Huge environments to explore, each packed with vicious vehicles, brutal weaponry and unlockable extras
Sony's London Studio has a treat of its own to accompany the launch of the Sony PSP in Europe, and it's a take on what has been one of the most fruitful genre cross-pollinations since Spyhunter'the vehicular combat game.Imagine living in an oil-obsessed country, ruled ruthlessly by a figure known only as the Iron Lady. Nearly impossible, isn't it' Especially if you're British. Fired Up is a thrilling arcade style action fest in which you take to the streets of three cities in this nightmare future in a highly manoeuvrable armed combat vehicle. You are a freedom fighting member of the resistance who chooses to rail against short-sighted, resource wasting culture in the only way you know how - the reckless driving of a highly tuned car. Each city is crammed with jumps, ramps, and other exciting features, and you'll need to make full use of them if you are to avoid - and ultimately hunt down - your enemies. These are truck and tank-like vehicles that occupy the futuristic urban landscapes, and they are hellbent on your destruction.Your buggy is equipped as standard with a machine gun, but you won't have to wait long to try out other ordnance. Scattered around the environments are icons which allow you to'scavenge'weaponry. Keeping your pulse racing is the addition of the'Fired Up!'feature that gives the game its name: destroy specially designated lorries and you'll begin a minute long rampage in which you must blow up as many of your foes as you can find.Of course, the beauty of the new generation of handheld games is their focus on wireless multiplayer action. Fired Up is no different, featuring the usual selection of Deathmatch permutations, all with a Mad Max on steroids twist. On your own or with friends, this 97 octane game provides a welcome dose of arcade action to the PSP launch line-up.