Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

MotorStorm: Complete brings the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled racing action of the original title back to life with an impressive array of vehicles and tracks. Players can choose from eight distinct vehicle classes, including agile bikes, powerful ATVs, rugged buggies, off-road trucks, and massive big rigs, each offering unique handling characteristics and strategic advantages. The core thrill lies in weaving through hazardous terrain—lava flows, rocky canyons, muddy swamps—and exploiting shortcuts that reward risk-takers.

What sets this re-release apart is the inclusion of all expansion packs previously available on PlayStation Network. Veteran players will recognize fan-favorite tracks such as Rhino Ridge, Helter Skelter, and Pipeline Prime. These new courses integrate seamlessly, adding fresh challenges and lengthening the single-player campaign. The additional content ensures that even those who completed the original will find unexpected twists and novel layouts to master.

Perhaps the most welcome upgrade is the newly added online multiplayer mode, unavailable in the original Japanese launch. With support for up to 16 racers, online is where MotorStorm truly shines. Lobbies fill quickly, and the chaos of mixed-vehicle fields racing through dynamic environments creates unforgettable moments. Leaderboards and matchmaking have been polished, meaning whether you’re in for casual fun or chasing competitive times, there’s a place for every racer.

Vehicle customization has also seen refinements. You can now fine-tune suspension settings, adjust gear ratios, and tweak nitrous boosts to suit your playstyle. These options invite experimentation and deepen the gameplay loop as you chase that perfect setup for each track. With dozens of paint schemes and liveries unlocked by completing challenges, personalization becomes both a badge of honor and a tactical advantage.

Graphics

MotorStorm: Complete runs on updated graphics optimizations tailored for modern PlayStation hardware. The original game’s vivid color palette and dynamic weather effects have been given a new lease on life, displaying in crisp 1080p. Textures on vehicles and environments feel sharper, and draw distances are extended, ensuring you can spot incoming hazards well in advance.

Environmental details are a standout feature. Lava pits bubble with glowing embers, waterfalls glisten under filament lighting, and sandstorms kick up particles that dance in the sun. These effects not only look stunning but also impact gameplay, as reduced visibility and slippery surfaces force racers to adapt on the fly. The dynamic destruction of trackside objects—fragments of fallen rocks, shattered signs, and spinning debris—adds to the sense that the courses are living, ever-changing arenas.

Frame rates remain rock-solid, even when 16 vehicles jostle through a narrow canyon or burst through collapsing bridges. The occasional bloom effect during explosions or nitrous trails accentuates the spectacle without ever feeling overbearing. Whether you’re dodging a mudslide or soaring off a jump, the smooth performance keeps you immersed and in control.

For aficionados of customization, the livery editor’s interface has been slightly refreshed to accommodate more decal layers and color options. Vehicles gleam under realistic reflections, and even small details like tire treads and suspension springs are rendered with noticeable clarity. This attention to graphical fidelity elevates each race from a simple contest of speed to a visual feast of off-road carnage.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven racers, MotorStorm: Complete embraces a minimalistic story framework, focusing instead on the pure thrill of off-road competition. You step into the role of an up-and-coming racer invited to join the fiery, no-holds-barred MotorStorm Festival—an underground event where survival of the fastest is the name of the game. The sparse narrative is conveyed through short cutscenes, voiceovers, and trophy unlock messages, all designed to maintain momentum between races.

This stripped-down approach places emphasis firmly on gameplay and progression. As you rise through the ranks—earning cash rewards, unlocking new events, and gaining access to higher-tier vehicles—the sense of achievement drives you forward. The festival’s “story” unfolds via branching race circuits, each introducing more punishing terrain and tougher AI opponents. It’s a lean but effective structure that keeps the adrenaline pumping without bogging you down in exposition.

Expansion pack campaigns build on this foundation, introducing new environmental hazards and localized mini-narratives. For example, the “Big Surf Island” track in an expansion hints at a clandestine military testing ground, while “Vintage Rift” evokes a long-abandoned jungle outpost. These subtle story beats add flavor without overwhelming the racing focus, providing context for why vehicles and terrain are as wild as they are.

Multiplayer lobbies carry a hint of this festival lore through map-specific intros and announcer quips. While there’s no branching dialogue or character arcs, the ever-present voiceover hype—celebrating epic overtakes, spectacular crashes, and race-winning nitrous boosts—creates a shared atmosphere that feels like being ringside at a gladiatorial motorsport event.

Overall Experience

MotorStorm: Complete represents the definitive edition of a beloved PlayStation franchise. By bundling every track, vehicle, and feature from the original game and its expansions, it eliminates the need to hunt down discontinued DLC. The addition of online multiplayer transforms a predominantly solo experience into a vibrant community playground, filled with rivalries, comebacks, and unpredictable moments that only human opponents can provide.

Replay value is through the roof. Completing the Championship circuit unlocks harder “Rupture” modes, time trials, and daily challenges that rotate content to keep even veterans on their toes. The robust livery editor and vehicle tuning options invite countless hours of experimentation. Whether you’re chasing perfect lap times, customizing the ultimate monster truck, or simply enjoying chaotic free-for-all races with friends, there’s always something new to try.

MotorStorm: Complete strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and depth. Novice players can jump into a quick race and feel the rush, while hardcore fans can delve into vehicle tuning, advanced shortcuts, and online leaderboards. The refined controls are responsive and intuitive, making each jump, drift, and collision feel weighty and satisfying.

For potential buyers, this package is a must-have if you crave high-octane off-road racing that never takes itself too seriously. Whether you’re dusting off an old PS3 or discovering MotorStorm for the first time on PS4 via backward compatibility, Complete provides an exhilarating, content-packed experience that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

null/10