Pure

"Pure - Definition of Underrated"

Talk about a diamond in the rough, Pure is a quad racing game with amazing tricks that make your mouth drop, scenes and huge vistas that are absolutely breathtaking, and with customization down to what color your frame guards are; you'll never see the same quad twice. It's easy to see why a game like Pure is overlooked, as the 360 is best known for shooters, it's easily on same level if not higher than racing juggernauts such as Forza or Project Gotham Racing. You don't have to be a hardcore racing gamer to enjoy this game, as anyone can find something they'll love in Pure.

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Gameplay - The racing is amazingly intense with a total of three modes of play. Two modes revolve around getting burning laps and leaving your competition in the dust, with a standard race mode and a shorter sprint mode where one mistake can change the entire outcome. The last mode, Freestyle, is where tricks are the key. Huge risks can bring someone from last to first in a heartbeat or vise versa. Every style of player can find their niche within Pure.

The World Tour mode is fun fast paced campaign where you have to place high against the A.I. if you're wanting to move on to the next stage. With a total of 10 stages, you'll easily find fun and replayability. The stages are further separated into 4 classes: D, C, B, and A; so expect a learning curve that will make early races a breeze after ones that put your skills to the test, against only the top riders. The game even customizes how hard the A.I. of the other racers are, based upon how well you do during the game's tutorial.

Lastly, the online mode. What would a game be without competition against your best friends? While it lacks a split screen mode, it's easy to hook up with a buddy online during a player match, or pit yourself against the world's best in ranked mode. Having up to 16 player races makes for fun and intense game play where only the best will thrive. Don't expect to be good without practice either, there's more than one way from start to finish among Pure's 12 different tracks that range from the beautiful forests and mountains of Wyoming to glaciers and snow of New Zealand. Knowing the best and most hidden shortcuts separates amateurs from pros in Pure. Not only that, but the customization is so in depth that if you think you'll be setting top 10 times in the leader boards without making a bike just right for the track, you've got another thing coming.

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Graphics/Sound - The beautiful and vast scenes of Pure's varied selection of tracks seem to exhaust all of the 360 graphical power. Nothing is more satisfying than flying hundreds of feet above the ground and seeing the other riders look like ants as you seem to float across the amazing different settings and environments of each track. Pure will make full use out of that 60 inch High Definition TV that you have parked in your basement. As if the graphics weren't amazing enough, the sound more than makes up for any downfalls you may find. With the high pitch whine of a two-stroke engine to the deep throaty roar of a 4 stroke, it feels like nothing less than reality. The immersion makes you almost have to lean in your coach with you rider through tight hairpin turns and close you eyes when you know you're rider is about to eat a face full of dirt when you're about to crash.

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Play Time/Replayability - Whether you're the laid back casual weekend gamer, or the most hardcore you'll find more than enough reasons to put hours of playtime in Pure. The World Tour mode seems easy enough at first, but a nice smooth learning curve will keep you on your toes at all times during the 10 individual stages. Don't be surprised when you feel a huge sense of accomplishment after seeing those ending credits roll, as you have to place 1st in every race if you plan on seeing them. The fun doesn't stop there though, as those last few achievements will take some precise planning to get, so don't count on an easy 1,000 GS from Pure. Lastly, the online mode and leader boards is what will keep Pure in a permanent spot in your 360 for months, and a gem that will standout among your collection of Xbox 360 games.

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Final Recommendation - With Pure being only 30 dollars new at some places, or even cheaper used, there's no reason not to buy Pure. It has the replayability to last years, and a fun online community where you'll easily make friends. Also, with an E rating, this game is recommend for your younger brother or even your dad. Anyone can find a reason to give a shot at Pure at least, as it has a free download on the Xbox 360 marketplace. Whether you rent, buy, or borrow, Pure leaves a lasting impression on you and sets the bar high for any other racing game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/26/09

Game Release: Pure (US, 09/23/08)