Rocking sands

MotorStorm is Led Zepplin meets Mad Max if you can imagine the scenario.

In theory, it would be one of the more extraordinary experiences imaginable: A festival in the desert that combines rock music, communal partying and racing all types of vehicles at breakneck speeds on dirt tracks littered with remnants of fiery crashes.

For now, though, it exists only in MotorStorm, a racing game that, for some odd reason, uses the festival back story seemingly to justify why big rigs, buggies and motorbikes are racing each other in the desert. Note to developers: We don't need a reason.

A few things separate MotorStorm from other racing games. First, the races: The game allows all manner of vehicles – in addition to the three classes mentioned above, there are ATVs, rally cars, racing trucks and big-wheeled cars called mudpluggers – to compete on the same track.

The lengthy courses have multiple paths, allowing lighter vehicles to make use of jumps and the expanse of higher ground, while heavier cars and trucks are better suited to the mud and flatter terrain below.

Second, the visuals: In high definition, the game looks amazing. Crashes are particularly fun to watch, offsetting the frustration of knowing others are passing you as your ride disintegrates.

Unfortunately, there is little beyond the racing, which can be both fun and infuriating. And the only way to compete against others is online – good if you're into that, bad if all you want to do is play next to a friend on the couch.

Bottom line: This one's recommended if you have an HDTV and a high-speed Internet connection for playing online.

Motorstorm is rated teen and is available on the Sony PlayStation 3 platform.