These days, it's all about value. Games like Asteroids and Pac-Man (while still cool in their own right) have been steamrolled by classic compilations and games that pack more features than a high end HDTV. Some arcade game (even with infinite replay), just aren't enough. Which is why Sony and developer Climax have shoved a bevy of modes and items into its latest PSP racing game, ATV Offroad Fury Pro. It's still not on par with the excellent PS2 series, but it definitely has its moments, starting with the selection of vehicles.

ATVs are all well and good, but Climax took things a step further by including bikes, jeeps, snowmobiles, cars, and trucks too. Gamers are presented with over 60 tracks that cover inside and outside vistas including deserts, indoor arenas, forests, and icy courses. That's quite the mix, and the vehicles handle differently depending on the surface, so players shouldn't expect to just waltz right in to ATV and unlock everything right away. Not only are the courses brutal, with hairpin turns and various obstructions like boxes and trees, but the AI puts up quite a fight. It's the type of experience where the tiniest mistake more often than not plunges the player into last place, though the AI is no master of environments either. It too struggles to maneuver across the game's hills and snowy landscapes, so for the most part, even a semi-skilled player will be able to get back into a race. The only problem is (which winds up being a blessing and a curse) the five-lap requirement. Having to complete full five laps can be a huge pain because it tends to make races a little long, yet at the same time, it allows the player to claw his or her way to a first place finish if they're behind.

Like most racing games, ATV allows the player to get a quick fix with single events. Here, various conditions can be altered, and while the loading can be a bit too long, this game is still good for getting some ATV action while on the bus or waiting in line. However, there's a lot more to it than simple races. Championship mode allows players to compete for trophies as well as unlock a myriad of different items (tracks, vehicles, special cards). There's also Freeride, which throws away time limits and lap counts, Lap Attack, where players compete to beat their best times, and a gaggle of other modes such as Pool (the ATVs are used as balls), Card Battle, and the enjoyable Rings of Fire, where riders attempt to dash through more rings than their opponents. There's also a crude but effective track editor. It's not necessarily user friendly (thanks to some awkward controls), but with a little practice, players can construct their dream courses after some trial and error.

Online play is another enjoyable component. Played through ad hoc or infrastructure, players can easily connect to the game's servers and show off their rides (vehicles can be customized, though the options aren't nearly as deep as a game like Forza Motorsport on Xbox 360). The only problem is the current lack of competition. The game shipped this week, so people may sign on, but for now, the lobbies are almost devoid of life. Lack of competition certainly puts a damper on multiplayer shenanigans. But at the very least, players have two shots at tracking people down. They can either search for fellow PSP users, or those playing ATV Offroad Fury 4 on the PS2 with a network connection. PSP and PS2 owners cannot race against one another, but they can chat via the games' chat rooms, exchange vehicles, and check out newsgroups.

Despite all these features, ATV Offroad Fury Pro still falls a bit flat. It's a solid game, no question, but it has a been there, done that feel. Not only does it look as unimpressive as last year's ATV game, with bland looking courses, but there's also nothing about the gameplay that is truly exciting. It doesn't come close to capturing the intensity of Ridge Racer, Burnout Legends, and Wipeout Pure. It lacks the finesse, the speed, and the luscious visuals that made those games must haves. However, it is a decent racer that's full of good content. It's not the first PSP game to purchase, but it's a good time nonetheless.