BlazeRush has a concept that sounds simple enough, racing around a track in a wacky vehicle while trying to take the top spot by using various weapons and items at your disposal. The thing is, the game proves itself to be surprisingly deep, with several cars giving you different playstyle options in terms of strengths, and different power-ups working better for your style. It takes a bit of figuring out, but the result is surprisingly satisfying.
BlazeRush is a game that anyone can play and it makes full use of rubber banding to ensure players who are lagging behind, can have a fighting chance at winning still. It can throw things off a bit especially if the game gives too much of an advantage to a player, but this is not something that really breaks the game. Instead, it creates a feeling of a Mario Kart race, but with a bigger sense of chaos and unpredictability due to the luck factor thrown in, and a manic feel.
It must be said that BlazeRush is a fantastic game for multiplayer, and the multiple modes such as King of the Hill, survival mode and standard races all add something different. Standard mode is what it sounds like, while King of the Hill has you aim to stay in first place for fifty seconds. Survival mode sees a machine chase you and others around the track until only one car is left. This then continues on to the next several tracks with players getting a point every time someone dies and the first to get 15 points wins.
BlazeRush is a great looking game, and the powerups all have a fantastic visual effect. The music is great as well and fits with the fast-paced chaos theme of the game, setting the right mood. If there is one complaint though, it is that the camera can be a bit annoying, especially when playing in multiplayer, as it can actually cause some disorientation that will throw you off.
I was surprised to see BlazeRush getting a bad rap from some people because, in my time with it, I had nothing but fun. The game is a blast with friends, and playing online is great as well. With the various tracks to race on all having diverse environments and actually providing something new, I feel this is a hidden gem of a game. If you love racing games, make sure to check it out.
