PSP driving Tagged Stories

One of the most mediocre games on the PlayStation Portable is Monster Jam: Urban Assault. As a player, you can now race through the monster stadiums and generic streets of the city, in this monster-truck simulation game.

There are two different modes though quite standard in its gameplay. You race on tracks with three other racers. With high flying stunts and crashes, you can obtain boost juice. Cars are quite user friendly and can be handled with ease. There is a little disorientation while you make the awkward jumps when there is a shift in the camera.

Linear and narrow race tracks with minor detours create an amount of confusion. You will find yourself running into structures and buildings placed awkwardly even while you are using the arrows to follow.

The Eliminator race mode is quite interesting as, after each lap, the lagging racer is eliminated from the race. The one left out at last is the winner. The unique “Head to Head” racing mode in Monster Jam: Urban Assault PSP is the one where every other car faces the front except two cars which race backwards. You can participate in the “Devastator” events with the help of your monster truck-sim. Trick events are styled on the line of Tony Hawk is a refreshing difference from the destructive modes. For trick enthusiasts, there are various ramps and slopes in detailed environment, offering fun and excitement.

Added excitement is offered in the form of various stunt events. In a certain mode, the truck is treated as a bowling ball. In another mode, you will go hurtling along with your truck into a Skee ball which is huge.

Visuals of the Monster Jam: Urban Assault is pretty mediocre and there is no depth and weight in the design of the cars. When a lot of action is ongoing on the screen, there is a significant dip in the frame rate. A lot of areas therefore could have been worked on to present a much better driving game, though this is certainly not one of the worst. If you are a driving game enthusiast and have tried out every other game, then maybe you should go in for this one too.

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Electronic Arts’ latest release into the handheld world came with the Need For Speed: Pro Street for the PlayStation Portable. Pro Street hit most of the major platforms late last year, and now has made its way on to the PSP as well.

Like most of its predecessors on the Portable, Pro Street also has a story line completely tied with the console versions. Of course, considering the hardware limitations, some of the game executions, and some rather interesting parts of the game had to be removed or altered. Take customization, for instance. The Console versions heavily emphasized the customization aspect of the game, with in- game features such as AutoSculpt, that let you play around endlessly with your ride. The PSP version sobers down a little on this, by limiting customization to only changing colours, tints and a very select few decals and vinyl.

Performance customizations, however, still have their levels of performance parts to improve how your car rides. Need for Speed: ProStreet PSP follows in the footsteps its predecessors, and starts off by locking most of the awesome rides in store for you. They will only be available when you can complete certain events. This adds to the challenge of the game as your stock car can prove quite incapable of winning some of the events that unlock newer cars, and you have to find a way to win. Performance boosts may help, but in the end it boils down to how you use the car.

A unique feature of this game, known as Driver Intuition, is used as a sort of temporary upgrade. Basically, you gain driver intuition by winning events and races. During a race, pressing circle will get you to a screen, which you can use to improve performance based on the driver intuition rating.

Most of the tracks have been ported down as well, and with a fairly decent level of detail, considering the hardware.

The game has a nice interface, with menus and HUD easily manipulated to your convenience. If you’ve played Need for Speed: Pro Street on the consoles, then you’ll find this game quite predictable. It is, however, a decent port to the PSP.

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The Latest installment in the Midnight Club series by Rockstar games is Midnight Club: LA Remix. Scheduled for release on 21st October, today, LA Remix is the Playstation Portable version of Midnight Club: LA for the PS3 and Xbox 360. This version has been named appropriately, as the LA Remix is extremely similar to its high-end console counterparts in terms of gameplay. It will, however, feature a few minor tweaks, adjusted for a handheld console, and even a little exclusive content, which the other versions won’t see.

The game’s development process has been quite secretive, and not much has been released to the general public about it, what with the impending release. Though from what has been seen, it’s evident that the visuals are quite awesome for a handheld title, and the frame rate doesn’t even flicker out of what it’s supposed to be. Another big, BIG improvement is that the load times from its predecessor, Midnight Club 3, are considerably reduced. It isn’t exactly on the scale of milliseconds, but it’s acceptable.

LA City is quite large. It is certainly smaller than the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, but it IS large nonetheless. Considering it’s on a PSP, it has really awesome draw distances and visuals. The Midnight Club - Los Angeles Remix PSP version isn’t confined to LA City either. There’s also the opportunity to take on some of the fastest rides in Tokyo City as well. The Car and Bike lineup should be the same as the bigger versions, and it would only seem logical to make the Tokyo trip optional, but I don’t think anyone would miss it… not just for the new tracks and city, but also for a lineup of Tokyo- exclusive Tuner cars.

