Gamers PS3 Review of Baja: Edge of Control
Screenshots
The best parts (4 out of 5)
2XL Games did a good job designing the courses and races to each be different and yet challenging and engaging for the senses. I use a gaming chair that adds to the experience wonderfully, but you’ll be engrossed and on the edge of your seat even without one.
The split screen option for up to four in the multiplayer mode was the most challenging and fun, there’s nothing as challenging as playing against a human opponent who might do anything and who can learn as they drive.
The parts that need improvement (4 out of 5)
Game needs another level of easy difficulty, the easy difficulty level is actually very hard, and then it gets difficult.
The presentation should probably be better, considering the PS3 should have more processing power, than the Xbox 360, and the amazing graphcial presentation of PS3 titles, like Killzone 2 and Drake’s Fortune.
The graphical story (3 out of 5)
The graphical presentation is only okay, it lacks details when your just sitting still, but when you start moving it looks a little better. The edges of some of the screens are kind of jagged, which didn’t go away when I fiddled with the resolution.
The frame-rate of the PS3 version isn’t as good as the Xbox edition, but unless you put them side by side, you’ll be too busy having fun to notice.
The sound in the game (4 out of 5)
The mellow sound track is okay, but it never really gets up to speed during the racing, just looping around constantly, which becomes monotonous after awhile.
The sound effects are good and consist mainly of nice sounding engines, spectacular crashes and jumps, and the sound of the mechanics helicopter coming to fix your car, yet once again.
Playability (4 out of 5)
Lots of nice and entertaining vehicles to try in the nine classes of off-road vehicles; 4x4, open wheel, unlimited VW, mini truck, full-size truck, class 1, unlimited trophy truck, and the bonus class. You won’t even notice that they omitted enduro bikes and 4x4 quads, which is too bad, I was looking forward to trying on.
Baja: Edge of Control includes a single player mode, multiplayer mode in a neat split-screen design for up to four people, a nice career mode, and a free mode that lets you wander around the 25 square miles of wonderful mountain desert vistas.
The races are really endurance affairs that can last for hours, so need to manage your vehicle and keep it in tact, or you won’t make the finish line. You will start in the lowest race class, and will need to race your way to the top, but the reward system works wonderfully and is one of the most balanced parts.
The damage and repair management system works well and adds an element of reality to the endurance race, you will need to learn how far you can push each vehicle to get the most of out it. The damage is a little disjointed also, the vehicle to vehicle damage seems more cosmetic than the damage you receive from jumps, bumps, and your driving style.
2XL Games did add one interest addition that helps to keep the entertainment going, when the next course is loading, you’ll be treated to game tips that will teach you driving techniques.
The controls work well and have enough freedom of movement for both notice and expert drivers to enjoy the driving experience Baja: Edge of Control provides.
The AI path-finding sometimes won’t recognize your car and will try to go right through you, other than this they are aggressive, but will make driving mistakes you can take advantage of and also take short cuts.
There are an amazing amount of upgrades you can make also, and you don’t have to be a mechanic to understand them, but if you’re you will love the fantastic variety in Baja for changing and manipulating your vehicle. The designers provided explanations for the upgrades, details on the vehicles to check out, so there’s lots for the car enthusiast to do.
The final mark (4 out of 5)
The PS3 version of Baja isn’t as polished as the Xbox 360 version and has a difficult learning curve, and very challenging game play, if you want to win. The races can become very engaging, even as you tire after hours of racing in a rugged desert environment. Still a fun ride down a desert road for most though, especially gamers who love a good race, no matter the environment, will love the variety in all the important parts.
