MotorStorm: Arctic Edge

Last updated

MotorStorm: Arctic Edge
MotorStorm Arctic Edge.jpg
European PlayStation 2 cover art
Developer(s) Bigbig Studios
Virtuos (PS2)
Publisher(s) Sony Computer Entertainment
Series MotorStorm
Platform(s) PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2
ReleasePlayStation Portable
  • AU: 17 September 2009
  • EU: 18 September 2009
  • NA: 29 September 2009
PlayStation 2
  • AU: 3 October 2009
  • EU: 9 October 2009
  • NA: 20 October 2009
Genre(s) Racing
Mode(s) Single-player, online multiplayer, multiplayer

MotorStorm: Arctic Edge is the third game in the MotorStorm series of video games, developed by Bigbig Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2, which was released in 2009. [1]

Contents

Gameplay

A still from the MotorStorm: Arctic Edge announcement trailer, showing a Wulff Bolter rally car, one of the driveable rally cars in the game. Motorstorm-arcticedge-screenshot.jpg
A still from the MotorStorm: Arctic Edge announcement trailer, showing a Wulff Bolter rally car, one of the driveable rally cars in the game.

The game once again moves away from the desert environments of the original title and the lush island environment of the sequel and relocates itself to the harsh Arctic climate of Alaska on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Gameplay is similar to that of previous titles in the series such as Nitrous Boosts, environmental hazards and destructible environments. Vehicles have the ability to cool down the boost by driving through deep snow or under waterfalls, the same technique used for driving through the water in MotorStorm: Pacific Rift . Unlike the previous titles in the series, the game only features a maximum of ten racers in each race. [2]

New hazards include avalanches, which can be triggered by vehicle explosion or blowing the vehicle's horn, which causes a large amount of snow to rumble down the track and will strike away opponents, including the player, no matter the vehicles' strengths. Icy bridges can also be dangerous for heavy vehicles. While small vehicles can get over ice bridges, heavier vehicles can cause them to disintegrate and break, making the short-cut impossible to cross.

There are differences between PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2 edition of the game in order to make use of each systems specific capabilities. The PlayStation Portable version features a Photo Mode, custom soundtracks and online play which features 6-player online multiplayer. On the other hand, the PlayStation 2 version features a split-screen multiplayer mode like the one present in the previous game, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift . The Time Attack game mode features an online leaderboard listing lap times set in the PlayStation Portable version of the game due to the PlayStation 2 version's lack of online functionality, though the mode itself is available for both consoles. [3]

Game modes

As with the previous MotorStorm title, the core game mode of MotorStorm: Arctic Edge is the Festival, where the player participates in over 100 events spanning across 8 tiers. These events include various race series called "Invitational".

The other gameplay mode of the game is known as the Wreckreation Mode, which consists of various game modes, such as:

Vehicles

MotorStorm: Arctic Edge features a total of 24 vehicles from 8 vehicle classes, most of which are specially designed to suit the Arctic climate: Bike, ATV, Snow Machine, Buggy, Rally Car, Snowplugger, Snow Cat and Big Rig. Each vehicle is fully customisable, with a vast number of cosmetic modifications, such as liveries, spoilers, exhaust, and sponsor stickers. [2] [5]

Tracks

MotorStorm: Arctic Edge features a total of 12 tracks, alongside the reverse variants of each track. Some tracks also include numerous hazards within.

Icy bridges are seen during races in each track, and these will pose as a hazard for drivers below. While small, lightweight vehicles can easily navigate through, larger and heavier vehicles can easily disintegrate the bridge upon crossing it, thus causing opponents behind to tumble down the track, and will either be wrecked or receive some damage and drive off, if one of the heavy vehicles drives through while the other one behind falls down as the bridge gives way. Another new hazard, known as the avalanche, can be triggered by blowing the vehicles' horns, or by explosions from vehicles. The avalanche will then strike away opponents caught along the way. The amount of snow also increases as racers drive up the mountain, which would cause the surface to become more slippery for vehicles. [2] [6]

Development

MotorStorm: Arctic Edge for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2 was confirmed by Sony Computer Entertainment and was not developed by Evolution Studios who had previously developed the past two titles but instead by Bigbig Studios. Prior to that rumours of a PlayStation Portable edition of the previously PlayStation 3 MotorStorm had been swirling due to a tip by a staff member of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in November 2008. [5]

Reception

The PSP version received "generally favourable reviews", while the PlayStation 2 version received above-average reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [7] [8] In Japan, where the former version was ported for release under the name MotorStorm Raging Ice (モーターストーム レイジングアイス, MōtōSutōmu Reijingu Aisu) on 1 November 2009, Famitsu gave it a score of 29 out of 40. [12]

Related Research Articles

<i>Smugglers Run</i> 2000 video game

Smuggler's Run is a video game developed by Angel Studios and published by Rockstar Games as a launch title for the PlayStation 2 on October 26, 2000. In the game, the player plays as a smuggler who has a number of different vehicles at his disposal including dune buggies, rally cars, and military vehicles. The vehicles are used to smuggle assorted cargo through three different large, open levels. The game, which was an early release for the Sony PlayStation 2, features career and 1- to 2-player arcade modes.

