OMG!!!

FEATURED GAME

Caribbean Hideaway

QUICK POLL

Grand Theft Auto IV: does it live up to the hype?

THE GAMEPROS

FREE NEWSLETTERS

PSP | Fly | M.A.C.H.

Publisher: VU Games
Developer: VU Games
Release Date: 02/20/2006
Genre: Fly
Number of Players:
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Buy Now

13 screen shots

GRAPHICS: 4.50
SOUND: 3.50
CONTROL: 4.00
FUN FACTOR 3.50
AVG USER SCORE n/a
AVG CRITIC SCORE 3.1

Write your own review!
Make your voice heard!

Review: M.A.C.H.

Review by Spenser Hall | 02/28/2007 | 11:57:58 AM PST

Banking sharply around a turn while barrel-rolling to narrowly avoid an incoming missile as the camera spins with your plane, then regaining your bearings just in time to avoid smashing into the wall at the next turn as an enemy missile explodes nearby is a common experience in a M.A.C.H. race.

PROTIP: Boost to catch up with the pack

M.A.C.H., or Modified Air Combat Heroes, is played in one of two ways: racing or dogfighting. Dogfights are frenzied bloodbaths with eight planes launching missiles and pelting each other with machine-gun fire while races are fast (often furious) and have you careening through canyons and tunnels. Though the terrain varies significantly across the game's five tracks, the joy of racing and combat doesn't last long.

You M.A.C.H. Be Joking

Yes, M.A.C.H. has only five tracks, a staggeringly low number for any racing game. They are well designed and aren't bad to look at, but five is just way too small a number to keep any gamer occupied. You can fly them in reverse, short or long versions of each, but it does little to spice things up.

PROTIP: In dogfights the missile power is your best offensive option.

PROTIP: In dogfights the missile power-up is your best offensive option.

Other areas lacking in depth are the weapon and plane selection. The most common power-up, a standard heat-seeking missile, is by far the most effective. Racing in the campaign mode earns you new and faster planes and money earned by winning races can be spent to upgrade your new rides.

Aside from cosmetic differences, though, each plane behaves exactly the same if you've upgraded them to similar handling and speed levels, which keeps them from feeling truly unique. Additionally, the last plane you unlock comes decked with maxed out stats in ever category. A nice reward for your efforts, but it leaves you little reason to fly anything else once you have it.

M.A.C.H. is a good game for PSP owners who are fans of racing or arcade style air combat. The game's style suits portable gaming perfectly, it's just a shame that there isn't much there to keep any gamer occupied for long.