MXrider
Review of MXrider
MXRider offers tracks in countries worldwide like France, Italy, and the Netherlands. It also includes Supercross and Freestyle arenas not to mention over 50 FIM (Federation Internationale Motocyclists) champion riders. Championship and Seasonal modes are really the focus of the game but I found the Freestyle mode mostly entertaining and will explain later in the review. In any event, pulling off stunts, racking up points and placing high in the standings is the basis of the game.
The racing modes offer outstanding motocross simulation, and seem to be as realistic as you can get. The player can select Single Racing, Championship, Challenge, or Freestyle modes. If you wish to play with a friend, there is also a multiplayer option for up to 2 players. In Single race mode the player can choose tracks available in Motocross or Supercross races. You will need to take a first place in order to unlock other tracks. Championship seasons have a variety of tracks and get increasingly more difficult as you go. After placing well in a season race the player will be offered sponsorships. If you are really good the Sponsors will also whip out the pen and write you a big fat check, cha..ching!!
The Freestyle mode offers a different sensation and probably a bit unbelievable jumping to unrealistic heights and pulling off outrageous stunts. I guess this is what I liked best about the game. It is my opinion, that racing gets boring after a while - riding around and around the track, they all start looking the same after a while. On the flip side, I can never get too tired of pulling off stunts like Barrel rolls, Superman, Fish Wrap, and Cliffhangers. Practicing the combinations and mastering these types of maneuvers will surely win the player higher scores and rewards. There are many Freestyle arenas to choose from like the Flamin Fountains, Zap Track, and Volcano Island, but my favorite Freestyle arena is called the Fish Bowl. There is a big Fish Tank in the middle of the track with a humongous shark swimming around just waiting for a meal. There are plenty of ramps made up of different shapes and sizes for the rider to gain big air for his insane tricks. There are also obstacles placed in the rider’s path like wood barriers, which can be broken, and barrels that will explode if you hit them. Realistically hitting an explosive barrel would be lethal to the best of us but surprisingly the rider gets back on his bike and keeps riding. I really do love make believe stuff.
MXRIDER offers about 30 or so tricks for each rider, some are easy, some are not! Mastering the more difficult ones can be very frustrating. The player must utilize the O button as well as the digital pad while using the directional stick to pull off a trick. The longer the player can hold the trick without crashing will gain higher points. If the player does not land the rider on its two wheels all this work would be for nothing and the rider will be denied points. Controlling the rider while in racing modes will also take a little practice while enduring sharp turns and staying out of the way of the other riders. While gameplay is solid, the player may need to work a little to get the hang of it.
The graphics were done nicely and are probably the best I have seen in a Motocross type game. The riders and bikes are nicely animated and display some decent details. The rider’s uniforms matched their rides perfectly with vibrant colors and sponsor decals. The mud and water splashing up underneath the bikes rear wheels and splashing the camera was a nice touch. The backgrounds were pretty with blue skies and green pastures. The crowds were also standing on the sidelines waving while the riders pass by.
The background music is inspiring. The tunes are part rock n roll and part punk. The sound effects are pretty respectable too. The motorbike engines sound fast and loud just as they should. The crowds cheer when you do well and say Auhhhh when you crash. The riders also yell out every now and then with a WAHOO when catching some big air or pulling off a fanatical stunt.
OUR PLEDGE: We promise that we have fully played 'MXrider' before writing this review. The scores given above are our honest opinion and were not influenced in any way by the manufacturer or distributor of the game.
This review was written by Loretta Mattie © Absolute PlayStation
Click here to view our 9 MXrider in-game screenshot slideshow
Have You Played MXrider ?
If you have owned 'MXrider' long enough to have formed a solid opinion on it, then click here to write your own mini review of MXrider.
Alternatively, if you would like to read what other gamers who already own MXrider think of it, click here to view all of our reader comments and mini reviews of MXrider.
Want To Know More About MXrider ?