Blur

by ACTIVISION

Product Features

• Real Racing - Stunning racing environments in real world locations and licensed cars that look and feel great
• Power-ups - Collect addictive dynamic power-ups and use them independently or combo three of the same power-up strategically to gain an advantage over your competition
• Cinematic Realism - Experience insane collisions with licensed photo-realistic cars flipping and rolling with panels crumpling and bumpers ripping off ? all brought to life with panning, cinematic camera work
• Multi-player - Features 4-player split-screen and online multiplayer supporting competitive and cooperative game play for up to 20 racers, including team racing, objective based events and custom groups
• Unique multiplayer modes are immediately shared through Blur?s social network

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002AQLQM8
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 0.6 x 5.3 inches ; 3.8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: May 25, 2010
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,005 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #15 in Video Games > PlayStation 3 > Racing
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

Amazon.com Product Description

Blur is the ultimate powered-up racing experience, dropping you into electrified action with a mass of cars targeting the finish line and battling each other as they trade paint in both single player and multiplayer action. Travel the globe from LA and San Francisco to Spain, the UK and more to take on the best the streets have to offer. Utilize an arsenal of powerups like nitro speed boosts, shock attacks, defensive shields, and landmines to beat your rivals across the finish line. You choose how and when to use your arsenal of powerups for ultimate impact in a race where the outcome is never certain. Arcade style racing. View larger. Addictively devastating powerups View larger. Realistic damage and beautiful in-game environments. View larger. Tons of locations and 50+ licensed cars. View larger. Story In Blur the storyline plays out in the single player campaign. Here players assume the role of an up-and-coming racer who is looking to make a name for himself in the underground racing scene, but the competition is fierce. As you take on the series of races, you'll meet a bunch of recurring characters. Some of these characters will be rivals, others perhaps will act as mentors, and some may be something else entirely. The only thing that is certain in the world of Blur is that in a race there are winners and losers, and racers will do anything to reach the finish line first. Gameplay Although filled with the beautifully elaborate racing environments, realistic damage effects and a long list of available cars usually only found in simulation racers, Blur is an arcade racer through and through. Its single player campaign revolves around the game's Career Mode, while in multiplayer there are additional options, including customizable cooperative and competitive races. In both of these though the second-to-second, fast-paced action is rooted in the wealth of powerups strewn throughout the track. These are addictive in their use and dramatic and devastating when used against opposing racers. With each successive race that players engage in they will use their collection of powerups to engage in vehicular combat of all sorts as they make their way to the finish. The game employs a fictional in-game social networking system allowing communication between drivers, and through this a way for players to establish alliances, find mentors and get familiar with the tactics of opponents. Monetary rewards are accumulated by drivers not only for success in competition, but by generous fans earned during races and for predetermined side challenges within races, proposed by those same fans. With the cash accumulated through all these, players can buy new cars and upgrade their ability to use powerups and keep their career going. Powerups An impressive array of powerups are part and parcel to the vehicular combat that takes place Blur. These are spread across each of the game's tracks and for the most part can be used at any time. Drivers start out with the ability to sock away up to two of these, but with success players can upgrade to add additional slots and even increase the potency of the powerups that they have. Powerups in the game include: Shock - An electromagnetic pulse that homes in on the nearest car or packs of cars, surrounding you. Barge - An energy wave weapon designed to be unleashed at close range to hurl enemy drivers off course. Shunt - A forward firing projectile that can be used to bring you closer to competitors or blast them out of the way. Nitro - A short, powerful speed boost designed to get the driver back in contention when he/she falls behind. Mines - Explosive devices dropped out on to the track that blow apart any car that runs them over. Repair - A way to regain health without making a pit stop at a repair shop. Unlike other powerups, these are used instantly instead of being stored for later use. Multiplayer Support and Game Modes Blur is designed from the ground up to provide an enthralling multiplayer experience both online and offline. Online players with enjoy support for up to 20 player races, while local offline play features 2-4 player, four-way split screen support through a single console and up to 20 player support via system link console configurations. Within races players will have the choice to play either competitively and cooperative, in a variety of play modes that offer a mix of customization and automation. Just a few of the race parameters that can be customized are locale, car class and number of racers. Players can also choose to let the game handle the specifics of race particulars with World Tour mode, which will string together race after race randomly, allowing friends to simply concentrate on the fun. Tracks and Cars The gameworld of Blur contains an impressive array of tracks and cars. Players can expect to pile up the powerups and put the pedal to the metal across tracks set throughout 14 real cities and other locations throughout the world, each of these featuring recognizable streets and landmarks. Just a few of these include, London, San Francisco, Barcelona and Los Angeles. The game is also filled with over 50 fully licensed cars, unlockable and purchasable throughout the game. Key Game Features Powerups - Collect a variety of addictive dynamic powerups and use them independently or combo them strategically to take out your opponents. Real Racing - Dramatic collisions, realistic damage, stunning racing environments, real world locations and more than 50 licensed photo-realistic cars from the top manufacturers around the world. Social Network - Unique story-driving social network interface evolves as you compete in different races, make new friends, rivals and fans, and connect with other racers both in game and in real life. Multiplayer Support - Features online multiplayer supporting competitive and cooperative game play for up to 20 racers and 4 player split-screen multiplayer in local offline play. Multiple Reward System - Players can receive cash rewards to be used in-game in multiple ways including: winning races, gifts from in-game fans, and by completing fan determined side challenges.

