Product Reviews
Blur is an exaggerated-action driving game for high-def generation consoles and home computers, featuring kart-style racing in realistic, urban settings. As many as 20 real-life sports car models zip bumper-to-bumper through street-racing courses, collecting and using offensive and defensive power-ups, such as "Shunt," "Shock," "Barge," and "Nitro." Licensed automobiles and real-time damage system convey a sense of speed and realism, while a forgiving physics model and over-the-top action inspire win-at-all-costs competition with lots of risky, bump-and-go driving. Because groups of cars tend to clump together as they speed through city streets, players are encouraged to apply their power-ups tactically. A single blast of energy at the right time and place can be just trick to clear a lane and take the lead, but saving and using power-ups in combinations of three can unleash even more course-clearing chaos. The single-player game follows a developing storyline, and virtual drivers gain rivals and fans as they go on to win more races. Online, players can make real-life fans and rivals as well, among other networked players. In good kart-racing form, the game features multiplayer modes, including split-screen racing for up to four. Blur was designed by Bizarre Creations, veteran racing-game developers of the Dreamcast's Metropolis Street Racer and the Xbox's long-running Project Gotham Racing series. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide