When you think of console kart racers you instantly think "Mario Kart", and rightly so, it's an awesome Kart game and pure arcade fun. But now a new kid is ready to take that old-timer's ultimate kart crown. And that kid is ModNation Racers from United Front Games.
So what can you expect from this new racer by United Front Games? Well, if you can imagine Mario Kart mixed with Little Big Planet, you’ve got a concoction that is ModNation Racers.
So what's on offer in this game then? Well when you first start the game, you’re thrown straight into racing qualifiers to get you used to how the karts are controlled and what you can and can’t do. It goes over how to do boosts, use shields, weapons & how to drift. Drifting is vital. Drifting fills up your boost meter, that in-turn can be used for a short speed boost, and also a shield, more on that in a few.
There is a story in the game too. A young talented racer called ‘Tag’ (which is you) wants to race, so he gets himself into the ModNation Racer Circuit and is on a mission to be the best of the best, working his way to the top. Before each race there’s a cutscene with the two commentators, I love these two guys, they come out with some great one liners and add good slapstick humour to the game. Also they really hate working together, which adds to the great comedy. Even when you’re lining up for the race, they’re still insulting each other, it's quality.
The controls are really straight forward as you’d expect from a kart racer. There are a few things that you’ll have to practice a few times before you can perfect them, like drifting. There are some tracks which can’t and won't be won unless you’re a drifting king. It’s really easy to get used to and you can even change the settings to how responsive your drifts are which is a nice option for fine tuning to stop you crashing into the walls.
As I mentioned, the more you drift the more your boost bar will fill up and it comes in handy when you need to make up for lost time. You can also use your boost to sideswipe fellow racers into walls, off bridges into deep ravines etc to gain the upper hand. Your boost can also be used to activate switches which will open up shortcuts on later tracks. It of course also powers up your shield.
The ModNation AI can be frustrating at times and you will find yourself getting hit by your enemies from all ends, but this adds to the game and makes it a bit more of a challenge. However, if you conserve your boost and don’t waste it all, then you can protect yourself with a shield, but you have to time it right otherwise it’ll run out just before you get hit by other racers. The shield is a good idea as it can get a bit hectic at times, so make sure your boost is always full as you’ll really need it, trust me.
As for the kart weapons, orbs are dotted around the track for collection and unleash some anger on your fellow racers. A nice addition to this is that each weapon can be upgraded throughout the track by three fold. All you need to do is collect three orbs in a row and your weapon will reach its maximum potential. One of the most handy ones is the boost because when you collect three of these, you’re given ‘Warp’ which jumps you further on and puts you up the rankings a little further. You never know what weapon you’re going to get, so it’s just pot luck. Also United Front promise to add a few more weapon ideas in future DLC.
During your race, you’re given certain tasks, such as ‘Finish third’, ‘Get 5000 drift points’ etc. When you complete the tasks you’re rewarded with more items to use when you’re creating your masterpieces. In later races, if you complete all the tasks you unlock a Grudge Match race with one of the racers who you’ll see before the race starts and who usually finishes in 1st place, if you don’t that is, which adds a little bit more longevity to the career mode.
The game's real strength lies in the creation tools. You can create new Mods, new Karts and even design your own tracks. You can use different skin types for your Mods, plaster them in stickers, give them helmets, jackets, trousers, shoes whatever you feel like, very much like LittleBigPlanet. Also as in LBP, when you do create something, you can upload it for other players to see and use and even tell you how good/bad your designs are. I have made a couple of characters/tracks and karts, all of which have been downloaded and used by others ingame, which is a nice feeling.
Even from the very start of the game, the amount of things you can create is simply awesome, and with additional items being thrown at you left right and centre, there’s nothing to hold you back. When you view other user made karts/characters/tracks you will see many you'll recognize. I have downloaded Kratos, Sackboy, Mr.T, Ronald McDonald, Sonic, Mario and about 50 others. Also I have picked up karts like the Scooby Mystery Machine, Austin Powers Shaguar, F1 cars, A-Team Van and loads others. It really is limitless. And all 100% free.
To help you add ingame items, dotted around the tracks in career mode you will find tokens which can be used to exchange for new items. With between 3 & 5 on each track, it should keep you occupied for a while seeking these out.
The main hub for the game is the ModSpot, this is where everything can be accessed. Choose to race in career mode, online or mutliplayer. Head over to the Create Station and design new mods, karts and tracks. You’ll also be able to see the best 3 creations of mods and karts which are on a podium for all to see in the ModSpot, along with news bulletins of upcoming events and buy add ons from the PSN via the ‘Shop Station’ which include new Mods and Karts.
I have to mention the graphics. I love the style of the game, as I like my cartoons so appreciate these type of visuals. You will find the odd screen tear every now and then when things get crazy, but only sharp-eyes will notice this. A downer for me though are load times. The game takes a bit too long for my liking. They have already said they are working on a patch to cut down load times, but as of yet, nothing has been released.
Online modes are where the real action is. Each race will earn you XP and obviously, the higher you finish, the more XP you get and this will increase your rank in online races. Each race can have up to 12 racers and only needs a minimum of 4 to get the race started. Also up to 4 player split-screen is a big addition to a game that is ideal to such a feature. So multiplayer fun can be had at home and not just online.
And with all karts equal in spec, it's pure boost/shield/weapon and drifting tactics each and every race, so if you mess up, you only have yourself to blame. It's a great rush playing others, and the game has got its online pretty much spot on, so no bad things for me to say about it. Also future DLC has mention of a Battle Mode. Very much like Mario Karts Battle Mode. Bring it on I say, as that really is the only thing missing online for me personally.
So, to sum it all up, I’ve loved playing with ModNation Racers. Long load times are the only real gripe I have with the game, but it has annoyed me, which has knocked my score down a little. As I said, there is meant to be a patch coming out to solve this issue, fingers crossed. But once you do start playing, you are guaranteed to have great fun. The depth to the creation tools is nothing short of amazing. Races are fun and really push you to drive perfects laps and destroy anyone who gets in your way. So if you liked Mario Kart or are just looking for something new, then you can't go wrong with ModNation Racers.
So, does it take Mario Kart's crown? Well, Mario is the daddy of kart racers, but that's all it is, just a kart racer (although an awesome one). ModNation Racers is a kart racer and so much more. With its limitless custom mods/characters and tracks, its certainly a contender to the crown. I'll let you make your own call.
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