Introducing MotorStorm Apocalypse

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More than two years ago we decided where the MotorStorm festival should head next, and I’ve been itching to talk about it ever since. Now, as part of the global announcement, and with E3 just around the corner, it’s so exciting to finally be able to share some information about the MotorStorm Apocalypse.

MotorStorm Apocalypse

Here are some of the headlines…

You May Have Heard…We’re Heading to the City!

But this is no ordinary city. In the same way that the first MotorStorm was set in Monument Valley, and MotorStorm Pacific Rift was set on ‘The Island’, inspired by Hawaii and other Pacific islands, we’ve set this MotorStorm in ‘The City’, inspired by the West Coast of America, and, in particular, the Bay Area of California.

MotorStorm’s brand of racing is not about ‘going urban’ though. We all know that the lunatic ‘Stormers would take every expectation about street racing and turn it upside-down. So this is what they’ve done. Welcome to Brutal Urban Off-Road Racing!

MotorStorm Apocalypse

Post Apocalyptic? NO!

The city has been abandoned and somewhat damaged after a tremor. When the ‘Stormers find this out, they head straight in. Pretty soon, two things become clear: it isn’t completely empty and Mother Nature isn’t done yet!

Throughout the game the city will be ripped to pieces, in real-time, as you race. Routes will be affected, as will our emergent gameplay.

Buggies using collapsing walls as half-pipes. Big Rigs on the rooftops of skyscrapers as they collapse. Superbikes gunning into the basements of enormous rifts. Supercars flicking on their headlights to barrel through the subways and sewers. Multi-vehicle pile ups on giant bridges as they buckle and twist. Driving through someone’s office and smashing up their desks. It’s all there.

Two groups have also stayed behind, and neither takes too kindly to MotorStorm’s arrival. I’ll talk more about them another time, but for now I’ll say that when they realise there isn’t going to be much of a city left, they start to destroy it too.

This isn’t post-apocalyptic. It’s apocalyptic. You are there when it happens. It’s survival racing.

MotorStorm Apocalypse

Variety, Chronology and Depth are King

We’ve listened to everything people said about our previous games and, as a result, one of our priorities is to make a more satifsying overall game experience. In our single-player mode, every race is unique. When a building comes down it stays down. When you race a track again, the buildings will still be down and the MotorStorm crew will have carved yet more routes into the ruined landscape. The only time you’ll see the same thing twice is when you choose to. Underscoring this chronology is the fact that you’ll get to see the game from three different viewpoints.

Nothing annoys me more than the notion that an accessible action racer must also be shallow or plain dumb. So once you have experienced the single-player journey, the true depth of our title will come to the fore. Our overhauled ‘Wreckreation’ mode has been heavily influenced by the best online titles: from shooters and action adventures, RPGs and platformers. It features:

  • Sixteen player online multiplayer.
  • Four player split-screen.
  • Combinations of the two. Play with three friends in the living room against 12 more online.
  • Massive vehicle customisation. Change vinyls, vehicle parts, vehicle shapes and more. Upload them to the community site and share them with others. They automatically work on all vehicle types, and include your PSN ID.
  • Vehicle perks. Modify your handling, boosting and offensive abilities as you unlock new perks.
  • A wealth of rankings to progess through online with associated rewards and recognition.
  • Stacks of online rewards to earn and persistent progress giving the most determined and successful racers the status and recognition they deserve.
  • Persistent matchmaking. Keep your party together throughout your gaming session.
  • A Game Mode Creator. From a completely blank canvas you can design your own game rules and victory conditions, play them online, and incorporate them into tournaments.

Lots More

We’ve got a lot more to reveal too; things like replacing loading screens with cut-scenes that finally reveal what it’s like to be a part of the MotorStorm subculture, to changes to handling and boosting, to the five completely new vehicle classes making their way to this festival.

The end of the world…is just the beginning.

Let me know your thoughts.

MotorStorm Apocalypse MotorStorm Apocalypse

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257 Comments

19 Author Replies

  • I have never seen a racing game where the track changes in real time since the N64 days of “adventure beetle racing” which was one of my all time fav racing games.

    I LOVED motorstorm 1 and 2 (especially 2).. So clearly, I am EXTREMELY EXCITED FOR THIS GAME!

  • looks really awesome guys, played and own all motorstorm and love it. Pacific Rift was a huge leap from 1 and this looks even better. There are a couple of things you haven”t mentioned which i am intrigued about eg. Motorstorm Festival has never been accessible but looks awesome and would love to see that in the game – maybe some stunts or something as challenges there to increase variation. Also potential custom soundtrack (off xmb) would be cool. Loving the customisation and all but my main criticism at the moment is it sounds like it could get quite repetitive quite fast – if its limited location i understand there is a lot of depth to the level but can we see other locations? Possible DLC action? anyway loving the game if your intrested message me on PSN and ill happily contribute.

