Motorstorm: Pacific Rift preview

Despite our misgivings about the MotorStorm it provided to be a huge success for Sony, sparking the inevitable sequel. Evolution Studios did a commendable job expanding the lifespan of the game through updates and new options, whilst correcting some of the evident technical issues. In MotorStorm Pacific Rift the racing carnival has left the sedate confines of the desert and instead strikes its pitch in new, vibrant, luscious surroundings.Once again eye candy is very much to the forefront, featuring expansive areas and a pleasing amount of detail. The recent demo release confirmed that Pacific Rift is an evolution of the MotorStorm brand, rather than being the clean sweep that we at Gamestyle prefer to see. The only track on the demo was basically just the first track from the original revamped, with lots of tropical vegetation, not an inspiring demonstration or leap forward.So apart from this pleasing air of familiarity, what else can we expect from Pacific Rift? Again, it is pitching a strong online presence, with up to twenty players in a scramble to the finish. The community will be delighted with the inclusion of leader boards, statistics and matchmaking options. Evolution will also be repeating the strong support that made the original a success with more downloadable content including vehicles, tracks and new modes. An offline four player split screen mode is also included for those that wish to avoid the online cheating.Apart from these features Pacific Rift will include sixteen multi-route tracks and the same reliance on physics carnage for those that stray off the racing line. It is shaping up to be an experience that offers more in terms of content and options, but never bringing anything new to the series. If you enjoyed the first game, then Pacific Rift will once again threaten to entertain and the PlayStation 3 does not yet have a strong library of racing titles. Yet for Gamestyle given the current climate, there are more worthy potential purchases in the run up to this Christmas.