PlayStation 2

MX Unleashed

Extreme Motocross games have had their fair share of products. We've seen quite a few MX games that did a nice job of representing the sport, but nothing that actually shined out of its niche. That is, until now.

OK, I admit it. I’m a huge fan of THQ’s MX series featuring Ricky Carmichael. I played it in 2002 and I played the funked up Superfly version in 2003 and just like clockwork, one year later, THQ brings us MX Unleashed. This time race veterans, Rainbow Studios has taken over the helm, and while I certainly didn’t have a problem with the previous efforts of PCPL, it’s easy to see why Rainbow is considered the masters of racing games.

What sets this aside from other motocross titles is its emphasis on realism and bike physics, rather than the impossibly absurd tricks and stunts usually associated with games of this genre. Sure, there are some amazing stunts to be performed, and this is even encouraged in certain gameplay modes, but the shift is towards skilful racing and knowing how to handle the bike properly.

Back in late 2001, THQ announced that it had acquired Rainbow Studios, creators of some of the best extreme racing games this side of MXC's opening spurt. You may recognize such franchises as ATV Offroad Fury, Splashdown or Motocross Madness. While THQ was having decent success with its MX Supercross games, it was looking for a fresh start to its motocross lineup with Rainbow Studios.

You can't help but applaud the little things as well such as the ease of play from the first-person helmet cam. Even without online play, MX Unleashed soars high above the competition and is just as fun as Rainbow's previous works.

Motocross has had an inglorious history of false starts, lots of franchises without enough distinction between them, and just mediocrity. This newest partnership is a good one, with the only problem being that it wasn't seized upon sooner. more straight-up innovation is needed next time, but until then, we've got a good solid game on our hands.

Best known for their ability to instill a sense of adrenaline and some messy fun into the mix through an increasing number of recent racing installments over the years, developer Rainbow Studios is back on the saddle with yet another one to add to their résumé. Published by the company's new owner, THQ, MX Unleashed is not Rainbow Studios' first entry into the world of motocross racing. Although, you can bet your engine revving, high-octane pulsing, tricked out styling self that MX Unleashed is one that does things a bit differently. Motocross freaks who want to go faster, higher, and farther than before: strap on your riding gear and hop onto your bike to unleash the Unleashed.

By combining impressive physics, slick controls, vast environments, and fantastic animations, developer Rainbow Studios (ATV Offroad Fury, Splashdown) has crafted a challenging and addictive motocross racer that successfully delivers a realistic riding experience without getting so caught up in many nuances that immediate fun is sacrificed.

In the world of racing games, few companies have the resume of Rainbow Studios. Both the Splashdown and ATV Offroad Fury series are among my favorites. The company strives for ultimate realism, while still ensuring that the gamer has fun and can do the things he or she wants to with the vehicles and environments provided. Before either of those franchises, however, Rainbow developed the acclaimed Motocross Madness games for PC. In MX Unleashed, Rainbow returns to its roots while keeping up with the standards of today.

THQ's MX series has always been a good, solid motocross game. With good graphics, but better gameplay, MX 2002 and MX Superfly were fun motocross games that could appeal both to motocross freaks and non-fans alike. The latest installment in the series, MX Unleashed, adds even more to the mix while keeping all of the stuff that made the previous games cool.

If you want to play online no matter what I advise you to read MTX Mototrax’s review. MX Unleashed is a topper for both motor-cross lovers as for other the gamers.

The motocross circuit has always been home to jaw-dropping displays of gravity denial, and Rainbow Studios has steadily chronicled the sport in their Motocross Madness series. Shifting from publisher Microsoft to THQ, its new MX Unleashed preserves the old (including backwoods tracks and trailer parks) but spices it up with a few new elements to create a challenging, occasionally maddening, motocross stew.