Product Description

Blur is the ultimate racing experience, dropping you into heart-pumping, electrified in-the-pack action with 20 cars targeting the finish line and battling each other as they trade paint. Intense power-ups, including the ability to blast other cars out of the way with huge bursts of energy, as well as defensive shields, nitro speed boosts, and landmines create realistic damage and destruction. Featuring 4-player split-screen action that offers you a new kind of racing experience, one that allows you to race with your friends and as part of a network of players in high intensity competition and fun. The new racing game from the award-winning team at Bizarre Creations delivers the most intense and fun racing experience ever. Beyond the action-packed tracks filled with fast curves, sneaky alternate routes, and hair-raising jumps, Blur’s story unfolds through a unique and innovative community-based interface, reaching far beyond the game itself. Build a community of allies, rivals and fans where you can share personalized racing experiences with friends both inside and outside the game. Blur is non-stop racing competition, intense and neck-and-neck action ensuring you’re always in the race and battling for position.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mario Cart on 'roids., May 25, 2010

By 

J. J. Marino "Geekasaurus Rex" (Rochester, New York) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Blur (Video Game)

Preliminary review. Playing it right now.

Repeat this mantra "Not a sim, Not a sim, Not a sim..."

If you read many of my other game reviews you'll see I like driving games. Specifically sim driving games. Being I am no where near a millionaire I probably will never drive any of these cars in my lifetime. So I think of sim driving games as a way to bring a bit of realism into my living room. When I got Blur from my game rental place, I was about to pack it up and send it back to them asap. I had seen the clips and other snippets of the game and a driving game with power ups and all that had no place in my stable of _real games_,
or so I thought.

My son and I really enjoy Mario Kart Wii. This game is a more grown up version of that. The commercial you see on TV now with the mario like character wanting to play a grown up racing game is spot on. It combines the fun of that with real cars. Unlike Mario Cart, you can get up to 3 power ups and keep them in a queue on your back bumper. When you want to use it hit X and fire away.

Models: +
First off I love the realism of the car models. They really do look pretty good. You start off like many other car games of this genre and you get a hooptie to begin with.

Fan system: +
Play this online and you earn fans. Fans are like Rock Band games ( musical ones not the company) and these fans can get you benefits, boosts and cool toys for your ride.

Lights: +
Lights unlock the cars. The higher you finish, the more lights and better cars you can get.

Damage: +/-
Damage in this game is pretty good. Based on an arcade model of damage that is. Your car will be blown up and shot into the air, land on its roof and keep going. Its done well though and not too kitschy.

Lack of Achievements: +
As of right now I don't have any and that is a good thing, some games seem to launch them at you for just logging in. Not here. You have to complete some tough challenges to get a _sticker_. These are your badges that can be seen as a trophy. 4 complete challenge = 1 sticker. These are tough.

Power Ups: +
This game has a ton and each are a blast, literally. Of course there is nitro and boosts to speed. Also there are some really crazy ones that can take your opponent out in a blaze of less than glory.

Ease of play: +
This is very easy to control with the six axis controller. Right trigger is gas, left brake and X is fire off the next power up you have in your queue.

First Impression: +
Overall this game has won me over. Its definitely something you would see in an arcade, but that doesnt make it any less fun. Take it as it is and I think you will have a good time with this game.

I plan on playing this a ton this week and will update this review as I get more into it.

Thanks for reading my review.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Updated X 2: Blur one of the best racers on PS3, May 28, 2010

By 

J. Cummings "Somewhere in PS2 land" (San Antonio TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Blur (Video Game)

After spending now 6-8 solid gameplay hours both online and offline, here are my impressions of Blur:

Graphics: This game looks awesome. Damage to the cars is as "realistic" as you're going to get for a kart style game. The real vehicles are used in this game, and look the part. Powerups are really cool when used, and the color in this game is incredibly vibrant. The tracks that I raced looked great as well, from the actual track to the scenery. Everything in the game pops with vibrant color.

Music: Nothing that got on my nerves, but nothing that was incredibly memorable so far either. It's appropriate, high energy for a racing game.

Controls: If you got frustrated in games like Gran Turismo that you couldn't take a tight turn doing 100 in a Dodge Viper, you'll find more of the same here with some of the cars, as they handle just like their real life counterparts. For those that can handle the drifting cars, you'll definitely gain a boost in speed. The controls are mapped logically as are most PS3 games (accelerate with R2, brake with square, etc.). One of the major keys to the game is matching the car type (drifting, off road, etc.) with the track type.

