WelcometoExtremeGamer

Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy
April 12th 2004

Introduction:MX Unleashed is the newest offering of motocross action from THQ's acquirement of Rainbow Studios. It's no surprise that the brains behind the fantastic Motocross Madness series came through in MX Unleashed.

The Game:Motocross is a high speed sport which takes a good sense of control and a love for adrenaline. MX Unleashed has the standard controls down including pre-loaded jumping, wild tricks and control over the clutch. Learning the controls are crucial to taking first place in races and you need to get used to the suttleties to keep in pace.

There are no time outs, line-changes to get you out of the heat of action. Its winner takes all and the computer AI in MX Unleashed is ruthless. You'll have to watch yourself when riders are close because they can easily take you out of the race by knocking you off your bike. It's not totally over, but by being thrown tumbling off your bike will cause you to loose those valuable seconds that could make or break a champion. On the other end of the spectrum you can play dirty and sideswipe a few of your fellow competitors to move up in the ranks.

MX Unleashed isn't just about racing there is a time to show off your no fear attitude with mad freestyle tricks. The system is simple and tricks can be pulled off by using a combination of three buttons. Tricks can be strung together to multiply the bonuses and score higher. Grand Theft Auto experts will also be familiar with the stoppie and wheelie technique with all those hours of riding around on the Sanchez. The combo system can be comparied to the Tony Hawk games since they have similar point systems.

Graphics & Sound:MX Unleashed does a good job making the animation of the riders smooth and like many of the newer games they included rag-doll physics into the character models. This means when you fly off that bike your body will twist and turn as it bounces off the track. MX Unleashed sets up some huge bumps and I guarantee you will be feeling you riders pain. Other then the animation the graphics is average. The tracks look a little bland with dull textures and there isn't much that shines. Overall the graphics do the job and the ability to use 1080i resolution is a nice bonus.

The sound in MX Unleashed is adequate and realistic. The music throws a bunch of hard rock songs which helps push the momentum of the game. You can use custom soundtracks in MX Unleashed which is great, throw on some funky beats and hit those killer tricks.

Innovation:A unique part of MX Unleashed is the machine race, which counts as part of the freestyle goals. In machine races you will race your bike against some outrageous vehicles which include a monster truck, dune buggy, biplane and a helicopter. If you manage to defeat a vehicle in machine mode you will unlock it and be able to race around using the same vehicle in a free-ride mode. It's not really crucial to the game, but it's a neat little addition to break up the gameplay a bit.

Mojo:I have been bombarded with MX Unleashed commercials for a while now, so it's nice to finally throw THQ's motocross game into my console. MX Unleashed has been released close to MTX Mototrax and they both have distinct feels and are excellent games. One thing you don't get in MTX Mototrax is a huge mean green monster truck. The mojo is bumpin' in MX Unleashed. There are plenty of cool tricks and good racing to go right along with the helicopter and bouncing broken bodies. MX Unleashed gives you a rush that is deserving of the title extreme for this extreme sport of motocross.

Lowdown:MX Unleashed is a great motocross game which should please fans and new comers to the extreme sport. MX Unleashed really doesn't have any flaws and it is something you should take a look at.

Gameplay: 8, Graphics/Sound: 7, Innovation: 8, Mojo: 7.5. Final: 7.5

FEATURES:
  • Rainbow Studios - The developer of blockbuster racing games, returns to their roots of two-wheeled action, bringing expertise and proven game play to the world of dirt bikes
  • Physics Engine - A completely new motocross physics engine incorporates a clutch and independent rider and bike animations, producing the most realistic experience to date
  • 40 Tracks - An abundance of supercross, nationals, and freeworld courses display terrain texture resolutions full of entire eco-systems
  • Innovative Freeworld Mode - Diverse worlds set in a variety of locations, time, and weather conditions allow for endless exploration and a variety of mini-game challenges. Race a helicopter or baja truck, find hit points and exploit runs
  • Career Mode - A top 100 seeded career mode introducing 14 separate amateur, semi-pro, and professional race leagues
  • Incredible Sound - Authentic sound engine differentiates lifelike 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, plus a licensed music soundtrack from top recording artists
  • Mulitplayer - Race and compete against friends in both racing and freestyle modes





MX
Unleashed

 
Publisher
THQ
 
Developer
Rainbow
Studios
 
Genre
Alt. Sports
 
Released
Feb. 2004
 
ESRB
Everyone

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