MotorStorm: Arctic Edge

It’s not unfair to say that as a collective, console launch titles are by and large, rather underwhelming. The games on offer have been developed with a rather tenuous grasp of the hardwares features and capabilities and as a result, they aren’t the best overall experiences. Then because of this, a lot of these games don’t warrant sequels. So it is perhaps surprising that Motorstorm as a series warranted not one, but three more games with the third, Motorstorm: Arctic Edge, looking to swap the muddy terrain for a more frosty setting.

This game plays like a number of racing titles that make use of terrain, weather and destruction effects. It plays like titles such as Dirt 5, Burnout: Paradise, Spintires, Spintires: MudRunner and Snowrunner. It’s a title that aimed to offer something new to the series and provide a new biome for fans to race to their heart’s content. However, was this change a good plan, or was this game called off due to snow? We find out in our review of Motorstorm: Arctic Edge.

Still Has Its Edge

Motorstorm as a series managed to attain a cult status of sorts thanks to it’s realistic terrain, it’s intense racing settings and it’s interesting physics engine. However, as the series progressed, fans expected the game to refine its experience and grow into a racing series to be revered by the bigger names like Need for Speed, Dirt Rally or Gran Turismo. Sadly though, this hasn’t occurred and this game is no different. The physics engine is still as comedic as it ever was, with falls looking for cartoonish and ragdoll-Esque than gritty and realistic. Plus, the AI are still all over the place, making terrible decisions, frustrating the player and making the whole experience much less immersive.

However, to say that this game is not enjoyable would be a disservice. The game offers an arcade racing experience which can warrant hours of play. The progression and upgrade system is rewarding, the different vehicle classes are different enough to allow players the freedom to shake up their approach to races. Plus, the courses are crafted with a level of care that is seldom seen in racing games these days. There are choke points, wicked jumps and hairpin corners that will make or break your entire race.

It is worth saying though, that online play is all but impossible, especially now. The servers and online functionality were temperamental even at their peak, so if you want to play this game with pals, you’ll have to do so locally.

The Verdict

Overall, Motorstorm: Arctic Edge is another success which can be chalked up for this respectable racing series. It’s by no means a showstopper, but it does enough to offer a fun arcade experience that many will enjoy. The progression system, level design, aesthetic quality and vehicle class differentiation are the clear highlights of this game.

Pros:

• Visually maintains the standard of past titles.
• Level design is outstanding
• Progression system is very rewarding
• Vehicle types allow for varied gameplay

Cons:

• The AI are braindead and frustrating to deal with
• The physics engine is still as silly as ever