The Modnation Racers Patch Looks Set To Elevate The Pack To A Whole New Level.

We loved the game when we reviewed it a few months back, but had stopped playing recently due to a number of issues with the game β€” namely the load times. While we didn't have a huge problem with the loading at the time, they do kill the multiplayer somewhat, as there's no repeating lobby system.

United Front's been keeping a keen eye on criticism, however, and has finally revealed details of the long awaited patch that will be available next week.

We've included the words of IGN after the jump, as they have the full details. Looks like this is one bumper update, and it'll definitely get us jumping back into one of our favourite games of the year thus far.

Slashed Load Times
Yes, there are still going to be load times, but Sony is reporting that in some cases those loads will be 50 percent faster.

Casual Difficulty
A lot of folks dug the gameplay in ModNation Racers, but they were getting pwned by the game's AI-controlled opponents; those computerized jerks never gave Player 1 a break! Well, this patch introduces Casual Difficulty Mode. This should give people who just want to have some fun the chance to do so without having to worry about hurling a controller after getting sideswiped in the third lap.

Friends with XP Benefits
Racing in XP Races and Series is key to earning experience points and leveling-up online. However, as it stands, you can't invite your friends to XP outings. It kind of sucks the fun out of your multiplayer romp. Well, next week, that'll be a thing of the past. This patch allows you to invite your buddies to races and series, so go level grind! [/strong]

[strong]Death to Hot Lap Cheaters
Apparently, this patch will fix a bug that allowed players to cut through tracks and post ridiculous times in the online Hot Lap section. Only a few more days to steal the spotlight, kids! [/strong]

[strong]The Ultimate Collector
Player cards β€” the profile showing what you've whipped up β€” will now display all of you creations and not just some of them. [/strong]

[strong]Get Online Faster and Stay There
United Front Games is also fixing MNR so that you'll be able to jump into online races faster than ever. The developers say that this has been done by removing "the online game room from the ModSpot." On top of that, the server's been upgraded to help get rid of those pesky disconnects people were having to deal with. We'll see how that works next week.

Attain the Unattainable (Challenges)
United Front Games has listened to all of your ranting and raving and honed in on three challenges that it agrees are just too damn tough. When you download the patch, expect different completion conditions on the Devastator takedown on Wild Run, the Devastator takedown on Modobahn and the "sideswipe three opponents on the cliff side" task on Fracture. [/strong]

[strong]Free Stuff
The Tin Bucket item will be unlocked for everyone! Hooray!