Sony Brings WRC Rallying to the PSP
Proving that handheld racing games aren't going to look silly any more.
With the newfound power of new handhelds like the PSP, portable gaming is about to get a lot more fancy. One of the genres that has suffered the most from low hardware power is the 3D driving game. As part of its launch line-up, Sony will release WRC, a 3D rally title designed specifically to take advantage of the power offered by the PSP.
Far from being a simple port of its PlayStation 2 sibling, WRC features remodelled versions of the licensed tracks and cars, and, most importantly, a more arcade-like gameplay style better suited to portable gaming.
And while rally racing is generally solitary experience - with your navigator, of course - WRC will allow for up to eight players to take each other on using the PSP's WiFi capability.
WRC will also support downloadable content later in its life, allowing players to get hold of new cars and tracks.
Battery life is a major concern - especially since the PSP appears to be sensitive to how developers use the optical drive.
To ensure that your session isn't cut short prematurely, the developers have come up with a new way of loading tracks, which themselves have been redesigned for the best battery consumption.
WRC has been tentatively scheduled to release at or near the launch of the PSP this spring.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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