ModNation Racers (PSP) Review

ModNation Racers PSP is just about to pull into the garage. By this time next week, you'll be waist deep in user creation, building your ideal driver from scratch and hitting the open road against some of the more dastardly wheelers out there. It's a cool game, but it can't maintain the same speed as the PS3 version.

That's not to say it doesn't impress. ModNation Racers thrives on creativity, allowing you to build a driver from a series of templates. From there, you can modify your kart to a certain degree and then build a track. Everything uses a simple user interface that never bogs you down with complicated instruction. On the other hand, compared to the PS3 tools, it comes up just a bit short, with only a handful of different templates.

Once you've built stuff, you're ready to race. For the most part, ModNation Racers feels like a genuine kart-racing experience, complete with offensive weaponry (rockets, lightning bolts) and a cool defensive tactic, via a shield. You utilize this to deflect incoming attacks and temporarily protect yourself as you try to hold the lead. There are other tricks as well, including boosting and drifting.

Although boosting comes in handy, drifting takes some getting used to. On PS3, it's nice and fluid. With PSP, we tried to get into the groove, but ended up hitting walls too often.

In addition, the game moves a bit slower. It feels more like a leisurely Sunday drive, and when you hit a ramp, the "whoosh" of excitement just isn't there. Sure, you can show off and earn a boost from doing it, but even that doesn't offer the requisite oomph.

Still, if this is the only version you can buy, you'll have fun with it. Like we said, the creation tools are good, and there are plenty of modes, including a single-player career and a multiplayer option, supported for six players through both AdHoc and Infrastructure.

As for presentation, Sony San Diego did its homework and kept right up with United Front's big brother. Even though the frame rate's slower, the game looks wonderful on the PSP, with fresh details on the roads and riders. We're also big fans of the audio, with great, peppy background music and the kind of upbeat, hilarious announcing that should be in every racing game. Seriously, we love these guys.

ModNation Racers on the PSP doesn't compare to the PS3 version, but it's a capable kart racer with hours' worth of content to wade through and online options. It may not be the finest ride out there, but it sure beats hauling ass in a jalopy.

Review courtesy of GamePlayBook.