Score
Gameplay:	9
Graphics:	8
Sound:	6
FunFactor:	9
PlasmaFactor:	9
Overall:	8.2

GripShift Review
March 10, 2008 by Ali Kazmi

 The feel of an arcade racer with the tricks of a puzzle game, Gripshift is an Xbox Live release that combines the feel of an arcade racer with the tricks of a puzzle game. The graphics in Gripshift are sure to please most gamers. The gameplay in Gripshift is extremely fun and captivating. With great graphics and fun gameplay this is one title that is sure to please.

Gameplay

Gripshift feels like an arcade racer and does a great job of showing it through the advanced mobility and reflexes required for the levels. The meat of the game lies in the gameplay portion, where players can spend a countless amount of time attempting to complete the objectives involved in each level. There are three objectives for each level, but in no way do they feel repetitive. The first goal is to finish the tracks quickly, gaining either a gold, silver or bronze medal. Next, there are stars put throughout the course that players need to collect. Finally, there is a “GS” symbol put in some obscure place of each level that players need to find. With over a hundred increasingly challenging levels, these three goals will keep gamers coming back and entertained. The multiplayer racing mode is just about as fun as the challenge mode of the game and offers players death matches with crazy power boosts. These power boosts allow players to shoot rockets or get a boost in speed. There are also leader boards so players can compare their performance with others.

Graphics

The game opens up beautifully, especially for an xbox live arcade game. The menus are clean and pretty with easy navigation and cool backgrounds of cycling through levels. However, the great graphics and animation do not stop there. Graphics wise, this game is awesome. Gripshift looks amazing and has level design to match. The active and creative features in the levels give an occasional “wow” effect to the audience. The cars themselves have a slick and cool look, with plenty of detail added to them. The camera of the game is generally neat and does not serve as a hindrance. The developers definitely hit what they were aiming for.

Sound

The sounds in the game are not specifically unique and thus not memorable. Gripshift has the basic car sounds, screeching, chimes and background music one would find in any game of this type. This is definitely one area that the game could have expanded one.

Plasmafactor

This game is pure fun, the challenge mode has the ability to keep players busy for hours and honestly puts this arcade game above many full-throttle racing games out on the market. The multiplayer mode is stimulating and fun.

Conclusion

All of this brings of the competitiveness of gamers, as they advance their way up to the top position. Gripshift is definitely worth the Microsoft points.