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How Metascores Are Calculated
54
B-Boy
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
In the year 2049, the governments of the world switched to unmanned aircraft for combat in an attempt to save lives. By doing so, they decommissioned thousands of jets and their fighter pilots, ironically destroying the livelihood of those they were trying to save. Years later, these planes appeared on the black market and were sold to the highest bidders. It wasn't long before an underground emerged, featuring ex-fighter pilots, smugglers and wealthy hobbyists piloting the decommissioned aircraft. In a competition of fight and flight, these pilots heavily modify their jet fighters to outrace and outduel the competition to win fame, glory and fortune. Welcome to the world of M.A.C.H. Modified Air Combat Heroes rise through the ranks by defeating rivals and unlocking customized parts and planes -- 180 over-the-top configurations possible across 11 planes -- for enhanced speed and weaponry. Gamers will take to the skies for intense aerial racing action and deadly air-to-air combat throughout a variety of environments and can choose from multiple gameplay modes. Arcade mode is designed to throw gamers into the action as quickly as possible and, although only one plane will be available initially, progressing through the Career mode to unlock other planes will gradually give access to the full Arcade experience. Career mode consists of a collection of high-octane tournaments spread over various landscapes. As gamers progress through their career from a Rookie through Pro, Ace, Elite and finally to a combat Hero, they'll gradually win access to enemies' planes and earn cash, which will enable players to upgrade capabilities and keep up with the competition. Each Challenge tier consists of five challenges -- MACH Melée, MACH Dash, Time Check, MACH LAP and Dog Tag -- in different locations in the quest for ultimate glory. Multiplayer – Players race or dogfight against up to eight opponents over an Ad hoc wireless network or via Game Sharing with rival PSP system owners for the ultimate deathmatch experience! (Game sharing mode requires only one copy of M.A.C.H.) [Sierra]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 79
PSM3 Magazine UK
Only a slight lack of personality and a few motion sickness issues stop this [from] scoring higher. [Apr 2007, p.86]
78
Games Master UK
Extremely arcadey and immediately engaging racing game. [Apr 2007, p.84]
75
IC-Games
With more variety in events and more stages, M.A.C.H would have kept me going for longer. That being said, if it’s a simple, satisfying flight game you’re after M.A.C.H is the choice.
 75
GameZone
For the initial thrills, high replay value, and outstanding time-kill factor, M.A.C.H. is a great game to have spinning in your PSP. But if a sequel is to be made, here’s hoping for a lengthier single-player campaign.
74
GameBrink
It’s a decent racing and dogfight hybrid that will appeal to some but leave many others feeling a bit let down by the repetitiveness and the lack of online play. [JPN Import]
72
GameSpot
M.A.C.H. is a solid flight game that offers plenty of speed and high-flying antics, but it's grounded by a limited selection of stages and activities.
70
GamePro
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.
70
Games Radar
It's not like M.A.C.H. is going to set the world on fire. We're not saying that. But for a game that's pretty much gonna fly right into bargain bins due to zip awareness, it's a shockingly tight package.
70
Pocket Gamer UK
Many will find M.A.C.H.'s fuselage a little thin and the solo flight briefer than it deserves to be. But if they get together, they'll also discover it offers some of the finest multiplayer gaming on PSP.
70
PSM Magazine
If there were more track variation, more weapons, and a bit more effort in the presentation, M.A.C.H. could have easily have been a must-have PSP game. [Apr 2007, p.86]
70
Pure Magazine UK
Well-designed high-speed racing with great dogfight arenas for single and multiplayer fun. [Apr 2007, p.83]
65
Game Informer
The sense of speed is fantastic and the visuals are divine, but the openness of the tracks, cautionary AI opponents, and fact that you really have to go out of your way to wreck serve to suck all of the excitement out of the experience.
60
Gamers Europe
Given how fast and exciting jet fighters are by their very nature, it takes a real effort (or in this case, lack of one) to make a game about them as pedestrian as this. Modified Air Combat Heroes? Mediocre Aeroplane Crap Hour, more like.
60
Ferrago
The whole package fails to do the actually racing justice. You'll be bored of the small number of courses within the first few hours and, unless you have a decent number of friends who own copies, the multiplayer mode won't ever get enough use to make it worthwhile.
60
Playstation Official Magazine UK
There's just no lasting appeal. [Apr 2007, p.97]
60
AceGamez
I can only recommend M.A.C.H.: Modified Air Combat Heroes to racing enthusiasts with a love of science fiction who have already played Wipeout Pure to death.
60
PALGN
A decent, speedy racer that is unfortunately cut down by a lack of lasting appeal.
60
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
There's not enough to it, and what there is of it, there's too much of, if you follow us. Good, but in an oversaturated market it needs more. [Apr 2007, p.97]
59
IGN
Although the gameplay is fun and the controls are easy to master, the fact that you can play the game for half an hour and see just about everything possible makes M.A.C.H. an experience you don't need to plunk your hard-earned money to purchase.
55
1UP
The game itself is polished and, for a while, a lot of fun -- it's just that, unfortunately, there isn't that much game here.
55
Play Magazine
It simply wallows in its competence, but doesn't do much - okay, anything - to try and exceed it. [Mar 2007, p.71]
53
Worth Playing
It lacks longevity, has some gameplay flaws, and has no personality whatsoever.
50
Gamestyle
M.A.C.H is technically a near-perfect game; smooth, easy to play, good looking, well implemented multiplayer modes and so on. What it doesn't have is a single spark of originality or even the smallest bit of personality. Is polish more important than originality? GameStyle thinks not.
50
Edge Magazine
While there are occasional sparks from things like laser weapons, or games of tag in the arena combat, too much time is spent racing the same courses at the same speed, with only a very gradual increase in AI awareness to differentiate each step up through the ranks. [Mar 2007, p.85]
49
Jolt Online Gaming UK
M.A.C.H is a sad waste of potential that feels like no one actually cared to deliver anything innovative or even competent.
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