While MotorStorm's arrival in tandem with the PlayStation 3 was perhaps one of Sony's few commendable marketing moves in the early days of the format, Evolution's aggressive and technologically impressive original stands the test of time - despite its flaws. With sequel Pacific Rift now nearly with us we've spent the last few days taking a look at how number two fairs, with the surprise-factor now firmly dismissed and the weight of the competitive release schedule upon its shoulders.

First and foremost, it is worth appreciating that Evolution have been quite brave in almost entirely dispatching with the dusty dessert settings in favour of a new Pacific island locale - where racers of varying disciplines will once again be competing in the rowdy and occasionally implausible Festival. Gone is the raw feeling of the original game, which drew your attention to the gradually eroding surfaces, the realistic and occasionally hilarious handling, and the sense of genuine peril. Instead, Pacific Rift once again makes the shine, this time thanks to some stunning scenery; which works in tandem with more complicated, detailed courses.

Lava and water-flows will now be impeding your stately (or otherwise) progress, Evolution conjuring a world more akin to the island from King Kong than the ceaseless dirt tracks that gave the original MotorStorm its manic, Mad Max motif. Taking in the game's sixteen tracks, you'll encounter jungle, mountains, beaches, lagoons, cliff-tops and more. Cleverly, all of the tracks also boast alternative paths, which adds yet another layer of detail to the experience, given that different vehicles will be better suited to certain routes. It is with grinning that you sometimes realise that this narrow, tree-lined path would have been best avoided with a monster truck; or that this grassy opening leaves you a little exposed on a motorbike.

While the real-time erosion of routes does make a return (and is perhaps more pertinent thanks to the multiple paths now open), the tropical setting does detract from this killer feature slightly, the dirt tracks of the first game simply making this innovation feel more important than it does this time around. That said, Evolution have done their masters-of-the-platform reputation no harm by introducing more realistic vehicle damage (and destruction, if you're not careful), stunning lighting and weather effects, and some truly awe-inspiring vistas. Indeed, its occasionally a shame that the is so relentless that you can't take in the detail around you - even if the texturing isn't perfect, especially under closer inspection.

Speaking of the racing itself (well, it is about time), the focus with Pacific Rift remains very much with panic-stricken, viscereal - that pits the player not just against the game world (and its ever-present obstacles and pitfalls), but perhaps even more so the other racers. Tussles in MotorStorm are not always fair, and if you're in a buggie, mudplugger or bike, you won't want to be shoving for track-space with the big boys in the monster trucks, Big Rigs or even the ATVs. While the focus here is clearly on diverse and unpredictable experiences, the races can occasionally feel a little unfair, especially if you're punished for simply slipping up briefly - never let it be said that the rival AI is anything but unforgiving.

The main Festival mode also forces you try out all the vehicles at one point or another, and this occasionally seems cruel, too, especially when perfect balancing isn't struck on certain courses - which are clearly best tackled with a particular kind of ride. Occasional frustrations aside, and the AI probably deserves some credit for taking on races with aggression and style; your singleplayer foes certainly aren't there to make up the numbers, and decisions always seem sensible - if occasionally galling when it means you're the unfortunate sent spiraling into the under-growth, or over that cliff edge.

The track design frequently shows off the diversity of the landscapes Evolution have lovingly crafted, and you'll notice with glee how the multiple routes can combine with the deteriorating surfaces to deliver frenetic, fun and unwieldily races - the outcomes of which are hard to predict. That being said there are once again occasional balancing that can make Pacific Rift feel a little unkind, while certain tracks (Caldera Ridge, to put it bluntly, rocks) are definitely imbued with more character than others.

Beyond the standard sixteen-strong races, that comprise the bulk of the main Festival mode, you can also mix things up a bit with some 'themed' tussles - such as Eliminator, which sees the last car detonated every 15-seconds (I enjoyed this) and Speed, which is all about check-points and is less entertaining. Further extending the experience, Evolution have been good enough to add in split-screen racing for four players, which is a nice touch, especially in the age of, well, not having split-screen modes; and the visuals hold their own impressively here, while racing with pals is every bit as stupid and brilliant as it should be. The twenty-player races also hold up well with infrequent lag and a solid if unsurprising roster of features.

All in all, MotorStorm Pacific Rift is a bit like its predecessor. Where it excels, and where it innovates, all is rosy, and occasionally exceptional - but where it falls down it can chafe, and it still isn't as balanced and polished as it might be. That being said, Evolution do more than enough to make this a good purchase for fans of the genre, and it is even worth considering for those with only a passing interest in tropically-themed, physics-focussed, multi-vehicle death races.

80%

By Luke Guttridge

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  1. jakeflake Unregistered 2 months ago

    I just bought this today 9/6/09. Great game and good review.