Gripshift for the XBLA is a little different than your traditional racing game because the title mixes in puzzle elements to keep the gameplay refreshing. Gripshift does have a few flaws, such as the poorly programmed handling of your vehicles, but overall isn’t a bad game. Sidhe Interactive has ported this title to the XBLA from its original home of the PSP, but with a few changes. Will gamers want to play a game that has been ported from an almost two year old PSP game?

Gripshift tries to distance itself from the typical racing game you’ll find on the arcade by mixing two genres. Think puzzle fighter, except replace fighter with racer. The main mode in the game is the challenge mode where you'll choose from a variety of cars and then work your way up through the beginners tracks to the harder tracks. The events vary, so you may be racing in a time trial or against a few other opponents but later on you'll find your way around the maze-like tracks and find the exit.

At the end of each event you'll be awarded credits. The credits are used to unlock the more difficult tracks and you may even have to replay events, collecting hidden tokens or stars to progress. Each track has different objectives attached to it other than finishing first.  Other objectives consist of collecting all stars and finding the GripShift logo. The courses begin rather simply but as the game gets harder there are a few hazards you'll need to look out for. Jumps, portals and TNT are some of the hazards to look out for, as well as plenty more obstacles. While the tracks can be frustrating at times, they are far from being impossible.  When it’s all said and done, there are a total of 120 tracks to be unlocked. While there aren’t likely to be many gamers who devote enough time to unlock them all, it’s nice to see a game come out of the gate with enough content to offer replayability for a long time.

While the original version of the game often felt like you were steering a tank instead of a speedy racer, the handling in the XBLA port has been improved. The cars handle a lot easier and you can control the vehicles in midair, which is handy because you'll be gliding through the air quite frequently. This isn’t to say the controls are perfect, since they’re far from it, but they are improved. So those who were turned off by the previous PSP version should know this isn’t the same game it was two years ago.

The graphics in GripShift are very nice for an XBLA title.  All of the tracks look great while displaying the four different themes: Desert, Jungle, Ice or Horror. Car models aren’t something to be compared to Forza or PGR, but are still deliver great looking Hot Wheel type models that are anti-aliased to deliver a smooth overall look. Each of the cars is fully customizable with options like skins, colors, wheels, and hood decals. 

The game is even more fun when it’s played on Live. The multiplayer portion of the game features three modes – deathmatch (just how it sounds), single race (for some quick fun), and championship mode. Each mode has a selection of tracks that are designed specifically for them. These tracks were designed pretty well for multiplayer, which is why we (and we’re sure you will to) felt multiplayer is where the fun is to be had.

GripShift can be an addictive game if you invest the time and patience to figure out all the timing and intricacies of it.  Patience is key; as there is a lot of trial and error on some of the puzzles/tracks.  But since XBLA title are supposed to be quick plays that offer fun right away, the game itself is an oxymoron. While I recommend this game to those looking for a quality title that has replayability and fun, this game isn’t for everyone and sadly is sure to disappoint those use to the typical quick playability of your typical XBLA game. Try the demo out first before buying.

+ Insanely large number of tracks

+ Nice blend of puzzle and racing genres

- Takes too much time to like

- Requires patience, something XBLA titles shouldn't call for