It’s Official: MotorStorm Apocalypse

The end of the world is here – MotorStorm Apocalypse comes to PlayStation 3. We’ve been wanting to talk about this for a while now and put the silly rumours to rest, but the embargo’s finally up – you can read our detailed hands on impressions here and our interview with the man behind the game is up at quarter past six five.

So, let’s start with the PR.  “After ripping up Monument Valley, obliterating everything in its path on The Island and surviving the chilling temperatures of the Arctic, the multimillion selling franchise is back – and this time it hits The City,” says the press release. The clever bit – this is an abandoned city, desolate after a massive earth tremor.

So, the end of the world, and it’s still ending.  This is a city falling apart around you, and it’s no longer just about winning. “It’s about a fight for survival,” say Sony.  Even the entrance is apocalyptic with the carriers dropping off the racers in a playable prologue to the game, some of which won’t be returning to the beach.

“Pick your vehicle from one of 13 classes, including supercars, muscle cars, superbikes, and even choppers, then choose one of 40 unique races while looters and military contractors fight for what is left of the city. No track is ever the same as you endure hundreds of explosive real-time dynamic events in the most unpredictable and spectacular races of your life.”

The game is split into two modes, single player and multiplayer.  In single player you “experience a unique story of three characters” – each of whom offers a different difficulty level – “as they experience the insane urban festival from unique perspectives, and finally get to learn more about the crazy crew behind each MotorStorm festival.”

Then there’s multiplayer – 4 player split screen or 16 player online (with combinations of the two).  The Game Mode Creator lets you “create, share and play totally new game experiences from scratch”, and you can customise your vehicle in game or download new vehicles, parts and graphics from the PSN and share designs with friends around the world.

The game’s out in 2011.  Screenshots and first hand impressions here.  Video expected next week.