  • I would like to know whether there will be interior views for the cars?

  • Sony, you make too many great exclusives… gonna run out of money :(

  • The end is only the beginning?

  • LUNATICS UNITE!!!!!!!! .. nuff said

  • How about some more environmental real time effects like rain, snow, sleat, hail, TORNADOES, TYPHOONS, MUDSLIDES, AVALANCHES…..just throwing ideas out there. I love the series and have bought each of the last two Day 1.

    Please keep the customization features coming. Level editing would be nice as well. Keep up the hard work, the game looks amazing so far.

  • Wow! Could it get any better? The original MotorStorm is still one of my favorite games (although it’s not faultless).

    But I have one big question wandering around in my mind. With E3 coming up next week, and so many exclusives announced (this, KillZone3, inFamous 2) why didn’t you keep the announcements for the E3? Is it because you have some other stuff more amazing than these?

  • Looks awesome, but please fix the rubberband AI and overall just lower the difficulty. I finished all Gold in the first game, but in pacific rift the game just got way too hard. It’s the only racing game I’ve played that really just felt unbeatable, wasn’t a good feeling.

  • (PART 1)Yo! This looks amazing. I really enjoyed the first two motorstorms… (had some WR’s on the second one) , loved the DLC, and everything else. I’m still gonna buy this on day one, but I was dissapointed when and I know other’s faith in you plummeted when you denied support after patch 3. :( It’s fun, don’t get me wrong, but it’s glitch-ridden, tracks can be completed in half the time by cheating, going through fences is necessary for #1 on Quicksands and over 1/2 of the tracks can be glitched in some way. Random physics occur sometimes without explanation… (Search Lewis_Hamilton MSPR on youtube) and I wouldn’t say it’s perfect, but you’ve got everyone hooked again for the next installment. :) MSPR is still thriving, tournaments are being held regularly (THANK YOU FOR MODE CUSTOMIZATION!!!!) and I’m even hosting my own backwards racing league (creative, eh?)! I have some questions for you, however.

  • (PART 2)
    1. Are you going to run off on your customers without fixing other problems to build MS4? (lol)
    2. Are you going to test it well (PLEASE) and/or have a beta (wise IMO)?
    3. Will Speed Weekend be included but upgraded? (Loved it but nobody ever played)
    4. Will online be updated regularly?
    5. Will there be regular DLC? (Was PISSED at the livery packs in MSPR for not giving me a new skin for any of my favorite vehicles)
    6. Will there be vehicle restrictions in some tracks like MS1? (Please no)
    7. Will there be anything bigger than the Monster Truck (please no, online is a nightmare already for bikes. :( )

  • (PART 3)
    8. UPGRADE VIP.MOTORSTORM.COM Hardcore fans have created sites much better than yours. :)
    9. Will you sponsor certain tournaments and leagues?
    10. You mentioned “Play, Create, Share” earlier. I’m hooked on MNR currently, will there be a track creator? Can you make your driver and car?
    11. Mode Customization- some specific features please? :)
    12. My friends usually enjoy playing MSPR when we hang out at my house, and they even have their own account on my PS3. Can they earn trophies and stats while playing splitscreen online on my account?

    Oh, and I would like to bring up a moment when eb4tiky5ef79o took EVERY SINGLE RECORD in MSPR. You’ve GOT to have something named after him. (Maybe Cirrus5005 as well.)

    Thanks. :)
    Your hardcore fan and gamer,
    ShadowVisions

  • This game looks awesome well done guys I can’t wait to give it a go! After Pacific Rift I fell in Love. I hope this will be in 3D too so I can utilize the 3D I plan on using when I buy a 3D TV later this summer!

  • Sounds impressive.

  • Day one purchase for me, I love this series (especially the second one). Sony, you rock.

  • Oh my GOD, this looks absolutely amazing! I was going to try to snag Motorstorm 2 for cheap (the first one was kinda empty without split screen), but now, I’m going to have to save up for this! This sounds … F’n AWESOME guys! Sounds like it’s going to be one hell of a game!!!!!!!

    Can’t wait to see more at E3!!!! Hope it comes out this year (but, after GT5 ;))

  • Looking good,will look more into it next week.

  • Had me at day one with 4 player split screen online mode. Excellent Job guys. I’m glad to see that you guys care about those who love split screen.

  • Great news about the series but does this mean that the Pacific Rift expansion packs will receive a price cut?

  • Ummm… Okay. That’s odd. I hope the formula doesn’t change too much… I don’t want to be playing MotorStorm: Blur rip off X… that just wouldn’t be kewl.

  • Target release date?

  • This is really impressive stuff. MotorStorm games have always been a showcase of beautiful visuals, and the tradition seems to continue with the screens you’ve provided here. The rich detail and great use of color delivers an almost photo-realistic look.

    The gameplay additions sound great, too. I’ve enjoyed the heck out of the previous MotorStorm games, and it looks like you’re taking it in a bold new direction. I’m looking forward to it!

  • I still wished you guys would take the franchise down under (where the real apocalypse has been happening since the dawn of time), but this is the next best thing.

  • I could fill this text box with expletives, but I’m not a fan of being curt to convey a message excitement. Instead I will simply say I can’t huffin’ wait for this poop!

  • Ohhhh yea Motorstorm is just awesome and THE BEST OFF-ROAD RACING EVER! I only have Motorstorm. You will race in the city!

  • I just thought of something…thunder storms,hurricanes,tsunamis would be CRAZZY!

  • SICK!!! :)
    Haven’t bought motorstorm or pacific rift, but have played them.
    This!, though Is a buy for me.

  • Very interesting, MotorStorm it’s really looking and sounding better than ever.

    I’m going to keep an eye on the game.

  • its somewhat stupid. i loved motorstorm for their scenery in nature. rough machines in natural enviorments….and now its in a dynamic urban background? boring, i will pass this one. well you wont loose you jobs just because i wont buy that game ^-^ abundant possibilities and they go into the city – . -“

  • I got the first game with my PS3 when I bought it at release and to be honest I didn’t like it and traded it straight away and the second game didn’t look much differn’t so I never even gave it much of a second look however this game has already blew my mind I am pre-ordering this day one for me. Customization is one of my biggest wants in a game like this and you take it to the next level.

  • I bought the first and second Motorstorm, and loved them both. I was very happy when you finally came out with that patch that fixed quite a few things on Pacific Rift, (adding proper DTS audio switching, and fixing the cheating online, etc..) AND it fixed the game to where I could copy my save file and move it over to my other PS3s in the house using my memory stick. I hope you keep that option the same, now that you guys know that everyone likes to backup their saved games.

    I also hope all those things that were broken in Pacific Rift do not find their way over to the third one. Play test the heck out of that game please! This game needs to shine!

  • Hey Guys.
    This Motorstorm looks unbelievably brilliant. really loving what im hearing.

    Can i just say two things:

    1) what support for steering wheels will there be? it would really enhance the game i their was more steering wheel support.

    2) i had a brilliant idea for a game mode/mechanic you might like. please take it into consideration. You know in this picture; http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/4686587296/ theres a guy out of a car.

    Well what you could do is make it possible to jump out of your car in a game mode called ‘stolen’ (work in progress :D ) and you can drive your car but at any point (or some rule could be made, such as when you have a certain amount of boost and are close enough to an opponent) you can jump out of your car and onto someone elses a get in and throw them out, they can respawn or be eliminated, which ever you choose, but the main focus is to drive but also steal other people’s cars.
    It would make for brilliant part of the story and hectic online gameplay? what do you think?

  • im in, when can i buy?

  • Amazing, Can’t freaking wait.
    Thanks a bunch from everyone working at Evolution Studios and of course Sony.

  • Looks awesome, I am extremely glad you put, customization and upgrades, I just really hope you implemented the punch system again! Its sooo much fun doing split-screen on bikes or atvs with like 2 more opponents and punching each other out! Oh ya and I you have to make this make truly awesome you should look in to the “play create share” although I am a bit skeptical about the results on motorstorm I know if you did do It, it would be great! Further more Keep the idea of Flames heating you up and water cooling you down (boost meter) That was gold.\What else… O ya! A new class for car should be Hover- car! that would be freaking amazing! In conclusion you should add other modes in wcreation, like a survivor race, where it last 1 standing or 1 finished with x amount of lives or something. O and last Idea, it would be really cool if when you punch someone one a bike or atv you could jump on there machine, could be like a cool strategy if you wanted like a better machine or if you were bout to crash.

  • Motorstorm is the BEST action-packed racing game, and I’m SUPER excited to hear that all of this is going into the third (or fourth?) Motorstorm title!

    I’m seriously excited! And I absolutely LOVE Motorstorm, Motorstor: Pacific Rift, AND Motorstorm: Arctic Edge (on PSP)!

    I will DEFINATELY Pre-Order Apocalypse!

    I’ll admit it, I’m a lunatic…

    LUNATICS UNITE!

  • I have the both Motorstorm’ games and certainly will get this one. But, what about Artic Edge,no intention of a PS3 version ?

  • killercrusherUSA

    Any chance of a MMO freeroam?

