Destruction AllStars acted as one of the first topics of controversy that surrounded the higher price-point of 9th gen games. Not long after its reveal, it was decided that the game would be delayed and be introduced via the PS Plus free games line-up instead. The optics changed, but the game has stayed the same even if its free admission changed the context.
The Haptic Express
First and foremost, Destruction AllStars feels like a 9th gen title. At least it does in the opening minutes where you learn the core game. The tutorial will teach you all the important mechanics, such as navigating the arena on foot, hijacking cars and smashing your opponents into smithereens.
Whilst you are learning the different nuances to the game’s mechanics, you will be subject to constant haptic feedback and very crisp visual effects. Similarly, to most PS5 experiences, the vibrating steps of a character or the resistant triggers are, of course, welcome. Whilst this impresses early on, it doesn’t do much to enhance the game in the later hours.
Footloose
Something unique to AllStars is the ability to manoeuvre on foot. If your car is close to being wrecked, you will want to eject from it. Once out of your car you can run around and collect shards to power up your character’s unique abilities. To keep with the derby aggression, you can of course attack other players and even hijack their cars.
It can slow the pace down to a crawl if you are struggling to find a new car to get into and this can frustrate those who need points. Sometimes you will be far from a vacant car, or other players may get to them before you.
This is cleverly remedied with a brilliant sequence when you do finally get into a car, as it transforms itself into your unique livery before your very eyes. It never gets old seeing the car change its colours and launch from its podium, giving you your very own “morphin’ time” experience when it happens.
Skin and Bones
Although boasting a significant roster of interesting characters, Destruction AllStars fails to deliver much in the way of content. There are just four game modes, the arenas are very samey, and its progression system is lazy and surface level. Levelling up will net you nothing but in game currency to spend on extortionately priced and boring character skins. There seems to be nothing to aim for when playing and accruing experience.
Multiplayer is the focus here, with Arcade offering little and Challenge Series offering some character driven events which are unfortunately behind paywalls. This focus isn’t necessarily a bad thing, with decent matchmaking and an innovative “accolade system” which allows easy anonymous reporting/praising. There are some things that need smoothing out here, with no simple way to mute the people you play with and perhaps some general UX improvements.
Ridin’ Solo
Two of AllStars game modes are Mayhem and Gridfall. These are classed as solo modes which means you will be competing as a solo competitor rather than on a team.
Mayhem seems to be the main game mode, which is a free for all destruction derby where points are accumulated for smashing into each other. A lot of fun can be had in this mode, with some tense point jostling to be had during its lengthy game time.
Gridfall is a Battle Royale mode, where extra lives can be obtained by destroying other competitors. Once your lives are spent, you will leave the match whilst the remaining players drive around, trying not to be crushed by another player or fall off the ever-deteriorating track. This mode can have some brilliant moments, especially when down to the last two or three players.
Team Game
Carnado and Stockpile act in contrast to the other two modes, as they see you play in 8 vs 8 matchups. Both modes focus on collecting “gears” which you can obtain from attacking other players, which are to be dropped off in a certain place.
Stockpile will force you out of your car to deliver your gears, whilst Carnado will see you wreck your car into a tornado which will bank any collected gears.
These modes are fine, but the team aspect seems like an afterthought. There is no real way to know what your team are doing, or even what you are doing in these matches, but there is still fun to be had.
All Bark
Destruction AllStars is a fun throwback to an era of Destruction Derby, Monster Truck Madness and other smash-racers games, which by default will always give you a good time. It also has all the bells and whistles that the PS5 will allow it to have. Unfortunately, though, the 9th gen polish and thrill of smashing into other cars, doesn’t account for an extreme lack of content or longevity.
Being free on PlayStation Plus allows us to hope for more to come, but the fact it had been intended to be priced at £69.99/$70 leaves a sour taste. There is clear intention to fill this game with micro transactions, instead of first creating a satisfying progression system to keep its players invested.