<i>Shadow of Memories</i> 2001 video game

Shadow of Memories is a mystery adventure game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and published by Konami. Originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001, it was later ported to Xbox and Microsoft Windows in 2002. A PlayStation Portable version was released on October 1, 2009 in Japan and on January 26, 2010 in North America.

<i>Midnight Club: Street Racing</i> 2000 video game

Midnight Club: Street Racing is a 2000 racing video game developed by Angel Studios and published by Rockstar Games. The game focuses on competitive street racing and the import scene. The game was released for the PlayStation 2 and Game Boy Advance platforms, the former being a launch title for the platform. It is the first game in Midnight Club franchise, followed by Midnight Club II.

<i>MotorStorm</i> (video game) 2006 video game

MotorStorm is a 2006 racing video game developed by Evolution Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Announced at E3 2005, the game was released in Japan on 14 December 2006 and worldwide in March 2007. MotorStorm has sold over 3 million units. Two sequels were made, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift in 2008, and MotorStorm: Apocalypse in 2011. Another game was also created, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge, for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. As of January 2012, the online multiplayer servers for the game have been permanently shut down.

<i>Test Drive Unlimited</i> 2006 video game

Test Drive Unlimited is a 2006 racing video game developed by Eden Games and published by Atari for Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. Atari Melbourne House developed the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions. Being the eighteenth entry in the Test Drive series, Unlimited serves as a reboot of the franchise, discarding the continuity of the previous games. The game features over 125 licensed sports cars and motorcycles and the terrain is modeled after the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu that features over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of roads and highways.

<i>R: Racing Evolution</i> 2003 video game

R: Racing Evolution is a racing video game released on the GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox by Namco. It is a spin-off of the Ridge Racer series. Unlike the latter, the game uses licensed racecars rather than fictional vehicles featured in the franchise. The Xbox version is not compatible with Xbox 360. The GameCube version features Pac-Man VS as a separate disc.

<i>Virtua Tennis 3</i> 2006 sports video game

Virtua Tennis 3, known in Japan as Sega Professional Tennis: Power Smash 3, is the second arcade game sequel to Sega's tennis game franchise, Virtua Tennis. The arcade version of Virtua Tennis 3 is powered by the PC-based Sega Lindbergh arcade system board. Ports for the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 consoles are also available with a traditional collection of tennis minigames that the home versions of Virtua Tennis are known for. In 2009, Sega updated and re-created Virtua Tennis 3 in Virtua Tennis 2009.

<i>Arctic Thunder</i> 2000 video game

Arctic Thunder is a snowmobile racing game developed by Midway Games. It was released as an arcade game, as well as on the Sony PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles, and was a launch title for the latter. In the arcade version of the game, jets blow cold or hot winds, depending on the setting, in the player's face during gameplay. Arctic Thunder is part of Midway's Thunder series, which also included Hydro Thunder, 4 Wheel Thunder, Offroad Thunder, and Hydro Thunder Hurricane. The Xbox version of this game is not compatible with the Xbox 360. A Dreamcast port was also planned but was cancelled due to sagging sales of the console.

<i>Lotus Challenge</i> 2001 video game

Lotus Challenge is a racing game developed by Kuju Entertainment and published in 2001 for PlayStation 2 by Virgin Interactive. Versions followed for Windows, GameCube, Xbox, and mobile phones from different publishers.

<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> (2003 video game) 2003 video game

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a beat 'em up video game developed and published in 2003 by Konami, based on the 2003 TV series.

<i>Heatseeker</i> (video game) 2007 video game

Heatseeker is a combat flight simulator video game for the Wii, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable game systems developed by IR Gurus and published by Codemasters.

<i>NBA 07</i> 2006 basketball video game

NBA 07 is a basketball video game which was released on September 26, 2006. It was developed by San Diego Studio for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable versions and by A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games for the PlayStation 2 version. It is the second installment of the NBA series by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the first one for the PlayStation 3. It was one of three PlayStation 3 titles released at launch that supported the 1080p high definition video output. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers served as the cover athlete.

<i>Dave Mirra BMX Challenge</i> 2006 video game

Dave Mirra BMX Challenge is a racing video game by Crave Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable and later for the Nintendo Wii. It was the only entry in the Dave Mirra series released by Crave Entertainment after the previous publisher, Acclaim Entertainment, filed for bankruptcy in 2004, and the final entry in the series overall.

<i>Super Stardust HD</i> 2007 video game

Super Stardust HD is a downloadable multidirectional shooter released for the PlayStation 3 by Sony Interactive Entertainment, developed by the Finnish company Housemarque. In Asian regions, it is known as Star Strike HD. In 2015, a port for the PlayStation 4, called Super Stardust Ultra, was released. In 2016, Super Stardust Ultra VR, a PlayStation VR compatible version that contains Super Stardust Ultra, was released for the PlayStation 4. It is also available as paid downloadable content for Super Stardust Ultra.

