Blur Car Racing Review – Xbox360, PS3, PC

Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

PC REQUIREMENTS

Processor: Core 2 DUO 2.0 GHZ or Better

Memory: 1GB(XP), 2GB(Vista/7)

Video Card: 256 MB, SM 3.0

Hard Drive: 14GB Free

Delivering a different take on the racing genre, Blur heralds itself as a kart racing game for adults, complete with stunning visuals, real-world locations and licensed cars from the top manufacturers around the world. While this unique idea may not appeal to all gamers, Blur is one racing game that promises to be loads of fun.
The game’s single player career mode gives you several options to progress throughout the game and acquire lights” and “fans” from each race, which are necessary for progress; lights are awarded for completing challenges and finishing the race in the top three, while fan points are earned by performing flashy manoeuver such as drifts and takedowns on the track. Progression is not very difficult in the game, as there are plenty of events and opportunities that open up to you in a short span from the nine groups that you play through. Game modes are divided into races, checkpoint runs and event types such as destruction, with a one-on-one race pitted against a rival at the end of each group. Defeating these rivals opens up new rides and upgrades at the game’s Mod Shop – a place where you can customise your vehicle and/or player. The courses are spread across different locales with unpredictable jumps, open tracks and power-ups. Vehicle lineup in the game exceeds 70; some are original designs by Bizarre Creations and around 55 models are by renowned manufacturers. The game’s multiplayer is a lot like the Call of Duty series and is completely separate from the single-player game. Any events, unlocks and achievements you gain are completely discrete from the single-player experience. Played either online or by utilising split-screen for up to 4 players, the multiplayer aspect is loads of fun, allowing almost 24 racers able to compete in an absolutely chaotic single event.
Blur heavily emphasises skillful driving and strategic use of the various power-ups acquired on the track. These can range from simple nitro boosts, to bolts and shields to protect from enemy fire. The amount of abuse you can take is governed by a health meter that is replenished by picking up repair power-ups. While you have the choice of equipping three power-ups at a given time, your car can be outfitted with mods that enhance its overall abilities. The graphics are impressive, with a heavy usage of motion blur and neon lights. Although the attacks and crashes have some cool special effects, the overall bland texture of the environments stands out despite it all. Car models aren’t anything special, but small touches such as damage modelling and driver movement are much appreciated. Sound effects are excellent, with a licensed track list composed of rocking techno sounds. Both these features do well to immerse you into the game.
Blur is a game that you’ll simply want to play more because of what it offers. The peculiar combination of kart-racing mechanics with somewhat serene visual effects, strong emphasis on strategy and a wealth of racing options make the game stand out from the rest of the lot.

Ratings:

Design: 9/10

Gameplay: 8.6/10

Presentation: 8.0/10

Overall Rating: 8.7/10

Blur Car Racing Review - Xbox360, PS3, PC