Game Boy Advance

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2

People hunting for an excellent portable BMX game aren't going to split hairs over repetitious music anyway, especially those wishing for a game that's just as remarkable as Tony Hawk--albeit on two inflated wheels. Unlike Activision's competitor, Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX, the GBA version of Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 makes no compromises in re-creating the experience of its console cousins. In all areas--gameplay, graphics, sound, and overall longevity--Full-Fat and Acclaim have literally created a handheld miracle.

To add the to Dave Mirra 2’s enjoyment and reply value, the developer chose a rather unusual approach to setting up the game’s two player mode. Instead of using a link cable, players take turns using a single Game Boy Advance unit and game and hand it off to an opponent. This method is used in versions of Worms and many other games in history, and always results in mixed feelings. No longer do you have the need for a second Advance system, game cart, or link cable, however waiting for a turn might be the death of you; especially with how it works.

Rather than model this handheld port after its console brethren, Full-Fat decided to copy the formula used to bring Tony Hawk 2 to the GBA. The outcome is a beautiful game that offers smooth controls, navigable levels, and incredible detail in the character models.

It's hard not to compare the two products...Dave Mirra 2 even calls attention to it by using the same user interface when picking a player and course before a run, as well as using an extremely similar drum beat and tune during the main menu sequence. Acclaim's BMX title isn't as clean as Activision's skateboarding game on the GBA, but look beyond the awkward occurrences in the physics and gameplay, and you'll find a lot of fun and a good challenge throughout Mirra 2's eight different parks.

Between Matt Hoffman's Pro Style BMX and Dave Mirra 2, the choice seems pretty obvious to me. While Matt Hoffman's definitely feels and plays like "Tony Hawk on bikes", Dave Mirra 2 does not. The unique trick system coupled with superb track design and awesome graphics make Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 the game to get if you're a BMX fan. Dave Mirra 2 excels in every category you could think of, and quite frankly, I cannot wait for the inevitable sequel.

Dave Mirra 2 is of the quality all GBA games should aspire to. However, many developers and publishers will rely solely license, so it's good to see an endorsed title backed by solid development.

Inferiorities to Tony aside, Mirra 2 makes other portable action sports games look like a pile of puke. The movement is 3D. The levels are decent. Manuals and wall rides abound. Sure, you're going to fall. A lot. You'll be frustrated and beat down, but you'll come back for more. Why? Dave Mirra 2 is one of the better GBA games around. So there.

Non content d'avoir mené la vie dure aux titres d'Activision sur les consoles de salon, Dave Mirra les poursuit maintenant sur GBA. Le résultat tient la route. Cependant, on regrettera qu'il se positionne encore comme suiveur et non comme leader. Comprenez par là qu'il ne propose pas de réelles nouveautés par rapport aux autres, c'est pourquoi, il se voit de nouveau relégué au second plan.

If you can stick it out long enough to master the controls, you'll have a lot of fun with DM2. I don't like to play games that force me to "stick them out" for a while before I can enjoy them, and I probably wouldn't spend $40 on Dave Mirra 2 even if it was easier to play. But other than Tony Hawk 2, this is the only 3D extreme sports game available for the GBA, and quite frankly, it puts most of the competition to shame.