<i>NBA 08</i> 2007 basketball video game

NBA 08 is an NBA basketball video game developed by San Diego Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was released on September 26, 2007 for PlayStation 3 and October 12, 2007 for PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2. The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable versions of the game were developed by San Diego Studio, and the PlayStation 2 version of the game was developed by A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games.

<i>MotorStorm: Pacific Rift</i> 2008 video game

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift is a racing video game by Evolution Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3. It is the sequel to MotorStorm and is followed by MotorStorm: Arctic Edge for the PlayStation 2 and PSP, and MotorStorm: Apocalypse. The game was announced by Sony after their acquisition of Evolution Studios and it was released on 28 October 2008 in North America. The game sold over one million units as of 9 December 2008. As of 1 October 2012, the online servers for the game have been permanently shut down.

<i>NBA 09: The Inside</i> 2008 basketball video game

NBA 09: The Inside is a basketball simulation game developed by San Diego Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was released on October 7, 2008 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable versions of the game were developed by San Diego Studio, and the PlayStation 2 version of the game was developed by A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games. The game includes all 30 NBA teams along with 14 of the 16 NBDL teams.

<i>ModNation Racers</i> 2010 video game

ModNation Racers is a 2010 go-kart racing video game developed by United Front Games and San Diego Studio for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. User generated content is a central aspect of the game, such that it uses the same "Play, Create, Share" adage as LittleBigPlanet to convey its basis in online user-generated content sharing and level creation tools.

<i>Ape Escape</i> (video game) 1999 video game

Ape Escape is a platform video game, developed by Japan Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was released for the PlayStation in June 1999 in North America and Japan, and July 1999 in Europe. The first in the Ape Escape series, the game tells the story of an ape named Specter who gains enhanced intelligence and a malevolent streak through the use of an experimental helmet. Specter produces an army of apes, which he sends through time in an attempt to rewrite history. Spike, the player character, sets out to capture the apes with the aid of special gadgets.

World Poker Tour is a poker video game developed by Backbone Emeryville and Coresoft and published by 2K for Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in 2005, and for PlayStation Portable in 2006. It is based on the World Poker Tour, an internationally televised gaming and entertainment brand.

References

  1. Miller, Greg (24 February 2009). "MEGATON: Major Franchises Assault PSP". IGN . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 Ekberg, Brian (29 April 2009). "MotorStorm Arctic Edge Hands-On". GameSpot . Fandom. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  3. Roper, Chris (29 April 2009). "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Hands-on". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  4. Miller, Greg (19 August 2009). "GC 2009: MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Progress Report". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 14 February 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  5. 1 2 Magrino, Tom (24 February 2009). "MotorStorm Arctic Edge chills PSP, PS2". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  6. Simmons, Alex (3 June 2009). "E3 2009: MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Progress Report". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 6 February 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  7. 1 2 "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge critic reviews (PS2)". Metacritic . Fandom. Archived from the original on 15 December 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 "MotorStorm Arctic Edge critic reviews (PSP)". Metacritic. Fandom. Archived from the original on 5 September 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  9. Thomas, Aaron (1 October 2009). "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge PSP Review". 1Up.com . Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  10. Edge staff (November 2009). "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge (PSP)". Edge . No. 207. Future plc.
  11. Whitehead, Dan (14 September 2009). "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge (PSP)". Eurogamer . Gamer Network. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  12. 1 2 "モーターストーム レイジングアイス [PSP]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  13. Kato, Matthew (October 2009). "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge (PSP): PSP Debut Skids On Ice". Game Informer . No. 198. GameStop. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  14. BlaczarNicholas (10 December 2009). "MotorStorm Arctic Edge Review (PS2)". GameRevolution . CraveOnline. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  15. VanOrd, Kevin (30 September 2009). "MotorStorm Arctic Edge Review (PSP)". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  16. Gallegos, Anthony (11 October 2009). "GameSpy: The Consensus: MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Review (PSP)". GameSpy . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 27 January 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  17. "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Review (PSP)". GameTrailers . Viacom. 1 October 2009. Archived from the original on 5 November 2009. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  18. Hopper, Steven (21 November 2009). "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge - PSP - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 24 November 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  19. Bishop, Sam (22 October 2009). "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Review (PS2)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 2 June 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  20. Bishop, Sam (2 October 2009). "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge Review (PSP)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  21. miniblob (15 October 2009). "Test: MotorStorm : Arctic Edge (PS2)". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Webedia. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  22. miniblob (16 September 2009). "Test: MotorStorm : Arctic Edge (PSP)". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Webedia. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  23. "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge (PSP)". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK . Future plc. November 2009. p. 110.
  24. "MotorStorm: Arctic Edge reviews". MobyGames . Atari SA. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.