Gripshift

Gripshift Description

Driving and Puzzle solving. Not exactly a common combination is it? There's a bit of a revolution going on in videogames, though, with the release of the PSP and DS handhelds giving developers a good reason to haul themselves out of the ruts they've made their home for the latter half of the current generation. The portable nature of the PSP, not to mention its readiness to connectivise with other systems, has got the grey matter of developers whirring, and the action-packed excitement of Gripshift is just one of the concoctions the excited boffins have come up with. A high speed fantasy racer, Gripshift has an impressive 100 levels framed in four distinct graphical styles, and packed with alternate routes, jumps, ramps and power-ups. The emphasis is on the pick-up-and-play aesthetic, and the game aims to be able to deliver a quick dose of sweaty-palmed thrills on the go. The frantic gameplay has you rattling along looping, F-Zero-esque tracks, at the same time as solving puzzles and jumping between platforms. Players can choose from one of six characters and customise their vehicles, and once they've learned the ropes might choose to battle against other Gripshifters, over Wi-Fi connections that support play for up to four people. Change things up between races and challenge each other to one of eight bonus games including such stalwart party classics as bowling, soccer, pool, hockey and snake. The generous inclusion of a level editor adds a huge dollop of longevity and you can share the fruits of your labour with friends wirelessly, too. A solid common ground for those who fancy some impromptu PSP competition, Gripshift should be commended for playing to the machines strengths.

Original Combination of Genres - Stunt Driving, Platform-Action and Puzzle Solving genres combined offer the ultimate on-the-go driving experience.

Vibrant 3D Environments - Stunt through more than 100 diverse levels in 4 themed worlds (Desert, Jungle, Ice and Horror) that come alive with brilliant 3D graphics, stunning lighting and dynamic visual effects

Puzzle-like challenges - Multiple routes, short-cuts, loops, jumps, ramps, power-ups and dangers to avoid will challenge the most skilled drivers

Exciting Race Mode - Additional racing circuits provide action for players to race against the CPU or human drivers

8 Bonus Games - Penguin Bowling, Bomb Pool, Soccer Crazy, Snaker, Ice Hockey and more offer new challenges for you to conquer solo or with up to 3 of your friends.

Wireless Multiplayer Gameplay - Single player or multiplayer action for up to 4 players through the PSP system's wireless feature

Customizable Levels - Create custom levels with the in-game Track Editor and share them wirelessly with friends

Six Playable Characters - Play as one of 6 playable characters and customize your vehicles for a unique look

Intuitive control system - Optimized gameplay and aerial physics allow for awesome jumps with massive hang-time