7.9

MX vs. ATV Untamed

Rainbow Studio's latest extreme sport racing title races its way onto the PlayStation 3 that gives gamers a variety of different racing options, including a plethora of entertaining mini-games such as "Hockey" and "Tag" to liven things up a little, all while driving a variety of extreme sport vehicles.

However before tackling the other aspect of this title, most gamers will first tackle the career mode in MX vs. ATV Untamed entitled the "X-Cross Tournament" where there is a series of events and different vehicle types. Although a little repetitive, fans of the previous series will enjoy this aspect of the title as they attempt to unlock new vehicles and tracks. In its essence, it's good old fashioned classic arcade fun!
 

Features: X-Cross: 8 unique series are crossed into one ultimate offroad championship Championship: Earn trophies in 8 individual event championship series Own the Offroad: The 8 baddest all-terrain machines battle it out to determine which vehicle owns the outdoors MX vs ATV Rivalry: Go bar to bar against the top MX and ATV professional riders Massive Outdoor Environments: Rip through swampy everglades, blitz through rough rivers, and blaze through desert dunes Freestyle Challenges: Natural environments provide launching pads that can’t be created elsewhere to throw down more than 40 tricks Rhythm Racing: Rainbow Studios’ revolutionary real world physics has evolved to handle all new power slides, whips, and scrubs Customization: Amp up your vehicle’s power, handling, and acceleration with more than 100 sponsor parts and accessories Multiplayer: Fire out of the gates in 8 player online competition or in 2 player split screen

The other aspects of the title are actually a little more inspirational such as the free ride event which gives you access to a variety of new environments and vehicles as you race around the impressive 3D landscapes. Gamers can also do a variety of entertaining stunts and players are also awarded medals which is ranked on difficulty and gives you something to work for.

Add in Endurocross which is a variation of the Supercross that includes a variety of obstacles really makes things a little tricky while racing. Each vehicle also handles differently and this is where the fun really comes into action with the Monster Trucks.

For those who enjoy multiplayer games, MX vs. ATV Untamed features some entertaining options for both split-screen and online play which really makes use of the mini-games in the title. Mini-games such as hockey (like real hockey) or even the classic "Snake" game where players must compete against each other to make the longest line, adds to the replay value of the title. Graffiti makes an appearance (perhaps from Tony Hawk) where gamers must perform various tricks with their vehicles in order to beat their opponents score.

Graphically, MX vs. ATV Untamed is a little lackluster and is almost identical to the XBox 360 version and unfortunately falls short of Motostorm. The background environments are a little plain and the vehicles seem to be lacking that high definition detail that many racing titles on both systems seem to have these days. The animations, however are quite realistic as you crash and drive through the 3D landscapes. In relation to crashes, unfortunately this title does not support that newly supported DualShock on the PlayStation 3 which is a shame.

The soundtrack of the title features your traditional extreme sport heavy metal sounding soundtrack that matches the genre perfectly and add in a variety of realistic sound effects and its almost as if you are at one of these events. Although I must admit that through a 3D surround system, the sound effects are quite impressive.

In conclusion, MX vs ATV Untamed is an interesting if not fun extreme sport racing title that Rainbow Studios have released on the high-end consoles. It would have been nicer if there was a little more effort put into this title in relation to graphics and gameplay to an extent as it feels very first generation. The multiplayer aspect of the title is quite entertaining and is probably the most redeeming feature of the game. New gamers will enjoy the title immensely, however those already initiated into these games may find the title a little lacking at the end of the day. .