Motocross Challenge
Score: 87% ESRB: Not Rated Publisher: DHG Games Developer: DHG Games Media: Download/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Racing (Simulation)/ Sports (Racing)/ Sports (Extreme)
Graphics & Sound: I'm probably one of the few people who actually played Motocross Challenge on the GBA. I can't say that I remember everything about the game perfectly, but it made enough of an impact that it still stands out in my "I play way too many games" mind. This is probably because it is the closest thing we'll ever see to another Excitebike. Nintendo has attempted to rev up the license in the last few years, but none of their attempts comes close to what Motocross Challenge offers as far as pure nostalgic fun. Motocross Challenge's look hasn't changed much since the GBA version. Just looking at videos of each, the only glaring difference is the lack of a screen frame on the GBA version. The framing serves two purposes. It provides some space for the virtual interface (more later) and allows the game to keep the original GBA aspect ratio and resolution. The smaller screen and interface don't look bad and make logical sense. At the same time, it is possible to lose track of your rider if there's more than one rider on screen. Sound blasts out the minute you turn the game on. The soundtrack isn't particularly memorable, but fits with the game's "retro" feel.
Gameplay: My primary complaint of the GBA version was the lack of things to do. Challenge Mode is short and Free Ride was entertaining for a few minutes. Once you completed both, there wasn't much to do. What didn't work for the GBA works here. Tracks are split into a branching schedule of events. Each branch is made up of three play types: Beat the Clock, World Tour and Trick Attack. Beat the Clock challenges you to complete laps around the track in a set amount of time. World Tour pits you against other riders and Trick Attack gives you a point goal. All three styles lend themselves to shorter races, which is great for times when you want a quick burst of playtime. I'd still love a track editor, but that might detract from the quick fun Motocross Challenge provides. One major addition over the GBA version is multiplayer. The original release included a simple Versus Challenge where you would compete on a track and then pass that time to a friend to beat. Think of it as Words with Friends, but with dirt bikes. Another more robust multiplayer mode was included in a recent update. The mode lets you choose a bike and race against other riders in a 3-lap match. It's fun and will likely become your mode of choice once you give it a try.
Difficulty: Another big change over the GBA is the addition of a tutorial. Although the base gameplay is easy to pick up, it can feel intimidating if you're tossed in without much direction. The tutorial is optional, but recommended just to get a hang on the basics, most importantly how to time moves. Pulling off tricks is easy, though you have to know just when to hit and release the button, otherwise a high scoring trick will quickly become a crash. The downside to the tutorial is it makes Motocross Challenge an even easier game. Of the three play styles, the only really challenging one is Trick Attack. Early on, you'll come up really short on most target scores, but once you get the hang of the timing, it's easy to topple just about any score. Here's where the multiplayer option really helps to pick up the slack.
Game Mechanics: Motocross Challenge uses a virtual interface that resembles and plays like a GBA, but is tuned specifically for the game. The setup is one of the friendlier ones I've seen on the iPhone. I'm generally not a fan of virtual controllers. I understand the premise behind them, but most of the time controlling the game gets in the way of actually playing it. Buttons are placed along the edges of the iPhone's screen while gameplay takes place within a frame. It keeps your thumbs off the screen, but also reduces the amount of viewable space. Reducing an already smallish screen even further isn't ideal, but it's worth the tradeoff. The actual buttons are incredibly responsive, probably a little too much. There were times where I accidently brushed the turbo button, sending my rider flying across the screen. Motocross Challenge also makes use of the built-in tilt monitors for certain tricks. Though the concept makes sense, it was a bit problematic at times. Unlike other games that use the sensor, it's hard to tell when Motocross Challenge calibrates the initial setting. It's rare that you'll be able to hold the system in the ideal position all the time and it seemed like just the slightest shift in position was enough to throw the off the meter. As a result, my rider would go up on one wheel at odd times. A recalibration option was made available in a recent update, but it's a bit impractical and disrupts the flow of gameplay. Motocross Challenge is one of the better games to hit the iPhone/ iPod Touch. As I noted in the GBA review a few years ago, what looks like a fast-paced arcade romp is actually more of a sim. Despite this, it is still incredibly accessible and easy to pick up and play, making it ideal for quick bursts of playtime.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Related Links: Game Vortex's Review of Motocross Challenge on GBA Motocross Challenge on iTunes
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