The sequel to 2004’s surprise hit MX Unleashed is here and it is everything any MX fan could have wanted and a lot more. MX vs. ATV Unleashed is packed with an insane number of tracks along with a ton of vehicles to race on them and there are enough modes here to keep you busy for a long time. The gameplay is just as solid as ever so this is a great game for not just MX and ATV fans but all racing enthusiasts.
Offroad Racing Fans' Dream Game
Rainbow Studios is pretty much the undisputed king of MX and ATV games. With phenomenal success with Motocross Madness 1 and 2 on the PC, ATV Offroad Fury 1 and 2 for the PS2, and last year’s MX Unleashed, there is no question that these folks definitely know what they are doing. MX vs. ATV Unleashed takes all of the great ideas that Rainbow has come up with over the years and crams them all into one huge amazing game. In addition to dirt bikes and four wheelers you can also race trophy trucks, monster trucks, tricked out golf carts, dune buggies, sand rails, airplanes, and helicopters in one of the biggest and craziest racing games yet. Not only that, but you can pit these vehicles against each other all on the same track. Each vehicles has their own unique advantages and disadvantages so they are actually fairly well matched which makes for an interesting overall experience.Gameplay
Great Track Design
A lot of the success with the gameplay has to do with the absolutely outstanding supercross and motocross track design. Each and every track has unique features and lines and they are all extremely well designed. Something that I really enjoy is that some features that have appeared in the actual THQ supercross series in the last few years have made it into the game. Things such as building the track up into the stands or having a section of track split between two lines and riders get to choose one or the other. The tracks were designed with realism and replicating the real sport of supercross in mind rather than having tons of jumps all over the place. I think the more realistic designs really help portray supercross and motocross as a real sport rather than just a sideshow. Other nice touches include realistic starts and having to actually qualify for the main event in supercross events and running two motos in motocross events. Little details like these and the great track designs are things that everyone can appreciate but they are things that fans of the real life sport will go absolutely crazy over.Freestyle Levels
Of course, if you like the sideshow freak appeal of freestyle motocross and doing tricks, MX vs. ATV Unleashed has tracks for you as well. If you have played Rainbow’s other games you are surely familiar with the huge, open freestyle levels that have been a mainstay in their games. You’ll find similar levels here but with a major design change that is sure to be a bit of a letdown for longtime Rainbow fans. The tracks are still big and open, but the high cliffs that marked the boundaries of the levels are gone. The problem is that the giant invisible hand still flicks you back into the level if you venture out too far and without any visible barriers it is hard to tell where that line actually is. You’ll hear a low rumble when you are getting too close to the edge, but when racing at full speed with music playing it is hard to hear that audio cue and you’ll get flicked back when you least expect it. That complaint aside, the levels are still incredibly well designed and a lot of fun to play around on. Each level is filled with little nooks and crannies and fun things to find and play with so the freestyle levels are still awesome.
