Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: Psyonix
  • Release Date: Oct 9, 2008
Metascore
67 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. GameFocus
    84
    If you have friends who own this game then run out and buy it as honestly there really is no more enjoyable multiplayer experience on the PSN at this. The single player side of things is fun, but it only has so much enjoyment as the game was obviously built to be a multiplayer fun fest of rocket powered proportions.
  2. ZTGD
    78
    Probably the most feature-rich PSN game to date. It supports every single feature PlayStation 3 owners have come to expect from their system and a few that they probably are not aware of. The online play is the brightest point, but with the current problems it really holds the title back from its full potential.
  3. Worth Playing
    77
    The game looks and sounds great for a downloadable title, featuring details in lighting and sound effects that go above and beyond what we're used to, as well as a fresh gameplay mechanic that is truly a welcome change in an increasingly stagnant industry.
  4. PSX Extreme
    75
    Worth the small price tag.
  5. Gamer 2.0
    73
    Like its name, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle Cars is a mouthful of a game with a lot of content, trophies, and plenty of options to tailor multiplayer to your tastes that certainly is enough to be worth the $15 price tag.
  6. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    70
    Unapologetically haphazard. [Mar 2009, p.88]
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  7. Gamervision
    70
    A decent attempt at a sports title.
  8. TheSixthAxis
    70
    If old-school knockabout fun is your thing then SARPBC is probably the best the PSN has to offer you.
  9. 1UP
    67
    Supersonic seems a tad overpriced at $15 -- especially considering the nigh-featureless multiplayer and bland aesthetics -- but the single-player is short and sweet, and the core mechanics are simple and rewarding.
  10. IGN
    65
    I fear they may have spent too long with the game and made it just a bit too difficult for someone to pick up and play right off the bat.
  11. Play UK
    65
    It's simply not worth 7.99. [Issue#88, p.89]
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  12. Playstation Universe
    65
    A fun game with friends, but otherwise it is held back by the inherent flaws associated with a game of this type. Try before you buy.
  13. GameSpot
    60
    This blend of vehicular combat and soccer is fun in short sessions, but it's too frustrating to offer much long-term appeal.
  14. Cheat Code Central
    60
    Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars delivers a unique concept that stands out among the increasingly populated downloadable pack. It's too bad this charm wears off quickly, resulting in a game that feels more like a novelty than a crafty idea brought to realization.
  15. Gaming Age
    58
    The concept is fun, there are some nice features and touches included in the game, and the online play is actually very enjoyable. It's worth checking out the demo at least to see if the game clicks.
  16. Thunderbolt
    50
    Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars is one of those “what if” games. What if the controls weren’t a mess? What if the multiplayer mode wasn’t riddled with bugs?

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Jiffylust
    10
    I know this is going to sound like an exaggeration buy I am completely serious. I have played video games nearly all my life, I even worked in a game store in high school. What I am getting at is I know my games. And this is, in my option, the best sports video game of all time. I would also consider it the best split-screen multiplayer game for 4 people. Be warned the learning curve on this game is very-very high so it is best to start playing the game with a group of people near the same skill level. Why is this game one of my favorite games of all time? Well there are alot of reasons. For one it is the perfect mix of strategy and execution. The game is very complex, well actually the game is very simple, but the possible approaches to the game are infinite. I used to play alot of shooters (mostly halo), it was really fun but after awhile my strategy for almost any given situation became static. Almost the same could be said for execution. However in this game, while a few strategy do remain constant, so many (after four years of play) are dynamic. You really have to improvise on situations in this game, the result is that the game always seems fresh. Again same can be said with execution in this game. I have been playing for years and there is always more for me to learn, and it continually feels like i am moving towards being a better player. ( If you want an example of how good people can be at this game just go to youtube, some of the people that play this game are unbelievably good ). Again i will use shooters as a counter example, where execution performance converges on an asymptote at a quicker rate. (I'm not trying to bash shooter i like them alot, but almost all the skill is based on reaction time) Scoring goals in this game requires an almost undefinable finesse that leads you to feel a real sense accomplishment. Anyway I am just rambling now. My main point, buy this game.

    Oh and also Psyonix, the company that makes this game, is really cool. In an age where DLC cost usually as much as most games itself, Psyonix has released two patches (doubling the original amount, of maps and car skins / fixing glitches ext,) for free. The later of the patches, i think, was released over two years after the game came out. Anyway it's a great little company that is worthy of support.    … Full Review »
  2. therealyra
    10
    This game rocks, no other way to put it. Multi player is where the game shines through as a post pub laugh or where you can exercise a few of the days frustrations. Its a basic game of no rules football, the ball has to go into the net the other end, however the car is rocket powered. Drive over the rocket fuel pads to get momentum and perform tricks that will help you jump high and out play your opponent. Use the car to knock the ball and just about everything else into the goal. Simple !? Well not quite. Its fast and the arrow on the car telling you where the fast moving ball is located is a great addition. . . . and much needed. You can hand break flip the car forward and back also side to side. These skills help avoid other and kinda 'kick' the ball in interesting ways. Its fast for sure and the frame rate never suffers online or in single player / split screen.

    Games are either duel or up to 4 v 4 online ranked or friendly games, with team based invites thrown in too. While this is a world away from football - the game is an out and out arcade title. The graphics will never win many awards, the menu system is basic, controls are slightly more complicated than they should have been but I can kinda see why they are there. Just have to remember them which can be tricky when the pressure is on to score.

    SARPBC does have a trick up its sleeve that most developers seem to forget to think about. PSN titles or all budget game titles have got the idea that games should be fun. I can think of PAIN and Wipeout HD, Modern Combat all on the PSN which are fun. SARPBC does that too and then some. Even in single player the game will have you pushing your fist skywards to celebrate a goal scored in overtime or with a few seconds left. Its not pretty, its fun to play with friends and its highly recommended. Free to PSN+ users this month or £4 or £5 in the PSN Store. Get it play it. 4/5    … Full Review »
  3. woltrak
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This game is simply the best Playstation 3 exclusive. But so much is known but underestimated what a shame. This game is perfect for the gameplay, good graphics, epic theme song ! The online is alway full and we can meet awesome players. The game is a little difficult so we must have some skill for win, and this is the only game of this generation which need this. SARPBC is Awesome… Full Review »
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