GripShift

"Since GRIPped and SHIFTed on to the next game"

The title and the score might seem inconsistent, but they arent. Gripshift isnt the kind of game that everyone will love (the writer being included in this collection of people). That said though, it is also very difficult to dislike it, as you have to appreciate what they have done here.

Before you can really criticize or compliment the game, you need to understand what it is. Its not a racer, and its not a puzzler, Its one of those odd games that cant really be labelled. This isnt as straightforward as Lumines which looks like a spin off of Tetris, this game actually is pretty difficult to label.

Primarily though, this game is a puzzler with driving physics built in to it. The objective on each puzzle track is to get to the finish line by the set time, collect all the stars, beat the other racer (in some cases), or get the generally incredibily difficult to retrieve Gripshift medallion floating somewhere in the level. It all works pretty well, and that has to be acknowledged.

With this point in mind, its time to dissect it

8 Gameplay - To get the aforementioned items, you have to drive over them, and make jumps and position yourself just right so that you are on the track. It is very well done and has compelling gameplay to grab you into the game...if that is your thing. The physics are like that of a stunt driving game, and you feel like you are flying on the moon sometimes when you are in the air. It can be good fun, once again though, if that is your thing

8 Graphics/Visuals - The game employs its own style of visuals. It looks kind of cartoony, and you cant fault the game for that, as this is the style they choose to use. They do a good job of pulling off the look that they are going for, so that is a credit. The car designs look nice, and the skins for the cars look impressive too. The unlockable characters and the clothes they were also look interesting.

10 - Replayability - You generally have to do each level about 3 times to be able to pick up everything in the level (i.e. complete it) and move on...this obviously adds considerably to the replayability of the game. Penguin bowling and the other minigames are also going to give the game an increased life

8 Diversity/Depth - You have a lot of different cars and drivers that you can unlock as you progress through the game, and you get a lot of different skins that you can use in the game. More levels become unlockable as you progress, so you will be there for a while, if not drawn in to try and find out what the next level is all about.

8 Overall - it needs to be said that this is NOT my style of game (knowing this will help you understand where this opinion is coming from). I was put on to this by a friend. That said though, i know a quality game when I see it, and this game is definately this. It has depth, is fun, has good visuals, and interesting objectives. It is also a lot better than most of the titles on the PSP at the moment (though this shouldnt be a factor in your purchase. This is a quality game and it could stand on its own on any system), and if you can get into this, you will be rewarded for your interest.

It would be a good idea to give this game a play for around 5 minutes before purchase though so that you can see if this is your style. This is the kind of game that you know straight away whether you will buy or not. It wasnt for me, but this is a title that deserves respect for what it is doing, and it does it well.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/09/06