Destruction Derby Arenas - PS2

Also known as: Destruction Derby Online

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Destruction Derby Arenas (PS2)
Viewed: 3D Combination Genre:
Racing: Car
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Studio 33
Publishers: Sony (US)
SCEE (GB)
Released: 2003 (US)
16 Jan 2004 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 12+
Connectivity: Network Adaptor (Ethernet) compatible
Features: Vibration Function Compatible
Accessories: Memory Card, Steering Wheel, USB Headset

Summary

Coming on like a mutant hybrid of Demolition Racer and Project Gotham Racing (with a hint of Gran Turismo thrown in - just look at those upgrades!) Destruction Derby Arenas is Sony's great driving hope for early 2004. Following the muted reception granted 2003's Twisted Metal Online, Sony put away the weapons of mass destruction prevalent in that series, and almost get back to basics with another DD offering.

There are just three modes available to offline gamers: Championship, Wrecking Racing and Destruction Bowl. All three have their own inimitable charm though, and are ideal for a little practice before you go online. As in any mode worth the name, Championship is where you try to rack up as many points as possible. Bonus points are awarded to racers finishing in a high position, but you must be wary of how much damage you do to your own car as well as others. After a gruelling championship is completed, the points from all rounds are totted up, and scoring a top three spot will mean progression to the next round.

Wrecking Racing mode us all about fast and furious race action. Unlocking more rounds in Championship mode leads the way to more bonus tracks in Wrecking Racing. To start with, only three tracks are available, but more accomplished drivers are sure to open up places such as Casino, South Central Road Rage and the Subway.

Destruction Bowl mode is more than an accident waiting to happen - it's pure, unadulterated smashing and crashing, where you should hit as many cars as possible in a short space of time. Again, you have to be wary of how much damage you're being dealt as you go about your business. Making use of some of the bowl's lunatic features - the catapults and the flaming pits of doom, for example - is recommended

Online modes include the self-explanatory Speedway mode; Capture the Trophy (a spin on Capture the Flag from umpteen shoot 'em ups); Pass the Bomb (oh thank you very much! What's that ticking sound?); and Last Man Standing - no time limits, no power-ups, just trying to stay alive.

Plenty to do then, in DD Arenas, especially given that the online games give the player up to 19 live opponents to whom you can deal a trashing. If you, like most regular johns, like the sound of breaking glass and buckling metal, DD Arenas will satisfy.