Motorstorm Apocalypse Delayed

MotorStorm Apocalypse is now officially delayed in North America. Seeing how the same thing had already been announced for the game's Japanese and UK release, the North American delay announcement should not be that big of a surprise.

MotorStorm Apocalypse takes place in a fictional urban area called The City. Like previous MotorStorm games, racers gather at a festival to push the limits racing on dangerous courses. Apocalypse, however, is the the first MotorStorm set in an urban environment.

The City looks like a fictionalized version of Northern California's Bay Area and, as the game's name suggest, races take place while the City is in the throes of a natural disaster, namely a large earthquake that is causing the buildings to crumble and fall as players race through the environment.

While MotorStorm fans might be a little upset they cannot play the latest installment come early April, the indefinite delay seems like the right thing to do. Japan was devastated by an earthquake on March 11, and something about a fictional series of races around a city suffering a similar disaster feels wrong.

Sure, MotorStorm Apocalypse is just a game and games often push boundaries on what is or is not acceptable. Many free, flash-based computer games usually come out, often in poor taste, just for the sake of pushing the boundaries or to attract attention. That is OK. Games are art and should be allowed to make whatever statement they want, but MotorStorm should not be that kind of game.

MotorStorm was supposed to be a fun racing game set in a fictional world suffering devastation. It was supposed to feel like a big summer action movie, over-the-top and heart pounding. After March 11, however, that just is not the case. The events in Japan were and continue to be truly devastating, and delaying MotorStorm Apocalypse so that those impacted by the earthquake can heal just feels right.

If you want to help those affected by the earthquake, many reputable charities have operations in place where you can donate money and you can feel safe knowing the funds will be put to good use. One such way that is incredibly simple for those who might think they are too busy to help is to simply Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 help those affected by the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. Alternately, iPhone owners can purchase Street Fighter 4 from the App Store, and Capcom will donate all the proceeds to earthquake relief.

What is your take on the game's delay? Do you agree that delaying the game was the right decision? How long do you think Sony should wait before releasing the game? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

MotorStorm Apocalypse will release exclusively for the PS3. No new release date was given at this time.

Source: PlayStation Blog