MX v ATV Alive
From: THQ
For: PlayStation 3
Believe it or not, I know a thing or two about the greatest show on dirt.
While my experiences on two wheels were limited to a few blats around the farm on a very slow Honda 110 in my youth, a nephew's skill at motocross has given me a small insight into the sport.
I have even been to see the Crusty Demons. Twice!
So I know motocross requires skill, balance, dexterity, intimate knowledge of motorcycle physics and a certain willingness to accept pain.
I also know that every single motocross game I have played has been fun for about 10 minutes and then sadly repetitive.
The MX (that's motocross) v ATV (all-terrain vehicle) series has been around a while but really tries hard to come up with something new in its latest release, Alive.
It's an intense racing simulation with an impressive package of tasty graphics and riveting gameplay.
More arcade than simulation, Alive gets you straight on to a bike and into a handful of races against AI riders of varying abilities.
The sensation of speed and competitive jostling is eye-poppingly intense. Real edge-of-your-seat stuff, and as good as anything I have seen in a racing game.
The dirt flies and the engine roars and there are opponents to get past and nasty corners to watch. It requires quick thinking and a certain nervelessness that neatly replicates (I'm guessing here) the real thing.
The controls are well done. One stick steers, the other controls balance, and with throttle and brake mapped to shoulder buttons, there is just enough going on.
A nice update to the series is a simple wreck avoidance control, basically a large arrow that requires you to do a quick stick flick if you want to stay on board.
Win races, earn XP, level up both your rider and his various machines, rinse and repeat. And, er, repeat and repeat and repeat.
Yes, Alive falls into the same trap as the previous games. There is just too much sameness about the action. The lack of a structured career mode is a major problem.
And the title has deliberately geared itself towards downloadable content, so there are few available tracks and modes at the start of the game.
There are some unlockables, but so far they seem to have been limited to fancy new number plates and helmets, not stuff that specifically boosts your ability.
Surprisingly, for someone who tends to prefer single-player in sport and driving games, I have really enjoyed taking Alive online. There has been a regular community of riders, and a good level of competitive racing.
You won't find a better-looking motorbike game on any console.
The tracks, riders and bikes all shine on the screen, and the environment evolves under the whirring wheels.
Alive just needs a bit more depth and an extra mode or two, and it can be proud of its place at the top of the mud pile.
