When Sony released a slew of 3D demos for the PlayStation Network a couple of months back, among them was a one-stage offering from Motorstorm Pacific Rift. We were so impressed by it that we were left to speculate whether Sony would give the full game a similar treatment, even with Motorstorm Apocalypse in the works. Well, good news – sort of. The company has fulfilled that request with Motorstorm 3D Rift, a ten-stage demo that lets you roar through tropical locations in the third dimension.
It’s nice to have something to play while we wait for Motorstorm Apocalypse.
Obviously, the main reason for this game’s existence isn’t to sell everyone on the game’s original release, Pacific Rift. That racer has been out for over a year and a half now, and whoever wanted to run through it has probably already done so. No, the reason for this demo is a technical standpoint – it’s all about racing in 3D. We managed to get several runs in with this effect turned on and, to be quite honest, it’s simply dazzling. We utilized a fully functional Bravia TV (with glasses) and accessed the 3D option right there on the menu (it activates automatically through the PS3 connection).
Really, watching this race come at you in high-definition 3D is really something. All of the ten tracks included here are spectacular, with rocks flying at you and cliff-side jumps given far more depth than you could ever muster in 2D. You can switch from a first-person to third-person view and back again, and no matter which one you choose, you’ll feel the pure rush of racing. The vehicle movement is utterly superb and the frame rate never sputters, no matter how crazy each race gets. We also like the selections made from Pacific Rift’s soundtrack, as they fit right in with the racing mantra.
So the question is, what if you don’t have 3D-compatible equipment? Well, it’s not a total loss. The game can still be played in 2D, but it’s similar to what you experienced in Pacific Rift a year and a half ago. In fact, take away the 3D effect and Rift feels like a glorified tech demo. That’s not to say you won’t get your money’s worth, as you’re basically paying a buck apiece for a vehicle and a track (there’s ten in all of each), but with the full game selling for about $20 now, you might want to hold off if you don’t have the electronics to back it up.
This in 3D? Hell yes.
Furthermore, there’s hardly any extras here. The option to play in 2D or 3D is about it. Don’t expect any extra vehicles outside of the default set, nor any kind of competitive multiplayer. This is strictly a solo affair, which is a bummer considering that a few folks will snag it just to take advantage of their new home theater set-up.
What it comes down to is how much you want the 3D effect. If you have the original Pacific Rift and are clearly intent with it, there’s no reason to purchase this one. However, if you just plunked down a few thousand on a deluxe Best Buy special and can’t wait to test it with Motorstorm Apocalypse, 3D Rift is a suitable ride worth kicking up mud with. And to think, that mud will actually fly in your face.
