PS2 Review: MX vs. ATV Untamed

MX vs. ATV Untamed

Platform: Sony PS2
Developer: Incinerator Games
Publisher: THQ
Players: 1-2 Offline, 1-6 Online

The MX vs. ATV franchise has always been tied to the PS2 console with the ATV series developed by Rainbow Studios. The PS2 has seen some great racing experiences, with the most recent one from the franchise being MX vs. ATV Unleashed. Could Untamed truly be its superior?

This time out Incinerator Games handled the development responsibilities for the PS2 version of MX vs. ATV Untamed, while Rainbow Studios moved to the next-gen to work on the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game.

Unfortunately as soon as you do the first race in the game you will realize that this is not the off-road racing franchise you have grown to know and love throughout the life span of the PS2, this is something completely different.

The first thing you are going to realize is that the controls, which have always been the highlight of the franchise, have pretty much been broken. This does not play like any of the other games in the franchise as the controls are very jittery and unresponsive. You will not have that tight feeling over the controls as you try to do your typical tricks and technical maneuvers around corners.

The controls just do not feel right in any regard whether it be going off of jumps, or even just with turning. The game almost has a Ridge Racer-type feel when you hit the gas and try to turn as your vehicle will immediately begin to slide at a fast pace. The controls are just too sensitive and jittery to be any fun at all.

Another major issue with this release is the fact that the visuals are just not there. The visual design will leave a lot to be desired as we have all seen better racing games on the PS2 than what is being put out here.

The player models, animations, and overall look of the game really are not very well done. The textures are just absolutely ugly as they lack any type of detail or realism to them. Even the track designs are missing that enjoyable flair that past releases in the franchise have managed to maintain.

The saving grace to the sensual experience of this game is that the audio is very respectable. The game features a solid soundtrack with some great tracks from well-known bands. There are also some decent sound effects from crashes as well as engine noise. Compared to the pitiful visuals, the audio looks like an award-winning experience, when in realization it is still just average.

The PS2 version of MX vs. ATV Untamed features 6 X-Road series. Completing these series will allow you to progress and unlock things on your way to the off-road championship. This is your basic series racing as you go through races and by completing them you get to continue to move onward.

There is also many other very cool events such as Gap-Events, Ski-Jumps, as well as the Crash Camera. The camera is similar to a Burnout-type visual experience as you get to watch your most ridiculous crashes in slow-motion. The gap events allow you to learn how to use the jumps to your best ability to better yourself in races with some sick tricks. Ski-Jumps are more along the same line as it focuses heavily on tricks and pulling off combos.

Also on the PS2 version of the game includes a couple of MX bikes along with ATV models. You also have the chance to race as a Monster Truck, an Offroad Buggy, Sand Rail, or Trophy Truck. Each controls a bit differently but none control well enough to really be tremendous experiences.

The 6-player online mode is one of the big positives of the game on the PS2 if you can get past the mediocre controls and visuals. You are able to race with up to 6-players online in some heated competition.

The other game modes are actually quite plentiful as you get to race through Supercross, Nationals, Opencross, Supermoto, Freestyle as well as Rally. All of these series are on top of the mini-games talked about above, adding a lot of content to the game overall.

The big issue with MX vs. ATV Untamed on the PS2 is the fact that no matter how many game modes you put in the game, no matter how much content is here to play through, it still cannot make a bad looking and bad playing game is enjoyable for the average racing fan. Those who have played this franchise in the past may be better off sticking with your old games and hoping Rainbow Studios steps back in for another PS2 effort.

Graphics: 5.0 The PS2 is far more capable than this as the game funs poorly, animations, models, and textures are all just bad.

Audio: 7.0 The soundtrack is solid as are the sound effects of the game, the highlight of the audio/visual package easily.

Gameplay: 5.0 The definition of how you break the controls of a franchise that is known for great gameplay.

Lasting Appeal: 7.0 There are plenty of game modes here, but how long you will play them will depend on how long you can put up with the controls and lacking visuals.

Final Score: 5.5

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Interested in picking up this release? Head over to Amazon at the link here - Mx Vs ATV Untamed