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More FlatOut: Head On PSP details crash in

Game to use full power of Sony's handheld

More FlatOut: Head On PSP details crash in

Following on from last week's first screens and handful of details, Empire has today revealed a little more about its forthcoming PSP version of the FlatOut franchise.

The pick-up-and-play arcade game promises to take full advantage of the PSP's recently unlocked processing power

"This is the first time that the FlatOut series has been brought to the PSP, and the results are stunning," said Rob Noble, Empire European marketing manager, while fumbling around with his seat belt. "The developers have taken all the intense racing mayhem of FlatOut and crunched it all into the PSP. This game will raise the bar for handheld arcade racing games and pushes the PSP to its limits."

As ever, we'll make those sorts of claims once we've taken it for a spin, Rob. Not that we don't appreciate the enthusiasm, obviously.

So what do we know so far? Well, the game features six environments, from desert landscapes to city streets, 40 tracks and 45 unique car models (including rigs and a school bus) on its way to deliver "racing carnage". A Carnage mode offers more than 36 quick-play challenges and rewards you (in points) for the more mayhem you create. And mayhem includes dealing aggressively with the competition, of course.

You won't have to rely on your shunting skills, though. The promised advanced game engine will see persistent objects such as fallen rocks, shopping trolleys and car part remain on the track form one lap to the next, thereby creating additional obstacles for your opponents to avoid.

Of course, opponents can be human: the four-player ad hoc options are complemented by eight-player turn-based party games and tournaments. The latter include wheel-to-wheel challenges, demolition derbies (the game features nine such offerings, including deathmatch and last man standing play options), and 12 ragdoll stunts, including darts, bowling and ring of fire.

Sounds like fun. The game is out early next year and you can Click 'Track It!' to ensure any further updates race straight into your inbox.

Joao Diniz Sanches
Joao Diniz Sanches
With three boys under the age of 10, former Edge editor Joao has given up his dream of making it to F1 and instead spends his time being shot at with Nerf darts. When in work mode, he looks after editorial projects associated with the Pocket Gamer and Steel Media brands.