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http://tech-gaming.com/2007/12/15/get-a-grip-on-gripshift-2.aspx
Every once in a while, a game appears on the Xbox Live Arcade that is genuinely worth our time/money/Microsoft Points. Last Wednesday’s release Gripshift is one of those games.
Much like the recent Live Arcade game Exit, Gripshift began its life as a PSP game. It was perfect for the platform- the load times were short, the graphics were fluid, and the gameplay was varied. Gripshift jumped onto the PS3 with slightly mixed results- the track editor was scrapped, and the game would suffer from an occasional screen tear. A patch would later fix the screen tear issue and shorten load times. (So if you bought the game at launch, delete and redownload). But how does the game fare on the 360?
Every race has three elements- beating the prescribed time, collecting all the stars, and grabbing the elusive Gripshift logo. Players can’t usually meet all three challenges on a single run. Luckily, the races are short and varied enough to make replays a diversion rather than monotony. Where Gripshift excels is in its track design- levels are imaginative, and ramp up in challenge gradually. Completing challenges opens new levels and unlocks cars and skins. What’s great about the game is that players always have something to shoot for- this is what makes the title so compelling.
What’s also impressive is the integration of the different challenges. While beating the clock involves normal racing gameplay, collecting the logos adds a bit of a puzzle element to the game. Players will have to analyze the level flyby to plan their attack and create a trajectory. Some of these puzzles are wickedly amusing.
Graphics are fluid with no problems in lag, framerate or screen tearing. Gripshift’s music falls into the electronic/house variety, and fits the gameplay perfectly.
Notably absent are any additions from the PS3 versions. What this title could have offered was a track editor that offered players the ability to trade their creations across Xbox Live. We certainly hope developers Sidhe are listening to this request; we’ll bank 400 points away for this pipedream.
We wholeheartedly recommend this game to 360 owners and well as any PS3 users who haven’t downloaded the game. $10 is a small price for this slice of gaming heaven.
Every once in a while, a game appears on the Xbox Live Arcade that is genuinely worth our time/money/Microsoft Points. Last Wednesday’s release Gripshift is one of those games.
Much like the recent Live Arcade game Exit, Gripshift began its life as a PSP game. It was perfect for the platform- the load times were short, the graphics were fluid, and the gameplay was varied. Gripshift jumped onto the PS3 with slightly mixed results- the track editor was scrapped, and the game would suffer from an occasional screen tear. A patch would later fix the screen tear issue and shorten load times. (So if you bought the game at launch, delete and redownload). But how does the game fare on the 360?
Every race has three elements- beating the prescribed time, collecting all the stars, and grabbing the elusive Gripshift logo. Players can’t usually meet all three challenges on a single run. Luckily, the races are short and varied enough to make replays a diversion rather than monotony. Where Gripshift excels is in its track design- levels are imaginative, and ramp up in challenge gradually. Completing challenges opens new levels and unlocks cars and skins. What’s great about the game is that players always have something to shoot for- this is what makes the title so compelling.
What’s also impressive is the integration of the different challenges. While beating the clock involves normal racing gameplay, collecting the logos adds a bit of a puzzle element to the game. Players will have to analyze the level flyby to plan their attack and create a trajectory. Some of these puzzles are wickedly amusing.
Graphics are fluid with no problems in lag, framerate or screen tearing. Gripshift’s music falls into the electronic/house variety, and fits the gameplay perfectly.
Notably absent are any additions from the PS3 versions. What this title could have offered was a track editor that offered players the ability to trade their creations across Xbox Live. We certainly hope developers Sidhe are listening to this request; we’ll bank 400 points away for this pipedream.
We wholeheartedly recommend this game to 360 owners and well as any PS3 users who haven’t downloaded the game. $10 is a small price for this slice of gaming heaven.