition from the PSP to the PS2. Those with the proper set-up will benefit greatly from the beat-thumping soundtrack. There are a few moments where the music and sound effects cuts in and out but it doesn’t hamper your racing experience.

Value

One factor that really made the PSP version of Arctic Edge so enjoyable was the game’s online options. Unfortunately, there is no such feature available here; instead you are relegated with a mere two player split-screen mode. With all the un-lockable content and the customization of your vehicles, the fact that you can’t show it off makes all your efforts in the single player feel meaningless.

Conclusion

It’s clear that MotorStorm: Arctic Edge is merely just another PSP to PS2 port geared at appealing to gamers who might not own Sony’s portable system. For a PS2 racer, this is still a solid title worth your cash and the controls certainly make each race a lot easier and more enjoyable. Overall though, I would still recommend that if you have the choice, go with the PSP version as it is the system this game was meant to be played on.

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Pros

+ Controls better than the PSP version
+ Same goodness as the PSP version (fantastic soundtrack, wonderful courses, great single player)

Cons

- No online
- Same problems as the PSP version (questionable AI, weird physics)
- Some screen tearing
- Minor sound issues

Final Verdict

7.7

Breakdown :

Presentation :

8.0

Graphics :

7.5

Sound :

8.0

Gameplay :

8.0

Replay Value :

7.0

Our review : 7.7
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ESRB : T - [GameFocus' ESRB Guide]
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Here's a small guide to help you understand our evaluation of games.

PRESENTATION GRADE
Can be from the game's box to the contents of the booklet, and even the game introduction. (Intro, menus, options, etc)

GRAPHIC GRADE
Up to what point the graphics have been worked on my the developper. The design type, the effort used for textures and environments, as well as animations and framerate.

AUDIO GRADE
Is the soundtrack a good match to the game's style, he ambient sounds keeping with the gameplay and the sound effects clear and convincing?

GAMEPLAY GRADE
Placement of the controls and the inferface that the player with be using during the game.

REPLAY VALUE GRADE
The most important factor in the evaluation of a game. It identifies the lifespan of the game and the fun of coming back again and again.

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