Since I have already covered the PSP version over at our sister site, I wanted to approach this review from a kids’ angle, as this is a kids’ site. Using my two boys as test subjects, I bring you ModNation Racers for PS3, the kids’ angle. We will hear from them directly at the end of the piece, but for now let me give you some thoughts as a parent who is also a gamer.
Also, as a note, the boys are huge kart racing fans already! This title is a bit more than just a kart racing game–it is a truly an exciting design tool, as well. You know those other kart racers, where you get sick of the tracks and sick of the characters? Well, that is not going to be the case here, because you can just go ahead and design more, or if you are not a good designer, you can download some from people on the PlayStation Network who may have a bit more talent than you in the design arena. And you know what my boys loved the most? The designing of characters, karts, and tracks.
Now, with the characters and karts, the six-year-old took control and could design both of them himself. He was also helpful with the four-year-old, helping him get the characters and karts he wanted. It was like a coloring book with unlimited pages; he was free to create and color his content. He made some cool characters and put his initials on the shirts and all that fun stuff. If he was not dragged away, he would design new characters and karts all day. Remember I told you that people also designed characters that you could download? Well, the boys had a great time downloading all different cool characters like Ash, SpongeBob, and many others. The boys had a bit of a tougher time with the track design, but that could be expected. The fun part, though, was that I was able to work with them, and we came up with some awesome tracks togther that we then raced. I have to say there are some pretty creative people out there, as well, because we downloaded some user-created content tracks that were top notch.
Racing was fun and different all at the same time. The ease of Mario Kart was not there, but it was also not hard for the boys to pick up the hang of racing after a few rounds, either. The drifting is a bit harder than some other kart games, but it also means that you have a bit more control. My six-year-old was fine after a few laps around the track, while our four-year-old still has some troubles with the tight turns. It is more realisitc, but that means a little more tricky for the younger ones in the house. The career mode is also very fun, with the cut scenes being pretty funny; what I really like, though, is that your characters and karts will be used in the cut scenes, giving you more of an immersive experience. The types of goals in career mode allow you to continue on easily if you want to get through the game, but also have enough replay to really get that last goal on a track unlocked. By completing goals you also unlock cool things for your creations.
The graphics on the game are awesome. Now, mind you, they are meant to be a cartoon style, but they are done with expertise. Also the explosions and the graphics for the weapons are insanely represented. The ability for the game to substitute your creations in the cut scenes and career racing mode is also a plus. Obviously a step up from the PSP version, but you would expect that. The audio is also on point.
The only issue any of us actually had with this game were the load times. When you have a game like this, I understand it can be hard to keep the load times to a minimum, but they did not make it. The game can be mind-numbing while loading. I wish they could have put in some cool cut scenes or something during the loads, or a quick little pick like the best-looking racer during that time, something for you to do as you watch the % of progress go up slowly. What this led to in our household was an increased amount of fighting between the boys during load times, because we all know brothers cannot help but fight during downtime.
If they had the load times under control or managed them a bit better, I would have called this game perfect. Even with the load times I will call it “near perfect” and say it would be a 9.5 on a scale of 10 for all those interested in numbers and keeping a score at home. The replay value is off the charts, as you can continue to make tracks, cars, and characters till the cows come home. This is a must purchase if you have a PS3.
Check out the video below of me talking to the boys about the game; this says more than my review ever could.
Note: ModNation Racers for the PS3 was provide to us for review by Sony
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
YouTube
RSS