ATV Offroad Fury

"After a Long Hiatus Without Anything Really Appealing For PS2, ATV Delivers Quite Nicely"

Wow, this game really came out of no where. I mean I keep track of the news in the industry closer than just about anyone I know and I didn't even see this one coming. Despite not seeing it coming, I'm sure as hell glad it came as it's one of the best Playstation 2 games in a long time (if not one of the best period), with insanely fun game play, amazing graphics, and one of the best sound tracks in a video game I've ever herd, the package you get in ATV is quite the well rounded one.

Graphics: The graphics in ATV really show just how powerful the PS2 is. To start off, the flickering that accompanied many of the PS2 launch games is all but gone in ATV. Also, as opposed to many of the original launch games, ATV is anti-aliased (well mostly) which really makes everything look beautiful. Now dropping the techie stuff, the actual game also looks amazing, from the ATVs themselves to the riders to the great landscapes. Speaking of the landscapes, the texture detail of the terrain is simply mind boggling. Add to that that you can literally see for miles in the distance (and everything you can see you can interact with which really gives you a sense of freedom). Another really nice feature is the addition of mud/snow/dirt trails that your ATV throws up from behind, it all streams in real time very nicely. And with all this eye candy the game still runs at a rock solid 60 fps. 9/10

Sound: As I said before, this game packs one of the best sound tracks I've ever herd. I guess it really matters on what kind of music you prefer, but if you prefer hard rock/metal/punk then you'll love it as much as me (if not then you'll likely hate the sound track with a passion). It's great that Sony actually licensed a few big names (such as Sevendust among others) for a title that will likely not get much attention beside the hardcore gamer. Accommodating the sound track very nicely are the equally excellent sound track. The ATVs sound great buzzing through the tracks, the trains sound great as they pass by, planes in the sky sound like they should, basically everything meshes together to make a great package for the ear.

Gameplay: Well not TOO much to report here. It's not the best I've ever seen but for what it is it works great. The ATVs bounce up and down all over the place and have great physics and steering. As for game play modes there are plenty to be had here. For one, there's the normal free play mode (which I play most often for a good quick fix), then you've got your normal championship mode, then there's the season-esque mode, and finally a mode where you're able to play tracks that you've unlocked in the season mode. Pretty basic, but effective and nicely executed. 9/10

Replay: Although this is the low point of the game, it's still not too bad. With all the modes listed above and the initial ''that kicks ass'' mentality the game gives you, you'll be playing for a good amount of time. After you're through with that you'll probably still come back for multi player sessions which, while simple, are very addictive. Once you're done with the 1 player game and have got played your fair share of multi player there isn't anything else to come back to though. Not that there's really much more they could add, but what's here doesn't last forever. 8/10

Overall: All together this is a very nice game and will definitely quench your thirst if you've been waiting for another good addition to your PS2 library after the long wait for something new. Buy it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/28/01, Updated 02/28/01