|
|
|
| Scrap Metal |
|
| Xbox Live Arcade |
|
| Slick Entertainment Inc. |
|
| Microsoft |
|
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
Many people can remember the glory days of car combat games, whether you are a grizzled veteran of RC Pro-Am or seasoned Twisted Metal gamer, where there was more to do than just drive a vehicle around the track. Slick Entertainment is bringing us a game that will give you a bit of that nostalgic feeling when trying Scrap Metal. Can this new instalment into a classic genre cross the finish line or does it blow a tire with its 1200 Microsoft Point price tag?
Gameplay:
Scrap Metal offers an easily approachable style that will offer something for the casual gamer as well as the car battle enthusiast. There are two different types of controls that the player can choose from, easy and advanced, but both have their downfalls. The first offers the use of the left analog stick as both acceleration and directional control and the left trigger as the brake. The second uses the left trigger to brake, the right trigger to accelerate, and the analog stick to steer the desired direction. Sounds easy enough except there is a problem in using the analog stick to steer; isn't dependent on the basic right and left of typical driving games, but on the orientation of your vehicle. So the direction you turn is based upon where you are at on the screen. This can be very disorienting and will take a little time to get use to as you drift around the twists and turns of each track. The top down camera angle can leave you befuddled as well since it is zoomed in so far and doesn't give a large view of what may lie ahead. While the camera angle can be frustrating it is also part of the fun not knowing what is lurking around the next corner. Besides the standard four tires to a vehicle, each is also equipped with an unique weapon ranging from a spiked hydraulic ram to grenade launcher. There are also "special weapon" pick-ups that will draw many comparisons from games that have preceded Scrap Metal. Each of these pick-ups give you an added advantage like a temporary speed boost or setting a trap for those behind you (I particularly liked the spring loaded trap that shoots a car that drives over it into the air). Scrap Metal offers some minor customizations that include different paint jobs and quirky accessories like mattress' tied to the roof.
The single player campaign offers 8 different tracks that combine for 61 objectives where the goal is to reach for the gold medal. Scrap Metal does a great job at issuing a challenge while not being excessively frustrating throughout the entire single player mode. Each of the objectives in a level are different, but will be similar on other tracks. The game mixes up the goals each time and will have you trying to outlast a horde of vehicle bent on your destruction (think Maximum Overdrive by Stephen King) to an anything goes race to the finish line. There is some minimal customization allowed that is unique for each vehicle in the form of paint jobs and quirky attachments like a mattress on the roof of the car. Online and local multiplayer offers a nice diversion and will provide loads of entertainment competing in derby, race and king of the hill modes. Whether you are competing against friends or random gamers, it is hard not to take delight in the mechanical mayhem and quick "pick-up and playability" that Scrap Metal offers.
Graphics:
Track and vehicle design give the game its character and show some attention to detail to the little things like barrels on the tracks. While this personality shines in these two parts of Scrap Metal, the 2-D character models are terrible and are closer to something that could probably be found on the original Nintendo Entertainment System. The weapon animations, especially the flame thrower, are superb and gives the player the feel of actually inflicting mortal damage to others. Actual physical damage is shown on the cars and not just on the health meter and let you know that your once proud ride that now looks like a beat down hoopty is about to explode!
Sound:
While this music isn't something that you're going to download onto your MP3 player it blends perfectly into the game. Scrap Metal uses a rock and roll like soundtrack that amplifies the intensity and aggression of the gameplay. The sound effects of the weapons, collisions, squealing tires and speed boosts are rendered beautifully and give the desired effect.
Longevity:
The deep single player campaign and pure fun of local and online multiplayer give the game some much needed depth. Some of the single player game types feel a bit repetitive, but they mix it up well throughout the entire game. Scrap Metal is a game that can be played for 10 minutes or 2 hours and it is all determined by how much fun you are having. The online features give a little diversity and allow for custom, private or public matches and a quick play feature.
Overall:
Scrap Metal doesn't redefine this genre, but it does offer some unique twists that will entertain and challenge gamers. There are a few annoyances with the controls, but the overall gameplay and game options far outweigh these slight irritations. The graphics are done well enough to please gamers and add to the persona of the game. Sound effects may be one of the best surprises of the game and really immerse the player into the feel of the action. If the game didn't have any type of multiplayer (online or local) it would be a definite pass, but the online features run without any sign of a hiccup and provide extra delight for your need of "car"nal bedlam. Add in the considerably large single player campaign and Scrap Metal definitely will make the podium in your game library.
| Review By: Jake Lyons - Overall Rating (out of 10) |
| Gameplay: |
7 |
|
|
| Graphics: |
6.5 |
|
|
| Sound: |
8 |
|
|
| Longevity: |
7.5 |
|
|
| Overall: |
7.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
