MX vs. ATV Untamed
Score: 85% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: THQ Developer: Rainbow Studios Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 (2 - 12 System Link; 2 - 12 Xbox Live) Genre: Sports (Racing)/ Arcade/ Sports
Graphics & Sound: Graphically, Rainbow Studios' MX vs. ATV Untamed has its highs and its lows. On the upside, the terrain has been created in outstanding fashion. Not only are the hills and valleys modeled with racing and jumping in mind, but the textures look very realistic, and help draw you into the action. On the flip side, the player models (and to a lesser extent, the player vehicles) don't hold the same quality in workmanship. Of course, that's not to say they are ugly, just that they don't hit you in your face and say, "Wow!" like the dirt textures do. On the audio front, you'll be treated to the repetitive nature of engines revving and roaring. If you like that kind of thing, you'll be happy to know it's consistent, but you may find yourself turning down the volume to make it more of an ambient noise instead of the center of attention. The announcer/narrator does his job, but that's about it... nothing to really criticize, while at the same time, nothing to hold up high.
Gameplay: MX vs. ATV Untamed combines different elements of the two motor sports into one complete game. While the majority of the game involves different races and race types (indoor, outdoor, etc.), it also combines an arcade element that is omnipresent in every single mode. Because of the arcade feel, don't expect realistic physics as you're bumping across the ground or flying through the air. Instead, expect high-flying daredevil moves because even while racing, you can perform some serious tricks of the trade. If you can't get enough tricking while racing, you can always jump into some Freestyle events to get your blood pumping (and your stomach churning). Along with MX motorcycles and ATV four wheelers, Untamed also (less frequently) gives you control of monster trucks, buggies, and mini-bikes. When it comes to the heart of the game, however, it's all about the title vehicles. The unconventional combination of different vehicles types racing against each other has a fair balance, with the exception of the monster trucks, which may be fun to drive, but that fun comes at a severe disadvantage when trying to maneuver corners. Tricks cannot be performed with the trucks either, which takes some of the enjoyment out of those races. When it comes to game types, modes of play, and variety in general, MX vs. ATV Untamed does overachieve compared to a lot of other racers. Again, I'll repeat that most modes of play are still just different varieties of racing. You will be treated to: Freeride, National, Supercross, Freestyle, Opencross, Supermoto, Endurocross, Waypoint and Minimoto. In addition, you can test your skills in an X-cross Tournament or in the Event Series, allowing a huge variety of race types. Multiplayer also comes into play and allows competition via split-screen, system link, or Xbox Live. Here you'll be able to take on your buddy sitting next to you or a total stranger across the country in events like Section Race (capture as mention sections of the track as possible), Graffiti (best tricks take over), Snake (trap your opponent), Tag (you're it!), and everyone's favorite, Hockey (split-screen only, disappointingly).
Difficulty: If you thought there were of ton of race types, wait until you see the number of difficulty settings available. Truly, if you can't find a setting that is perfect for you, there is something seriously wrong. I believe there was something like 7 different choices, but I may have lost count due to my impatience of reading them all. Having so many settings may appear overwhelming at first, but it is greatly appreciated because we have all played games where changing from medium to hard has felt like going from too easy to impossible. This is not the case in MX vs. ATV Untamed, which means that everyone will always feel a great competition with the A.I. vehicles if they are honest with themselves. The difficulty will also likely depend on your particular style of play, because there is definitely a difference between navigating different courses (wide open vs. quick turns, for example), and also navigating them with different vehicle types.
Game Mechanics: Controlling your racers couldn't be easier. Essentially, you'd likely only need to use one button, that being the throttle. Of course, you could brake, but the analog control of the triggers allows you to back off enough to navigate most corners with ease. Performing tricks is relatively simple as well, but I have to confess that I get extremely frustrated when I bail on the really huge jumps nearly every time I attempt a landing. This is an arcade-style racer, after all... isn't it? With that aside, it will just take practice to both figure out the different moves, and then execute them to perfection. MX vs. ATV Untamed is exactly what the title implies, a wild mix of off-road racing types that comes together in an uncanny way. With so many different racing types, racing events, and racing vehicles at your disposal, Untamed offers racing fans a lot of variety for their buck. The overall look and feel of its arcade style also has a tendency to add thrills, especially to your spills. MX vs. ATV Untamed is definitely worth a look because the variety and numerous difficulty levels, along with the multiplayer aspect, will have this game pleasing fans for many, many hours.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
MX vs. ATV Untamed High Velocity Bowling