Review: ModNation Racers

DualShockers

By Josh Wright

Published Jun 7, 2010

ModNation Racers

I can't help but feel like I'm playing Mario Kart part deux when firing up ModNation Racers on the Sony PSP. With the same basic racing concept, it's hard not to think of the Nintendo classic. The only real difference is the fact you can design your own tracks, carts, racers, and etc. ModNation Racers is the newest game in the Play, Create, Share line of games from Sony. Little Big Planet started the trend and with the addition of the racing genre, looks as though there is no end to what gamers will be able to create in the future.

The game itself is fun to play. With the ability to create the track itself, the player can make the game as easy or difficult as he or she wants. Add all sorts of obstacles to maneuver around as you drift race against the computer or online against your friends. The possibilities are endless and will remain so as Sony plans to keep the DLC coming. Characters from other games will also make guest appearances on the game such as Kratos from God of War.

ModNation Racers also gives gamers the ability to create their own racer and upgrades are available as you progress in the game. You can pretty much achieve any look you want. All you have to do is let your mind wander and the engine will do the rest. Cart creation can also be fun and many styles are available to choose from. You want the classic Go-kart style? Maybe have your car in the mold of a classic vehicle? You can do it all. Simple enough for the young gamers to get a kick out of it and detailed enough that older gamers will have fun with it too.

Controls are very similar to Mario Kart, giving you more of the fun factor instead of the competitive style of racing that most gamers are accustomed to. You won't find many rules to be broken in ModNation Racers. What you will find is a game that can be a break from all of your serious racing games. Just hop on your kart and race as much hell as you possibly can on a track that you designed yourself.

Gamers can also play online against other Mod racers who bring their own style to the track. The multi-player concept is straight forward and to the point. No communication with your fellow competitors, but playing against someone you know is always fun, but having the ability to trash talk that person is usually the highlight of the game. All in all, ModNation Racers for the PSP is a fun game, but the replay value diminishes every time you play it. Having a kart racing game for the PSP is a great idea. Maybe DLC will keep it going for as long as Sony is hoping for.