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Taking a different approach from the strategy titles the company is known for, Sony Online Entertainment is set to launch a pair of unique titles for the PSP in entirely new genres. The first is called GripShift, which offers an interesting mix of racing and puzzle solving with huge aerial jumps in massive air-borne courses. The other title in the mix is Frantix, a unique character-based puzzle title that should keep owners of the portable busy with addictive play and clever game mechanics. Join us as we examine these upcoming titles and find out why SOE is going to mean more than swords & sorcery this year. GripShift
You probably won't be able to find these the first time around, but should be able to find thew fastest route through trial and error. You can also use the numerous short cuts or glide over some areas to get to the finish faster. Players will also find a number of power-ups scattered throughout the game's levels. In addition, GripShift's sophisticated aerial physics engine looks quite advanced and should be the most impressive part of the gameplay. This system will allow for massive jumps over the courses. What's really impressive about this is that players can also steer their vehicle while they're in the air. Each level will also have a number of time consuming traps and objects, and players will also lose time if they fall of the edges of the track and have to restart the race from that point. Gripshift's control system seems like it will be easy to understand and master, allowing players to control their vehicles intuitively and concentrate on the racing itself.
Release Date: Fall 2005 Frantix
In addition, players will find a number of colored gems which they can use to unlock additional areas. Obviously, the game will benefit from the PSP's rendering abilities with beautifully designed, yet surreal and disorienting worlds to explore. The game's clever level designs and stucture will present a number of challenges including moveable objects, complicated walls and toll booths that will try and halt your progress. Your character will also need to avoid some of the deadly traps on each level such as lava and quick sand that will spell an immediate end for your character and the game. While the environments themselves will pose quite a challenge, players will have to watch out for the many devious creatures, since coming into contact with them will also cause them to suffer an immediate death.
Release Date: Fall 2005
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GripShift
is a hyperactive racing title developed by Sidhe Interactive and published by
SOE that's set to take players on a wild ride through expansive and somewhat
twisted level designs with kinetic action, several innovative gameplay modes and
multiplayer action. The courses are huge with loops, massive jumps, short cuts
different paths and more to explore. There will be plenty of depth in the game
with more than 100 different levels in four main themes, such as horror, that
should keep players challenged for a long time. The courses designs will play an
important role in the gameplay, since you're racing against the clock. While
some of the game's design is accessible, that doesn't mean it will be easy.
However, the game's approach means it will go beyond standard approach seen in
other racers, offering more variety than you'd expect it to. There will be
multiple modes of play for both solo play and multi-player action with standard
modes mixed with more creative areas to create a lot of variety and depth for
gamers. There will be standard point-to-point racing, as well as timed modes
where the object is to find the fastest way to the finish line, which doesn't
always mean a straight line.
Players
will be able to choose from one of six different characters, each with their own
unique personality and vehicle types. In addition to a robust single player
experience, players will be able to battle it out with up to four friends
online. Players will also be able to create their own courses using the track
editor feature and share them with others online. In addition to these standard
modes, GripShift will include several Bonus games including Penguin Bowling,
Bomb Pool, Soccer Crazy, Snaker and Ice Hockey which can be played solo or
online. From a visual standpoint, GripShift will take full advantage of the
PSP's capabilities with sophisticated environments featuring light-sourcing,
smooth animation in four main themed worlds. In closing, GripShift's unique
blend of stunt-racing, platforming and puzzle elements should make it one of the
more unique PSP titles on the market when it's released later this year. Add in
smooth controls, beautifully designed race-tracks and killer multiplayer action,
and this definitely looks like one to look out for.
Frantix
will include a number of gameplay modes for both single and multiplayer action,
where you can compete to finish the puzzles fastest, go up against a friend, or
try levels again to beat your best rime. Players can also unlock new world
themes, extra levels and other bonus items as they play through the game.
Judging by our time with the game, this looks to be an addictive title, with
straightforward pick up and play mechanics that make Frantix immediately
accessible, yet difficult to truly master. The game's polished visuals and great
animation will definitely give it a unique feel that should differentiate it
from the other puzzle titles on the market. Frantix looks like a solid addition
to any PSP owner's library, with all the elements present that should make it an
addictive and challenging title.