Smash Cars is essentially a re-released, upgraded version of it's PS2 counterpart, equipped with HD capabilities and some new added features. It has finally made it's way onto the PlayStation Network and we've got our review all charged up and ready to go!
Graphics/Presentation: There isn't really anything bad about Smash Cars visuals, they are actually pretty decent. All tracks have you racing across a Mediterranean island and the levels look nice, but nothing that will have you jumping out of your seat with amazement. The game runs quite nicely in HD and the remote controlled cars have a fairly good amount of detail. Along with that, all cars can be detailed from the paint to the glass and everything in-between. As was previously stated, the levels are nice, but remain somewhat repetitive in nature as you're still on the same island and you'll often find yourself racing through the same areas time and time again. Smash Cars retains a consistently good frame rate offline as well as online but can loose a few frames when you throw some more opponents into the mix. Menus are easily navigable, though not all that deep nor inspired. One thing that really rocks is the intense feel of speed when you hit the boost and the screen starts to blur, gotta love it.
Gameplay: OK, from the get-go, don't expect all that much to do because you won't find much. The amount of modes in Smash Cars is fairly limited with only normal race, time attack and knockout events (think Burnout's Eliminator). This really is a game with the arcade fan in mind, fun for a quick hour every now and then, but nothing that will really get you hooked. Unfortunately, there is only one local to race through, the generic "Mediterranean" setting. Since there was an option for local, it seems that the developers have gone and held back content for later release which seems to be really bad form since you're already forking over $15 for the game. As stated earlier, the levels aren't all that varied and are more-so rehashes of the same areas with certain routes cut-off and others opened up. Once you start you'll have the monster trucks available which have great handling ,but relatively slow speed. As you progress and win races and events however, you'll unlock new classes such as the buggy and sports R/C racers which get progressively faster, but require much more skill to handle. Each class has four body styles, each with varying stats. (Acceleration, Handling, Speed and Strength)
The gameplay itself though is pretty fun and, at times, quite challenging. When racing you have the ability to gain boost by performing flips and spins while sailing through the air. This is done simply by hitting the jump button just as you're about to jump and rotating the left analog stick up, down, left or right. The more spins and flips you do, the more stars you earn which will charge your boost meter upon landing the jump successfully. Once you hit the boost, you will receive a big... and I mean BIG jolt of speed. You'll start rocketing, the screen will start to blur and you'll find it noticeably hard to hold a steady line as the slightest bump or hill could send you flying. This definitely adds some challenge to using the boost ability and makes it so that you can't just rocket through each race, expecting an easy win just from landing consistent tricks.
The online portion of Smash Cars is pretty darn bare, it's pretty much just straight forward racing with the ability to invite friends and race others online. Although bare, it was still kind of fun bolting past others online, and the damage factor for vehicles does add a battle element to the online play as well.
Sound: There's really not much to talk about in this area as the bare essentials are all here, nothing really stands out. The menus feature a speedy industrial/techy tune and the in-game soundtracks are rather bland. One huge positive for this game though, and one thing that EVERY PSN game should feature, is the ability for custom soundtracks usage. Yes, this is the saving grace of Smash Cars in the sound category. I quickly grew tired with the default soundtrack and switched over to my own tunes which definitely gave the gamer a longer shelf life. Thank you for that Creat and Tik.
Overall: Smash Cars is a mildly entertaining racer that's good for some quick fun, but won't hold your attention for very long. More content will undoubtedly be added in the future for this title, we just wish there could have been a bit more in this initial release, especially with the $15 price tag. If you're really into racers or just have some bucks to blow and time to kill, pick up Smash Cars, otherwise take a lap and pass on it. Now, this would more than likely have garnered a a higher score, but because of what you're actually getting vs. the price point, had to be held to a lower score instead.
