GAME REVIEW: MOTORSTORM

GAME REVIEW

EVOLUTION STUDIOS MOTORSTORM Players: 1 - 12 Price: $59.99 Platform(s):PlayStation3 Developer: Evolution Studios Publisher: SCEA ESRB: Teen (Language/Violence) Website: us.playstation.com/motorstorm

Review by Kevin Nakano

MotorStorm is the latest off-road racing game from Evolution Studios that pushes the capabilities of the PlayStation3. Users can choose from a variety of different vehicle types, each of which have their own strengths and weaknesses on the racing course. For example, the slower trucks plow through much of what gets in their way on the course, while the agile motorcycles offer a quick response. Either way, MotorStorm offers gamers with the brutally realistic racing environment in high definition 720p. Multi-Track, Multi-Dimensional Eight different tracks offer a variety of choices while multiple routes add even more options. The tracks are long and far from boring with plenty of obstacles and excellent scenery. The SIXAXIS wireless controller works well with MotorStorm and users will find themselves deep into the action in short time. The dynamics of the vehicle are excellent even when launching off of a cliff into the main course. The Real-Time Deforming Terrain updates the terrain as each vehicle tears up the course, enabling each lap to be a little different. Even the debris that gets kicked up by the wheels sticks to the windshield and body of the vehicles. Aggressive driving by other drivers become apparent during the racing action. High Resolution The high resolution graphics displayed with MotorStorm is phenomenal. Fast action requires a high frame rate that is only possible with powerful graphic processor such as those offered on the Sony PS3. The result is smooth and seamless action on the screen. Even on our large 100-inch Stewart screen the picture was impressive. Online support allows up to 12 players to join in the race. Unfortunately, offline multi-player is not supported, leaving your friends in the room out of the race. Extra engine boost provides a huge amount of power increase, yet it must be used with caution otherwise overheating will cause catastrophic damage to the vehicle. The sound tracks are wisely placed into the action and include music from Queen, Nirvana, Primal Scream, and others. Conclusion MotorStorm is certainly one of the best driving games around and if you are a fan of off-road action, you will find yourself spending a lot of time having fun with the different types of vehicles. The audio will quickly immerse the gamer into the action along with the incredible graphics PlayStation3 offers. Evolution has created a real winner with MotorStorm and we have spent far more time with it than we had allocated. I have yet to see a racing game so realistic! Guest reviewer Kevin Nakano is the Editor of LA Audio File. REVIEW SYSTEM Projector: Mitsubishi HC5000 Full-HD 1080p LCD Projector Screen: Stewart Filmscreen 100" FireHawk Screen on a Luxus Deluxe ScreenWall Video Processor/Scaler: Anchor Bay Technologies DVDO iScan HD+ A/V Processor Preamplifier/Processor: Parasound AVC-2500U THX-Ultra DTS/DD Preamp/Processor Amplification: Parasound HCA-2205AT THX-Ultra Five Channel Amplifier Bass Management: Miller & Kreisel BMC Mini 5.1 Bass Management Controller Front Speakers: Miller & Kreisel S-150THX (L+R) and S-150AC (Center) Speakers Rear Speakers: Miller & Kreisel SS-250 Tripole® Surround Speakers Subwoofer: Two Miller & Kreisel MX-350THX MkII THX-Ultra Push-pull Subwoofers Room Treatments: Echo Buster panels and Bass Buster towers Game Console: Sony PlayStation3 with 60GB HD and WiFi and HDMI Set-top Box: Dish Network ViP622 High-Definition Digital Video Recorder with HDMI DVD/CD/SACD Player: Sony DVP-NS900V DVD/CD/SACD Player DVD Audio/Video Player: Kenwood Sovereign DV-5900M 400-Disc DVD Changer D-VHS VCR #1: JVC HM-DH30000U D-VHS High-Definition D-Theater VCR D-VHS VCR #2: Marantz MV8300 D-VHS High-Definition D-Theater VCR A/V Cables: Ultralink Platinum and Advanced Performance Series Cables DVI Cable: AudioQuest DV-1 20m DVI-D Cable HDMI Cables: Accel Corporation HDMI Adapter and Cables Power Conditioning: Panamax MAX® 5510 ACRegenerator Video Generator: Sencore VP300 SDTV/HDTV Video Pattern Generator Color Analyzer #1: Sencore CP5000 ISF Certified All-Display Color Analyzer Color Analyzer #2: ColorFacts with GretagMacbeth Eye-One Pro Colorphotometer SPECIFICATIONS Name of the game: Evolution Studios - MotorStorm Game Review Price: $59.99 Release Date: March 6, 2007 ESRB: Teen (Language/Violence) Genre: Driving Publisher: SCEA Developer: Evolution Studios Official Game Site: us.playstation.com/motorstorm