  • I think it’s obvious to say that it’s way overdue that this game started supporting steering wheels. I didn’t invest $600 in my Logitech G25 and Evolution racing chair combo to play with a pathetic regular controller. Even ancient arcade racers like stuntman ignition and burnout paradise supported the G25 wheel. The mentality that steering wheel support is only for simulators is obviously only a myth. Do you want me to continue with the list of competitors of yours that offered support for the wheel? NFS Shift, Dirt, Grid, Dirt 2, Midnight Club LA, F1 CE, Ferrari Challenge and the list goes on and on.

    The new city setting is a brilliant idea but it’s still dull holding a sixaxis or a DS3 in your hand while you see loud roaring engines on screen..

    P.S: The difference between the 1st pic and the 2nd is stunningly disappointing (pre-rendered vs. real time)

    If you think I am bluffing let me tell you that by reading and watching previews, I was sold on both recent racing games released “Blur” and “Split Second” but when I found out that they did not support the Logitech G25, I DID NOT even rent them, much less purchase them.

  • I hope you fix the problem that the 2nd MotorStorm had. Accessibility with VEHICLE HANDLING. and having to MEMORIZE THE TRACKS.

    I really liked the first MotorStorm and hated the 2nd one because it was far too easy to not notice when to turn, and when I did turn, it wasn’t responsive enough. The controls need to be tighter.

    I can’t stress enough how much I thought MotorStorm 2 alienated the casual gamer. Trying to play split screen with that game proved so frustrating, I sold my game back after 1 week of annoyance.

    The first Motorstorm made it easy to figure out what lies ahead of the track because of simple landmarks, maybe the jungle theme is what made everything so cluttered and confusing for some.

    PLEASE FIX.

  • I love my Logitech G25 wheel. But a game like this shouldn’t be played with it. It would look silly. Going as far left and right as you could, totally dumb. This isn’t a game like Shift or Dirt 2. It’s just one step higher than your average kart racing game. Imagine Modnation Racers or Burnout with the wheel. It would be ridiculous and [DELETED].

  • EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

    whoa…i haven’t done that since peace walker was announced (which i got day one!)

    i look forward to gameplay videos(or a demo)!

    actually i’d like to see an increase beyond 16 player in these races.

    I’ll bet these races will be teeming with life, as in people scattering from falling building and crazy driving pedestrians…

  • i felt like i just died and went to heaven…this is easily one of the most ambitious sequel i’ve ever seen o.0

  • This looks really awesome i mean customisation, perks, story mode, 5 new classes and much more awsomnes def first day buy. But i have a questions, will there still be some off-road like near outside the city. I really hope you can drive on beaches, it would be so cool. Great work :D

  • 2 questions, is MS Apocalypse going to hav full car designing and/or video customaztion, and r we REALLY GOING TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE ON SCYSCRAPERS!!:)

  • Bravo! I’ve been on the fence about the series, and this may just be the game to pull me in on the franchise.

  • Motorstorm was the main reason i bought a PS3… and im glad that i did now this games coming!!! :D
    Is this game goin to have playstation move integrated in some way??
    And first person view like in the first motorstorm trailer would be EPIC!!!:)

  • This sounds like a sure-fire winner and the best news of the year! Motorstorm’s main selling point to me has always been about the atmosphere and deep, creative touches you bring in the cutscenes and track designs. The first drew me in immensely getting it spot on with huge set pieces, beautiful landscape and some awesome graphics, Pacific Rift was good, just some of the graphics spoiled the mood, yet I do understand you had 3 different landscapes and the tracks themselves were superbly constructed.

    As Apocalypse’s atmosphere sounds awesome(earthquakes, exploding buildings, faction firefights, dynamic lighting) many Goosebumps and hair-standing-on-end times for the future are assuredas long as the graphics are top notch and the Motorstorm organisers still leave their mark on the landscape (banners, flags n all so it’s not too grey and city-like :D). And finally for the customisations make sure to add some ‘rat look’ touches to the vehicles (matt paint, rust effects, taped headlights, roof racks, stickers on windows)

    Sorry if this is so long and critical, I’m very passionate about this game and you asked for thoughts, so I showed all mine in as truthful manner as possible. Keep up the awesome work guys!

  • I’d like to reiterate the rubberband AI…Jeez..i’d be un full boost just ripping the track up and the AI just on my bumper…i know MS is notorius for being difficult but at times people can give up on the game. My brother actually gave me Pacific Rift due to the fact he couldn’t beat it!

  • cant wait. I really want to know what is causing the apocalypse giant earthquakes, asteroids, aliens, varying by map. i don’t know but anything sounds awesome. I hope to ride up a 100 story building fly off the top hit a guy off a motorcycle and land a dude with a 4 wheeler. All of this online. A lot of the reason I got a ps3 is for the original motor storm.
    The only thing that could make this game absolutely PERFECT is to be able play as Cloud on his Motorcycle. I’m tellin you Evolution if you put in Cloud you would get an extra 30 million copies sold.

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