However, there are some more complex power-ups that can be used in a variety of situations, like the Shunt, which is a large projectile that you can either fire at other players or keep to protect yourself from fire from other players. Most are straightforward, like the Nitro power-up, which gives you a temporary speed boost, and the Barge, which pushes cars near you out of the way. There are eight different power-ups in Blur, and each can be used in both offensive and defensive situations.
However, even though the basics are the same (run over power-up, press button to fire) there are several key differences in Blur that make it seem like the full realization of the kart-racing ideas set down almost two decades ago. The power-ups in Blur work in almost the same way as the mystery boxes in Mario Kart, and it is clear from the game's design (as well as Blur's promotional material) that that is precisely the way it is supposed to seem. Your goal in the world of Blur is two-fold: get "lights" for winning races, and gain fans by driving tactically and using power-ups to gain an advantage over the competition. The menu system is a little crowded, and the game wisely launches you into a tutorial to get you acquainted with Blur's setup. The game's menu system takes the form of a social networking interface, with information about rivals, friends, and opponents. Right from the moment you start up the game, Blur has a distinctly unique feel to it. Though the interface can take a little getting used to, Blur definitely is the most memorable automotive title of the year thus far, and it definitely deserves a spot of the shelf of any automotive or racing fan. It's definitely an unorthodox mix, but leave it to the team behind one of the biggest names in simulation racing to pull off this impressive title. Developed by Bizarre Creations (the same studio behind the famed Project Gotham Racing sim series), Blur is a mix of arcade and kart-style racing. 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.Blur is certainly an interesting title. In good kart-racing form, the game features multiplayer modes, including split-screen racing for up to four. Online, players can make real-life fans and rivals as well, among other networked players.
The single-player game follows a developing storyline, and virtual drivers gain rivals and fans as they go on to win more races. 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.
Because groups of cars tend to clump together as they speed through city streets, players are encouraged to apply their power-ups tactically.
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. Blur is an exaggerated-action driving game for high-def generation consoles and home computers, featuring kart-style racing in realistic, urban settings.