M.A.C.H. flies on PSP @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on January 05, 2007

News: The 'Danger Zone' is coming to your PSP.

Press Release:

Vivendi Games' Sierra Entertainment division has announced the development of M.A.C.H. (Modified Air Combat Heroes), the first flight combat/racing game exclusively for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Gamers will become outlaw pilots as they compete in deadly aerial contests of skill, speed and weaponry in this sky-high race to own the air. Players will also have the option to engage in thrilling multiplayer action against up to eight real-world rivals over an Ad hoc wireless network or via Game Sharing mode. Developed by UK-based Kuju Entertainment, M.A.C.H. is scheduled to ship in the UK this spring.

M.A.C.H. is slated to ship first in Japan in late January, and has been very well-received by Japan's leading gaming magazine Weekly Famitsu. The well-known and widely respected publication praised the upcoming aerial combat/racing game in its October 20, 2006 issue:

УThe ultimate racing battleФ

УOnce you experience the thrills of controlling the fighter jet at violent speeds, you become addicted!Ф

УWe are proud of the accolades M.A.C.H. has received from a highly respected gaming publication such as Weekly Famitsu,Ф said Cindy Cook, chief strategy and marketing officer for Vivendi Games. УThis endorsement of M.A.C.H.'s thrilling aerial combat and racing action reinforces our goal of providing an arcade-style gameplay experience that will deliver intense pick-up-and-play excitement for any PSP or flying fan.Ф

M.A.C.H. Prologue
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 out duel the competition to win fame, glory and fortune. Welcome to the world of M.A.C.H.

M.A.C.H. Key Features
Rise through the ranks by defeating rivals and unlocking customized parts and planes for enhanced speed and weaponry - 180 over-the-top configurations are possible across 11 planes. Gamers will take to the skies for intense aerial racing action and deadly air-to-air combat throughout a variety of environments. They can also choose from multiple gameplay modes including:

Arcade - 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 and unlocking other planes will gradually give access to the full Arcade experience.

Career - This 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. This, in turn, will enable players to upgrade capabilities and keep up with the competition.

Challenge - Each tier consists of five challenges - MACH Melщe, MACH Dash, Time Check, MACH Lap and Dog Tag Ц set across different locations in the quest for ultimate glory.

Multiplayer Ц Players race or dogfight against up to eight rival PSP system owners - over an Ad hoc wireless network or via Game Sharing - for the ultimate deathmatch experience! (Game sharing mode requires only one copy of M.A.C.H.)