The game progression still revolves around rep points, achieved through successfully completing races. If things get too difficult later in the game, don’t worry. You can still unlock almost everything, by re-doing completed races, and earning more rep.

You can also race opponents to the starting line of a race to earn more rep. Customisation wasn’t sidetracked either, as there are hundreds of ways to max out your ride, in terms of performance and looks.

All this was just gathered from the Previews. The full version is set to roll out and now you can experience Midnight Club: LA on your own mini screen.

(2 votes, average: 3 out of 5)

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Undoubtedly the Twisted Metal series has played a great role in promoting the Sony PlayStation’s success. If we revert to 2001, that time the original car classic combat was the first classic title on the PlayStation. This renowned series has gone through several ups and downs, but it still manages to glorify the PlayStation Portable with its latest addition Twisted Metal: Head On.

None of its charm and bite has been lost during the past years, as the game appears as fresh as ever. The title includes great action packed race courses, colorful and vibrant characters, a fantastic presentation and WiFi multiplayer action to make it a clear PSP success story. If you’ve previous versions, then you’ll find this one has a very similar feel to its predecessors.

In some ways, this demolition, destroy everything title actually has more in common with first person shooters than it does with other driving games. As a player you’ll get access to an ample amount of weapons, including machine guns, missiles, bombs, mines, napalm–you name it. More than 15 different vehicles are available in Twisted Metal Head On (PSP), and each contains distinct attributes for handling, top speed, armor, etc. and unique special attacks. You’ll even get a bulldozer from Mr. Slam that assists you in picking up and throwing the vehicles like nothing. The game involves all those tensed and exciting moments such as tearing your way through bumpy environments, or running over health, and weapons power ups while keeping an eye on radar for nearby opponents. Often, a sharp 180 degree turn becomes indispensable and for that you’ve got a nitro booster together with a handy emergency brake.

The exaggerated environments are actually based on existing real world locations and contain plenty of secret nooks and employable crannies. Responsive controls are always essential for an excellent driving experience, and fortunately this game delivers. Ultimately the demolition title does a great job of carrying on the series legacy and is a must-have for the PSP.

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One word that is synonymous with the name Sega Rally Revo is ‘Powersliding’. The years-old franchise’s Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions had successfully made powersliding an indispensable and trademark part of the game’s overall package. For many people now a racing game devoid of this fascinating element is lick a body without a soul.

This interesting game was recently adopted for the PSP and the, not entirely positive, verdict is there for everyone to see. The important and somewhat depressing conclusion that has emerged is that your opponents are total pushovers in the PSP version; thereby killing any excitement and challenge in the game. You will find it hard to digest that you can virtually defeat your opponents in your sleep. This factor alone is responsible for the debacle of this game which otherwise had the potential to become a memorable one. In fact, we recommend you stay with the original Sega Rally (PSP) because of it. Just imagine what good are the controls, cool features, graphics and other specifications if you can win with your hands raised!

Once you set foot on the track you will instantly understand that you are racing against yourself with no opponent worth mentioning. Funnily enough you will find that the cars refuse to go out of track, even after deadly accidents and it appears that there are invisible barriers preventing them from doing so. The final nail in the coffin is delivered when you find that ‘Powersliding’, which has always been the prime attraction of the game, with this version is a really futile exercise. Whether you use the D pad or the analog stick, cars have an innate tendency to slide out and spin you too far in whatever direction you’re turning. The precision and subtlety required to perform such stunts are simply not there. Then again, whether you slide well or for worse, there is no stopping you from winning the race.

The game offers you three modes of play; the standard quick race, the time trial mode and the champion mode. Then there are three championship tiers, each tied to the three car classes in the game. You can have these different set of cars as you progress through the competition. A few good aspects of the game, amidst so many negatives, are its solid graphics and dynamic track deformation which are both impressive. Still, the game’s glaring flaws make it practically unplayable for any fan of the series.

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Rush is PSP car racing game that it is competing for space and acclaim among a very tight and high contested genre. Many gamers are unable to break their addiction to Need for Speed and had refused to give Rush the time of day. Although the odds are mounted against it, Midway’s L.A. Rush has succeeded in winning over a fan base due to its excellent and engrossing gameplay.

The game’s combination of excitement, easy controls, graphics and cool features have contributed to its success and reputation. The attractive vehicles and marvelous online gameplay have helped L.A. Rush (PSP) to stand out among other driving games. The bulk of your time will be occupied by the story mode as its damn interesting and plays a major role in the game.

In the title you’ll play as Trikz, who’s a popular LA underground racer, with his mansion and car collection. The level of excitement ignited when a local race promoter Lidell decided to put Trikz’s lavish lifestyle to the test by organizing a major race series. Lidell doesn’t like Trikz very much either and is always trying to rob him of his rides. You’ll receive bits of phone calls from your sidekick TY and also from Lidell’s lady, who’s actually into you and your irresistible charm. Whenever you get down to a new territory or enter in a new series of races you’ll get cut scenes.

