MotorStorm: Apocalypse

Stimulating, frustrating and visually spectacular, MotorStorm: Apocalypse takes arcade racing to a whole new thrilling level.

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MotorStorm: Apocalypse is a racing game for PlayStation 3, and the fourth installment in the MotorStorm series. The game takes place in a fictional city in the escape from a massive earthquake, and features a variety of vehicles, tracks, and environments. Both single-player and multiplayer modes are available, allowing players to compete against AI or human opponents. The game was released in March 2011, but its release was delayed in some regions due to the earthquake in Japan.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

75%

Audience ScoreBased on 55 reviews

graphics5 positive mentions

The 3D graphics are mind-blowing and create an immersive racing experience with stunning visuals and chaotic environments.
The game offers a thrilling and addictive gameplay experience, with a variety of tracks and vehicle classes that keep players engaged.
The multiplayer mode is highly praised for its frenetic action and the ability to race with friends, making it a fun social experience.

Some players feel that the game lacks the charm and excitement of previous MotorStorm titles, describing it as not quite living up to the series' legacy.
There are reports of server issues and low online player counts, which can lead to frustrating matchmaking experiences.
The handling of vehicles can feel inconsistent, with some players noting that certain vehicles, especially bikes, feel less satisfying to control.

story
9 mentions
33 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The story in the single-player campaign of the game is considered somewhat contrived, with a "comic book" style linking the races. While it attempts to integrate a narrative about a city in chaos, many players feel that the storyline is secondary to the racing experience, offering decent cut-scenes but lacking depth. The campaign features three distinct story modes, each with a defined structure, but the overall sentiment is that the racing gameplay overshadows the narrative elements.
- “Ok, so this is still MotorStorm and the basic concept is still the same as before - although now we have a 'comic book' style story linking the races in the main festival mode.”
- “Each rider's story takes place over three days and each offers different perspectives on the tale of a city that's eating itself in increasingly spectacular fashion.”
- “There's a defined start, middle, and end, with each story bookended with mad dashes to and from the MotorStorm carrier.”
- “The story of the single-player campaign is somewhat far-fetched.”
- “Personally, I couldn't care less about any storyline tacked onto a racing series; they're decent enough cut-scenes, but completely passable.”
- “Racing games and storylines go together like slugs and salt, but Apocalypse has a crack at getting the two to play nice.”
graphics
5 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their beauty and chaotic charm, even on older platforms like the PS3. Reviewers highlight the fantastic art style, impressive track deformation, and the natural physics handling of various vehicles, contributing to an engaging and visually stimulating experience. The inclusion of comic-style cutscenes and a plethora of dynamic objects enhances the overall visual appeal.
- “Great fun game with beautiful chaotic graphics, even for the PS3.”
- “The graphics are fantastic and the variety makes it challenging enough not to lose interest.”
- “Track deformation is insane, with great variety in tracks. The physics handling of each vehicle feels natural, and the art style is great. Online play is a blast, and the comic-style cutscenes are a nice addition.”
music
3 mentions
33 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The music in the game, featuring a dynamic soundtrack by Klaus Badelt and renowned DJs like Noisia and DJ Shadow, significantly enhances the action experience. While some players appreciated the energetic composition, others expressed frustration with the option to lower the music volume, feeling it detracted from the overall gameplay atmosphere.
- “The soundtrack really helps enhance the action as well, composed by Klaus Badelt and top DJs and dance groups including Noisia, Elite Force, and DJ Shadow.”
- “In the previous games, you got a nice loud fast beeping sound. I know the screen starts to go red and the music can be turned down in the menu to compensate, but who wants to turn the music down in a game like this?”
gameplay
3 mentions
67 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of MotorStorm: Apocalypse is described as chaotic and engaging, with a thrilling environment where players navigate through a city in ruins. However, some users noted issues with offline gameplay, including a lack of clarity in track navigation and repetitive crash-and-reset mechanics. Overall, the game offers a mix of excitement and frustration.
- “I remember unboxing my first PS3 and playing MotorStorm; it was crazy as hell! Here we are in 2014, and I haven't played Apocalypse, so I thought I'd buy it second-hand considering it's only £6. I received the game pretty quickly, and the gameplay is just pure madness! I love it; it's an earthquake just messing the city up, and the buildings are your road!”
- “The vehicle range is great, and the gameplay will have you hooked. I've ordered the first game and Pacific Rift, as I think MotorStorm is such a great game.”
- “[Crash, reset to track, crash, reset to track... Surprisingly dull offline gameplay. Three devices still can't show where the track goes.]”