Presentation/Ingenuity: Each races starts out with a neat take on a countdown (not just a simple 3-2-1). I found that to be really cool. You're never really out of a race with the powerups available, though the Shock one that is shot out in front of the leaders is really hard to avoid if you ARE the leader. You likely won't win too many blowout races in this game. I found the powerups to be neat takes on other ideas (example: The "Shunt" acts like a Red Turtle Shell in Mario Kart, which homes in on your target). Your goal in each race is to light up all the "lights" to move onto the next race. However, the secondary goals (getting enough fans, and going through all the gates) do add replay value to each track.

Online play is where this game really shines...as you advance in rank you unlock more cars, there are tons of trophies/accomplishments that can only be done online, this game runs butter smooth even with 20 cars racing at the same time, simply put, it's the best online racing experience on the PS3 and Gran Turismo 5 better have this figured out as least as well.

Replay Value: With all the stickers to earn, online leaderboards, challenges you can put to friends, Facebook/Twitter compatibility, as well as all the challenges on each track, this is one racing game you're not going to blow through in 5-10 hours. Through 8 hours I'm only 16% complete on the single player campaign, and heaven only knows how long it will take to get everything.

So overall, since people like those 1-10 scales:

Graphics: 9.5/10
Cars look great, explosions are awesome, and the tracks are nice and varied

Sound: 8/10
The 8 is on the strength of the sounds, not necessarily the BGM. Burnout Paradise
is far superior as they had licensed songs in their game.

Controls: 9/10
Pretty good for a racing game, not so punishing as a Gran Tursimo would be, but not unrealistic like many arcade racers are. It's a really good fit.

Presentation/Ingenuity: 8.5/10
Some of the ideas (like the whole powerup thing) you've seen all the way back to games like RC Pro AM for the NES. However, the layout of the races, the different modes, the linkability with FB/Twitter, etc. shows the developers are paying attention to the changes in techonology.

Replay Value: 10/10
There is SO MUCH to do in this game and accomplish, and when you add in the online multiplayer/challenges, you will most certainly get your $60 worth out of this game.

In closing...

Buy this game if:
- You've got fond memories of Mario Kart and like the fact you're never out of a race
- You want a robust, deep online multiplayer racing experience
- You like collecting trophies and a game that takes a while for 100% completion.

Don't buy this game if:
- You're expecting a simulation style racing experience
- You're hoping to hear epic BGM while you are racing
- You're going to play split screen (2 player) multiplayer a lot (this is one place the graphics/gameplay take a hit)

UPDATE (25 May 2011)
As some of you may know, Bizzare Creations ceased to exist in February. This has had a direct impact on Blur. As a result...

- you can no longer post your updates to Facebook
- you can no longer view individual race leaderboards; the only leaderboard remaining are those you access online (Driver's Score/Fans/Power up hit rate/Legend stats)
- the official website no longer supports account linking

Just something to be aware of if you have no purchased the game...as it appears Activision is content to let those features go away.

UPDATE #2 (6 Oct 2011)
This is the only game on the PS3 that I have earned the Platinum trophy for and outside of maybe Gran Turismo or the Dirt series this is the hardest Platinum racing trophy to obtain.

I'm also fully maxed out at Legend 10, Rank 50, and at one time I was ranked 39th in the world (PS3) but now I am hovering in the 150's or so.

This game is now an incredible value, despite the items I mentioned in Update #1, even if the online community is lagging at around 150-200 players during the nighttime hours (far more are on between 9 AM-3 PM, especially on weekends due to this game still being popular overseas).

Call of Duty numbers it ain't, but it still remains the most fun I have ever had playing online of any game, period.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Challenging at times, June 2, 2010

By 

Bryan L. Badertscher (NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Blur (Video Game)

After playing Split Second and Blur at the same time, it would seem the only thing they have in common is the genre. I won't compare the two since they are completely different in look and feel; the whole apples and oranges thing.

The graphics are better than most racing games. The gameplay is challenging because it is not the simple drive to the finish line type game. Having played Project Gotham, I expected some of that to leak into the gameplay but Blur has very little of the Gotham feel. The concept is not unique. Drive and use power-ups to beat your opponents. What makes this unique though is that driving and power-ups is not enough to win. Track physics and vehicle type is extremely important to winning the race. Besides winning the race, there are fan requirements as well. Winning the race will get you to the next event but without the fans, you will not have the car selection to make a difference.

Overall this is a challenging driving game. I did give it 4 of 5 because some of the minor annoyances throughout the game including the initial install makes it difficult to avoid yelling at the TV screen at times. When comparing Split Second and Blur, Split Second wins in the single player part but Blur wins in the multiplayer part.

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