The driving model is extremely enjoyable, which is probably the foremost concern among most gamers. The graphics and sounds are also up to par. If you are looking for a fast paced street racing alternative to need for speed then this title could be for you. So rush and don’t miss it.

(No Ratings Yet)

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In times when mindless car action game is released practically everyday, Driver 76 seems a little different. The player assumes the role of Ray, who is a two-bit wheelman full of life and energy. Ray is interested in a girl who is the daughter of a triad boss and thus sets out to impress the man himself so that he can woo his daughter. What follows is unthinkable action full of thrill and adrenaline.

The story is completely based on crime and people double crossing each other at every stage. The game designers have done a fabulous job as they have kept everything simple and have not tried to go over the top with any action sequences. The player in Driver 1976 (PSP) is given the option of choosing missions at his convenience, but this does not make a difference as to how the game proceeds. The missions are filled with action and have to be tackled very carefully. The tasks keep piling up in heaps which keep the gamer on his toes all the times.

The destination at each level has to be reached within a certain amount of time and the cops have to be evaded before the passenger is dropped at the preferred destination. Another salient characteristic about the game is that all the action happens inside the car. There are more than 50 different types of cars to choose from and each car has a distinctive handling. The gamer gets access to numerous armaments thus making it easy to knock down all the targets.

The duration of the story has been designed in such a way so that the adventure does not become monotonous. Side missions like closed course racing and open road racing can be taken up at any point in time and the originality in these missions leave the gamer craving for more. The cash earned from these missions can be used to buy better cars.

The concept seems to be good and the action is too. The weapons are an added bonus and the way the game has been packaged overall is pretty commendable. So if you are really curious it’s worth checking out.

(No Ratings Yet)

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Dreamcast Games has brought the Crazy Taxi series with a title called Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars exclusively for the PSP. With a compilation of slick taxi action and some glamour quotient, Fare Wars has been touted as a potential hit among all the vehicle lovers.

The game has been enhanced in many ways to support multi player options. The game has been given a very original screenplay and the graphics have been perfectly designed to suit the game’s tempo. The PSP’s widescreen really adds to the gameplay and makes it stand out from other console versions. The lightning in the game is nothing short of spectacular and the particle effects and frame rate give it an additional advantage over other vehicle oriented games.

While playing the game for the first time, the gamer does not have to put his gaming skills to test, as the controls have been kept very simple. The left and right shoulder buttons have to be used to apply the brakes and accelerate the car, while the X and O buttons perform the forward and reverse gear functions. The car’s handling has also been kept pretty uncomplicated. The premise of Crazy Taxi: Fare Wares (PSP) is easy to understand and when the gamer starts driving the cab, he has to stop wherever he sees a potential customer who can be picked up. The player then has to drop the customer to the desired place and to assist the player, the game features an arrow which depicts the direction in which the taxi is moving and whether it is going in the right direction or not.

There is a time limit to reach the destination and the gamer has to counter the traffic and supplementary blockages so that he/she can reach there in time. The gamer has the additional advantage of picking up multiple customers at one time so that crucial time can be saved.

The game shows a lot of promise and is a bit unusual for a car and driving genre game. So if you are on the lookout for something different, then it would be worth taking a closer look at this game.

(No Ratings Yet)

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Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a video game series, created by Dave Jones, which is an interesting blend of action, adventure, driving, stealth and race. The GTA series focuses around many different protagonists who attempt to rise through the underworld, although their motives differ in each game. The PSP Grand Theft Auto version is called Liberty City Stories and naturally takes place in Liberty City.

The player assumes the role of a criminal in a city where he has to accomplish various missions like bank robberies, assassinations and other crimes. The player plays the role of a guy named Toni who works for Salvatore Leone. When you reach the town, you get back to work. Gradually you rise to become Salvatore’s right hand man and you will start and finish gang wars with other mafia gangs.

The game has some rampage side missions with the usual pizza delivery, vigilante, taxi service and ambulance missions as well. You can seek out ringing pay phones to get into street races and you can even report to car lots to sell cars or bikes by test driving vehicles for the customers. Most of the tasks in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories are very easy like stealing a particular car and driving it. But there are few missions which go deeper and tougher. You will get to use a lot of weapons like pistols, guns, submachines and many more deadly weapons.

The combat heavy missions tend to be a little more difficult than driving tasks because the game’s shooting control scheme is somewhat awkward. Anyone who craves the excitement of GTA for their PSP cannot go wrong with this excellent title.

(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)

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