MX Unleashed

"THQ's third shot at Moto-Perfection...how does it do?"

For those of you who don't know, MX Unleashed is the sequel to MX Superfly and MX 2002. Now, MX Superfly was an excellent game in my opinion. Simple control, and crazy trick combos made this game stick out as my first purchase for the PS2. So with MX Unleashed being released, high-hopes had made me ignore every game I was anticipating. Let's see how this game fared, shall we?

GAMEPLAY: 7/10

Let's break it down for those who don't follow MotoCross. You either race against other hopeful participants in a handful of dirt tracks, or you pull sick tricks in Freestyle mode. Either way, playing this game will want you to forget about the ''do not try this at home'' message at the beginning of the game. Each aspect of this game is represented well, with intense races later in the game, to the entire ''WOW!'' factor of the Freestyle mode, which took a more Tony Hawk (4) approach, letting you roam the level as you please.

As great as the sport is represented by THQ, a confusing control scheme can cripple your winning streak. They changed the simple, one-button, pre-loading deal into a ''flick down, flick up'' deal. Plus, if you try to preload without having enough speed, there goes your first place lead, which can lead to some frustration. It will take some time to get used to, and that can ruin some fun, can't it?

Graphics/Animation: 9/10

This is what impressed me the most. THQ took full advantage of the PS2's power (sort of) to make this game physically accurate (sort off, again). They changed the stiffened-body wrecks from the first two into a more realistic crash re-creation. Motion capture did well. No complaints, except I wish there was a bail button to view the crashes even more. :)

Sound: 10/10

It seems what MX Unleashed lacks in gameplay, it made up in the technology department. From the revving of the Dirtbikes, to the Ooh's and Aah's of the crowd when you win/lose, the racing game alone has superior sound. Add accurate grunts, a killer punk rock/metal soundtrack, and funny whistling noises when you fall from high up (see any Wile. E. Coyote cartoon), this is one of those games you'll never mute, unless you hate MotoCross.

Lifespan: 4/10

Disappointing, I know. But if you seem to give up easy, or just blaze right through this, the length will leave a forgettable mark on you. More races, or a good friend/neighbor/sibling will make this game last a little longer. On it's own, it is a little bare-boned.

Now, I wouldn't recommend this to everyone, but if you need a week to pass by, give MX Unleashed a shot. Diehard Moto-X fans will eat this right up, though. A good rent.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 02/22/04