Review: Blur

The comparison between Bizarre Creation's Blur and explosive racer Split/Second (reviewed here) is inevitable, especially given that they were released within a week of one another. For a genre that has become steeped in realism and accuracy (Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport both bestow these virtues), it's refreshing to see an arcade racer line up on the starting grid for a change. For two to emerge at once is quite a treat.

Besides the obvious driving theme, there’s another blatant link between the two new releases: destruction and mayhem. Both titles promise a fast paced trip down memory lane to the time when shunting your competitors off the road was the name of the game and actually winning a race was a mere afterthought.

Blur - brought to us by Activision of Project Gotham fame - is effectively a souped-up version of Nintendo's age old classic Mario Kart... but without the cutesy plumbers and turtle shells, and with a bit of Carmageddon and Destruction Derby thrown in for good measure. In fact, the developer Bizarre Creations bills it as Mario Kart for grown ups. And it does exactly what it says on the tin.

First impressions are mixed, however. Although it's fairly decent in the looks department, it pales in comparison to the aforementioned Split/Second - particularly with its dismal grey/neon colour scheme. Nevertheless, one nice touch is the inclusion of trademarked cars such as the good old Ford Focus or my object of desire, the Audi R8. And unlike the Gran Turismo games of days gone by, these cars take plenty of damage.

Unfortunately though, most of the ones I've encountered so far feel like they're being driven through treacle. The steering is heavy, and a little too arcadey even for my liking; attempts to drift around a corner normally end by smashing into a barrier and wrecking the car in the process.

The tracks appear to be nothing special either, although there is a vague attempt to replicate well-known locations dotted around the globe. And not the usual ones found in games either... One nice touch for someone that lives in southern England is the inclusion of local seaside town - and one of my favourite haunts - Brighton. It may not be a completely accurate rendition but racing past a pier and racing along the promenade means it’s reasonably recognizable. Other locales include Barcelona, San Francisco and Hackney(!) in London.

Get to grips with the clunky steering and unlock some of the better performing cars, however, and Blur really starts to grow on you. Ultimately, just like Mario Kart, this racer is all about the power ups that spring up around the track as you whizz by.

Unlike Disney’s Split/Second, the powerup dynamic is not confined to set points on each map and you always have a chance to wipe out opponents and improve your position. Icons pop up along your route and if you’re lucky enough to pick one up while being bashed into oblivion by your counterparts, you’ll unlock all manner of treats.

No self respecting game like this would be worth its salt if it didn’t include a Nitro, right? Well, Blur has the speed-inducing powerup, along with a few others:

• Shunt – a big red orb of power that can be fired forwards or back and homes in on your nearest rival. Especially great at the end of a race when you want to overtake and nick a higher finish.
• Barge – emit a surge of electricity from your car and send those around you spinning out of control. Handy when you’re surrounded and want to make a quick getaway. Can also be used to protect yourself from incoming missiles!
• Mine – exactly as you’d expect, this shoves a mine in the middle of the road in the hope that your unsuspecting foes will drive slap bang into it. Can also be shot forwards to take out people up ahead… careful though, you can still drive into it and wipe yourself out.
• Shock – mmmm, another nod to the days of Mario Kart, the lightening icon shoots bolts of electricity from the skies onto the unfortunate racer in first position. Whoever hits one of these slows to a snail’s pace for a few seconds allowing others to overtake.
• Bolt – this gives you control of several missiles, which you can use to shoot those ahead or protect yourself from incoming attacks.
• Shield – self explanatory and useful when your energy is running low or if you want to try to maintain your position in the run up to the finish line. Makes you completely invulnerable for a short period.
• Repair – another that doesn’t require much explanation but essential when everyone’s smashing, shooting or shunting you to oblivion. Replenishes your health and allows you to continue your carnage.