Every
time I see an RC based video game I get excited with the hopes
of a simulation style game, but I seem to be continually disappointed.
This time is not unlike the others. I've come to the basic understanding
that if I want a simulator, I need to buy a simulator. Smash Cars
is set up with the same perspective as most racing style video
games, except the vehicles you are controlling look like radio
controlled vehicles.
After
playing the game with my sons over the weekend I had forgotten
about being disappointed and was focusing on the fun we were all
having. Let's take a look into the new PlayStation3 game they
call "Smash cars".
Name: Smash Cars Price: $15.00 PlayStation online network Format: PlayStation 3 Players: 1 Player Locally and 6 Players online Rated: E, for everyone
Controls
The
controls menu allows you to choose from four different controller
configurations to suit your liking. I used setup number one for
the entire game. In this control setting the right index finger
controls the gas, the left index finger controls reverse, the
right thumb controls boost and jump, and the left thumb controls
the steering. This setup was very comfortable and allowed for
quick reactions.
Game
play
The
object of the game is obviously to win races while unlocking new
vehicles and more options to customize them. When starting the
game for the first time you are only allowed one vehicle, a monster
truck. The monster truck is the slowest of the three types of
vehicles but it is also the most stable and predictable. Winning
races allows you to unlock two more types of vehicles, the buggy
and the sport buggy. The buggy is the second fastest while the
sport buggy is the fastest. Keep in mind that the faster the vehicle
is, the more difficult it is to control. I found the most enjoyable
vehicle to drive was the buggy with the mustang body on it. Yes,
putting a different body on each vehicle makes it handle differently.
In order to finish a race in first place, you must use a lot of
quickly depleting boost. Boost is a treasured resource. There
are several ways to gain boost, the first is to do flips while
jumping. The good thing about that is you don't have to go "over
a jump" to jump. You can push the jump button at any time and
the vehicle will bunny hop. At first I thought that was kind of
dumb. Hydraulics on an RC? I soon learned to appreciate it. You
can never have too much boost. While in the air, pull back on
the control stick to do flips, push side to side to rotate, or
push diagonally to do both. Higher levels of boost are earned
when you do a combination flip and spin. The more dangerous the
jump, like over a hole in the dock, the more boost you earn. Other
daring feats will earn boost as well, such as driving under a
moving full size vehicle. Another way to gain boost is to hit
certain things, like knocking fishermen off the dock. It's really
fun watching that dude fall in the water. Boost is also
earned by passing the start/finish line and running your opponents
off of the track. After all, this game is called smash cars!
Star points are also earned the same way as the boost. Points
are used to unlock the different types of vehicles, Different
bodies, paint options, and decal options. There's not really much
you can do when it comes to custom paint jobs. The game will allow
you to change the color of the body, color of the decal, and color
of the windows. I would really like to see an airbrush option
or something similar, but unfortunately there's nothing like that.
The different types of bodies actually make the vehicles handle
differently. This includes speed, traction, and durability. This
allows you to customize your vehicle to the track conditions.
Time challenges are at each level and require perfect runs to
complete all laps required in the specified amount of time. This
is where persistence is a necessity. When you're not gaining boost,
you're using it.
On
screen dynamics
The
vehicles movements are very smooth. The graphics are a little
cartoony for a PS3 game but are still adequate. The overall dynamics
of vehicle control and reactions are good. I understand they wanted
the cars to react realistically but it's kind of annoying when
a crack in the dock causes the sport buggy to fly off the track.
The monster trucks handle really well but are slow. The buggies
handle well too and are fast enough to win races as long as you
make use of the boost. The sport class cars on the other hand
are very difficult to control. I thought with a little practice
I could master them, but when you hit boost, hold on for the ride
because it's wild.
The
faster you are traveling when running into something the more
likely you are to break or influence it. Some good examples of
that are the glass bottles and the fisherman. Ah yes, the fisherman.
Knocking him into the water was definitely the coolest part of
the game for my younger son. If you want to hear your kids laugh,
let them knock that guy into the ocean. Be careful though, lack
of speed will just upset him and he'll pick you up and throw you.
Jumps with flips are easy to execute and land. While in the air
you have the option to flip, rotate, or do both at the same time.
Landings are equally successful straight or sideways.
Drifting around the corners can be achieved be applying the brake
for only a second, steering, and applying gas. If the brake is
held too long or you accidently over compensate the steering,
the car acts strangely and runs into the wall or barrier. Damage
occurs to the vehicles when you crash multiple times. Smoke and
sparks start to fly and the engine makes odd noises. If you continue
to crash into obstacles your vehicle will eventually burst into
flames and game play is over.
Check out the RCUniverse logo on the signage in
the game.
If you're looking for a simulator style game where the driver's perspective is from the driver's stand then this game is not for you. If you're looking for a racing game with the added bonus of staring at the back of an Rc car, then this is your game. With that being said, Smash Cars is lots of fun! There are a lot of little extras thrown in the mix like the car getting dirty when driving on the beach, running into people's ancles, bottles smashing when hit, RCUniverse billboards and decals, dogs chewing up the cars, and knocking in that dude fishing. There are lots more, but figuring them out is half the fun of playing.
I asked my two boys to rate this game. On a scale of 1 through 10, one of them said 8 and the other said 10. Those are really good ratings coming from them, they're pretty tough critics. I myself would give it a rating of 7. That's because there is no two player mode without the use of a network and my heart was set on a simulation style game.
Are you competitive, persistent, focused, and love racing style video games? If the answer is yes, then you'll have fun with this game.
it be fun for the younger ages. I own the game for the ps2 and maybe played it for a week. it's cool that rcu made it into the game industry, but I wish it would of been a different game. thanks peace
The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in products like the one featured in the review.
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