MotorStorm RC

Both Sony and Evolution Studios captured the imaginations of players worldwide with the popular MotorStorm franchise, a thrilling series of games set in a variety of gorgeous locations and featuring intense, arcade style racing.

MotorStorm went portable in 2009 with the impressive PSP title, Arctic Edge, and the publisher will waste no time bringing the IP to PlayStation Vita in the recently announced MotorStorm: RC, launching February 22, also for PlayStation 3.

That said, don't expect your classic MotorStorm experience. Instead of crafting a more traditional title, a small team of developers focused their attention squarely on radio controlled RC cars on much tinier tracks.

The vehicles fall into eight categories: Buggies, Superminis, Rally Cars, Muscle Cars, Racing Trucks, Supercars, Big Rigs and Monster Trucks, all of which handle differently.

The locations, meanwhile, were pulled from MotorStorms past. To that end, expect to see the Monument Valley desert, the Pacific Island jungle, the icier Artic Edge and, finally, a post-apocalyptic city. Combined, you'll have 16 tracks to enjoy.

What's especially cool about MotorStorm RC is cross platform play between Vita and PlayStation 3. Even better, you automatically receive both the console and portable versions with a single purchase, where buying the game on one machine means you can play on the other with little effort.

Not only that, but the game also supports online play, as well as four-person split screen on PS3, in case you prefer to kick it old school. On top of that, the Pitwall lets you keep track of friends and adversaries.

Initial impression: it'll definitely take a little while to get used to the feel of the game. It looks like MotorStorm, but the RC vibe is a grand departure from the more in your face destruction from the previous titles.

At the same time, it's great to see Sony trying something new, and we look forward to firing up MotorStorm RC on our shiny new PlayStation Vita's early next year.