MX Unleashed (PS2/Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * *)

This game comes from publisher THQ, the undisputed king when it comes to all things motocross. THQ sponsors a large number of real-life two-wheel racing events in the United States. Developers Rainbow Studios are off-road specialists, too, responsible for ATV Off-road series and the unforgettable PC off-roaders Motocross Madness and Motocross Madness 2.

In fact, MX Unleashed feels much like an all new Motocross Madness title. In gameplay, this is one of the most instantly accessible, enjoyable off-road racing titles I've seen.

The list of options is huge, beginning with a lengthy, far-reaching career mode that will take weeks to get through. Add to that supercross, nationals, and freestyle events, a store where you can buy (or unlock) extra gear, bikes, tracks and other goodies and the scope is almost endless.

The freestyle events are a highlight, letting you roam within an enormous 3D area. The landscape is made of rolling hills, peaks and numerous other fully interactive landmarks (ramps and such).

Tricks are gratifyingly simple to pick up (using only the thumbstick and a couple of buttons) but tougher to master. Back flips and more ambitious tricks will earn many more points but there are added risks. The wipeouts are particularly hard to stomach, especially when you watch as your rider rag-dolls in a heap.

While on the bike, Rainbow Studio's trademark handling physics are once again perfect, and graphically I can't find a thing wrong — the free-roaming camera is particularly cool, letting you view your rider from every angle. The game's soundtrack is satisfactory, made up almost entirely of American guitar bands, but on the Xbox version you can play songs from your own play list if you prefer.

There's only one thing that keeps MX Unleashed from being perfect and that's the multiplayer, which is limited to two-player split screen only. A decision that will undoubtedly leave many Xbox Live fans wondering what the heck went wrong.

MX Unleashed will be available from March 26 for PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

Price: $99.95

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