Combines high-flying stunt driving and unique puzzle-solving action in an all-out, pedal-to-the-metal driving experience.
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.