Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Climax Group Incorporated
Players: 1-4
Rated: E for Everyone (Mild lyrics)
Release: April 24, 2005
Screenshots: Link
Written By: Matthew Prunty
Options: Single-player, Multiple players via a Wireless multiplayer connectivity
April 19, 2005 – The need for trills and spills are very common in the world of gaming. From adventure titles, to racing titles, to even sports titles, gamers have found it to be a necessity to be pushed or push the limits of the title and its characters. From that drive, some gain a sense of freedom or even accomplishment in getting the task done. When it comes to video games, all things become a standard, but there are a few instances where something emerges to capture its audience.
Climax, with the help of Sony, have always prided them on bringing the best that they can to the Playstation 2. In this instance, they are collaborating on the PS2’s little brother, the Sony PSP. The well-known franchise known as ATV Offroad Fury, which became a hit on the PS2, will now be gracing the PSP for its launch on March 24th. Pretty much seen as a port of ATV Offroad Fury 3 for the PS3, this title will garnish its own unique passion and flavor.
No cutting anything away from this title to make it seem less like it’s bothering, Climax is bring it all to the table. With more than 30 unique environments set across several different terrains (snow, dirt, mud, ice, water and grass) ATV wants you to experience everything that the pro ATV racers go through. They are also incorporating a deep roster with more than 20 different ATV’s to choose from, allowing you to have your own personal ride for this and that track.
Visually, this game will leave you in awe. With the combination of the high quality 4.3-inch LCD screen, and the near flawless graphics, Climax is attempting to portray the full potential of the PSP with this title. Though there are a few discrepancies; i.e. Graphics a little choppy in certain spots, and the fluctuating frame-rate, this title display a strong overall picture that will please games that love race, as well as, ATV fanatics. Even sound was closely monitored to ensure that all the crashes, bumps, motor sounds of the ATV’s, etc. are depicted in their truest aspects.
If you are the type of gamer who can fly through the single-player mode and gain access to all the tracks and ATV’s, you have few more reasons to continue play. From the standard race mode, you will also have access to freestyle and a career mode. So if you like to wile out with your vehicles, or just test their limits, you can do it with great ease and pleasure. As far as Career mode, there really isn’t too much to it, unless Climax is holding back a few details.
Not stopping there, you will also be able to play with several other gamers through the multiplayer mode via wireless connectivity. So you and several of your buddies can get together to thrash and embarrass one another with great ease. And if you want, you can partake in a few mini-games to test your skills on several levels.
At this point, it is safe to say that ATV could be one of the racers not be mist come the 24th, but can it stack up to Ridge Racer…only time will tell.
7.5/10
