MotorStorm Pacific Rift

 
8.3
very good
 

The Good

Twice the number of tracks as the original, Many course designs are utterly fantastic, Core racing is an absolute blast, Great multiplayer, both online and off.

The Bad

Inconsistent vehicle handling, Oversensitive physics.

The Bottom Line

The wild racing riot continues with the second entry in this fast-paced, down-and-dirty racing game. This second outing takes you to a solitary tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean, ready for a whole new take on no-holds-barred racing action through thick swamps, dense jungle, towering peaks and steaming volcanoes. Not just pretty backdrops to the action, these environments take centre stage in challenging players with everything in Mother Nature's arsenal. Thick mud, tangled undergrowth, swift flowing rivers, choking volcanic clouds and searing lava pools all test the drivers to their limits and beyond.

All of the vehicle classes from the first MotorStorm are here again: ATVs, rally cars, buggies, motorbikes, race trucks, mudpluggers and Big Rigs -- as well as the newly arrived monster trucks that climb, sprint and roll over any other vehicle in their way. 16 players can race head-to-head online and, for the first time in the series, racers can hit the gas in four-player split-screen mode.

Game Screenshots

Expert Reviews

GameSpot review logo
80/100
score

More content and clever courses make Pacific Rift everything you'd want in a Motorstorm sequel.

GameZone review logo
83/100
score

The game is entertaining and a visual treat. The development team did a good job building on the original title, tweaking what needed to be tweaked and leaving the core mechanics intact. If you are looking for a solid, off-road racer, this is a good bet.

IGN review logo
83/100
score

A worthy follow-up to one of the PS3's early must-have titles. It fixes a lot of the outstanding issues from last time out, including offering many more tracks, and the course designs are fantastic. The vehicle mixes are sweet, and there are a ton of even

Game Features

Stunning Tropical Environments -- racing locations set amongst the lush jungle, emerald lagoons and towering peaks of a remote Pacific island.
Robust Multiplayer Racing Action -- For the first time, MotorStorm Pacific Rift offers players the opportunity to challenge friends offline with four player split screen racing. Additionally, players will be able to challenge others online in races of up to 20 vehicles.
Additional Tracks -- MotorStorm Pacific Rift introduces 16 diverse, multi-route tracks to challenge even the most seasoned racers.
New Vehicles -- As the biggest vehicles available yet, a new monster truck class is available in addition to ATVs, rally cars, buggies, motorbikes, race trucks, mudpluggers, and Big Rigs.
Extensive PLAYSTATION Network Options -- Features include matchmaking, detailed stats and leaderboards, plus plans for comprehensive downloadable content including tracks, vehicles, tickets, game modes, and themes.
Attacking and Offensive Driving -- Players must not only try to win the race but survive against the other racers. Combat-like racing takes center stage as the vehicles are the weapons.
Cutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence -- A.I. analyzes the race and surroundings and reacts in the most realistic manner possible. Not only will the competition try to win the race at all costs, but the A.I. will react to situations realistically, such as locating the best routes and changing the level of driving aggression based on player actions.
Real-time Track Deformation -- Players will never experience the same lap twice as each vehicle will carve up the track in varying depths, making navigation of each lap different than the last.
Physics-Based Car Damage -- Players will break and destroy a vehicle's parts and panels during collisions with other drivers as well as with objects in the environment.
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Game Specs

Audio/Video
Custom Soundtrack, HDTV 720p

Console Link
Ethernet Broadband

Controllers
Dualshock 3 Controller, Headset

 

Memory
52 MB

Modes
Exhibition, Free Play, Multiplayer, Time Trial, Tournament, Versus

Online Features
Content Download, Custom Match, Friends, Leaderboards, Online Multiplayer, PS Network Compatible, Ranked Match, Trophies, Voice

 

Controller Functions

GAMEPLAY CONTROLS

Directional Button
Left/Right = Steer. Up/Down = Weight Shift.

Left Analog Stick
Left/Right = Steer. Up/Down = Weight Shift.

Right Analog Stick
Move Camera

X Button
Boost

Square Button
Horn. Taunt.

Triangle Button
Change Camera Angle

Circle Button
Handbrake

L1 Button
Attack/Ram to the Left

 

L2 Button
Brake. Reverse.

L3 Button
Toggle Player Names (Double Tap)

R1 Button
Attack/Ram to the Right

R2 Button
Accelerate

R3 Button
Look Back

Start Button
Pause Menu

Select Button
Reset to Track

 
 
Game Info
Platform:Sony Playstation 3
Release Date:10/28/2008
Publisher:Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer:Evolution Studios
Genre:Racing
ESRB Rating:--
Gamesite:--
 
Game Quality Ratings
Overall
8.3
Gameplay
8
Graphics
8.5
Sound
8
Concept
8
Difficulty: Medium
OVERALL
8.3/10
MotorStorm Pacific Rift
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