Five tips for Blur dominance

I interviewed Blur‘s lead designer on this week’s podcast, plus I’m playing Blur tonight – I’ve definitely got the bug. I’ve already offered some etiquette tips for the refined Blur competitor, but I’ve also learned a few strategic tips that I think are worth sharing…even if they will cost me the race because you know them. Damn my generosity!

Always keep one in the chamber.

Now's a good time for a reverse Shunt.

It’s a lot of fun to fire power-ups as soon as you get them, but I’ve found it’s much better to keep at least one power-up that can be used defensively in reserve at all time. That can be a Shield, a Mine, a Bolt, or a Shunt. You won’t have much luck outrunning a Shunt on a straightaway, even with a Nitro — but you can nullify one with any of the above. Be prepared.

Learn to look around.

Right where I want you.

The rear-view mirror is great, but it doesn’t show you who’s next to you — and it doesn’t even appear in four-player split-screen matches. A quick flick of the right analog stick can give you a lot of information, so get used to rotating the camera in any free moment to get an updated view of the situation.

Four is more than three.

Extra point is extra.

In single-player Destruction races, you get three points for each green-car Wrecking Shot. But if you destroy the car long-distance, you’ll get four points — which is like getting one car free for every three you destroy. Use this to your advantage on nice long straightaways; you may even want to manage your speed and (gasp!) slow down to make sure you’re blasting from long range.

Hit the PIT.

Spin it to win it.

You won’t necessarily get fans from doing a PIT maneuver — nudging the rear flank of a car as you approach it, causing that car to spin out — but you will want to practice it anyway. If you do it with force, you will earn fans from a ramming bonus, but even without, you’ll find it’s super-effective at frustrating the crap out of your opponents — and sending them to the back of the pack.

Nitro out of drifty corners.

Harbor Freeway's hairpin can be tamed with Nitro.

The green Nitro power-ups are great for a boost of speed, but they’re downright invaluable if you lose traction on a corner. Aim your car in the direction you want to go and hit the Nitro — you’ll find you have full grip again. You can often pass several cars with just this simple strategy, and I’ve found it to be a lifesaver on the LA Downtown Harbor Freeway hairpin.

That’s what I’m using to kick your ass. What are you using to kick mine? Comment below, please.