PlayStation 3

GripShift

GripShift is the first must-own PlayStation Store title for the PS3. If you missed out on the PSP version there is absolutely no reason to miss out on the PS3 version. Sure, each title has their trade-offs but for the $9.99 they are asking for the game, it is hard to say no. Not only is GripShift the best deal 2007 has to offer, it is zany fun, in the best meaning of the term. Everything works and it offers a fresh gaming experience for PS3 owners who have played through their collections already. 2007 is going to have a tough time trying to dethrone GripShift DLX as a winner. For the price you won’t regret this purchase. As for stacking up with other PlayStation Store games? GripShift destroys the competition like a A-bomb on a field of tulips. Here is to hoping that the PlayStation Network pumps out more fantastic titles like GripShift.

Ihr fahrt auf TrackMania ab oder habt den Scramble-Modus in Rollcage: Stage 2 geliebt? Dann werdet ihr trotz des gekürzten Umfangs Spaß mit GripShift haben. Die verqueren Strecken fahren sich allein wegen der unterschiedlichen Spielziele mit jeder Umrundung anders und die weltweite Online-Rangliste kickt euch so lange in den Hintern, bis ihr eure Wunschplatzierung erreicht habt. Weil die Freude am Fahren so unkompliziert und motivierend ist, ist es allerdings ein Jammer, dass Sony Online den Editor sowie die zahlreichen Minispiele sang- und klanglos gestrichen hat. Gerade mit einer Community, die immer neue Strecken baut und ihre Zeiten ständig unterbietet, hätte man zeigen können, wie gut man gegen Xbox Live! gewappnet ist... Auf Dauer kann das abgemagerte GripShift leider nicht fesseln. Aber es lädt immer wieder zu einer schnellen Runde ein.

If you've played the PSP version of Gripshift, you probably won't shake the feeling that while fun, you've played this game before, especially since it's just a ported over game. The more than 125 levels is a marked increase over the handheld, as is the sharper textures and the boosted soundtrack, but many of these courses feel like only minor variations on the same puzzle theme. Plus, not including the track editor eliminates a large reason to replay the game once you've completed most of the goals or have become bored with the repetitive play.

Visually, GripShift stands up very well as an arcade title. It is visually appealing and the design scheme is superb. There is definitely a lot of fun to have here with 4 players online, but it will probably get boring playing by yourself. There is a lot to do and it should warrant a purchase to kart racing fans. I recommend giving GripShift a try.

While still flawed in many areas, GripShift on the PlayStation 3 isn't a bad game, and it's certainly more enjoyable and accessible than its predecessor. Sure, the presentation leaves a lot to be desired and the racing is lousy, but the puzzle stages are fun, and you get tons of content for your 10 dollars.

With some funky tunes and crisp 720p support and 60fps you have an almost perfectly formed online release. The one hundred and fifty levels (or thereabouts) will keep you going far beyond MotorStorm when its appeal has vacated your PlayStation 3. For less than a fiver that's great value, even if we did not enjoy the actual races themselves.

Gripshift is still an enjoyable game, it's just not as enjoyable as the PSP version which was released more than 18 months ago now.