Pro BMX 2 is great about keeping things simple. You buy this game to ride and do tricks, so we don't try to clutter things up with a bunch of frilly crap you won't care about anyway. We do make sure you get a little training on the basic controls, and that you learn how to pull some of the cooler tricks in the game. Once you've gone through a Tutorial, you can ride in the first level, the beginning of a Road Trip that will take you through 8 different areas on your way to claiming victory over all mankind in the dark arts of the BMX. The Tutorial is worth special mention, because it rocks. You get a quick description of the mechanics for performing a trick, and then you're turned loose in a small practice level to take your best shot. Once you cross that trick off the list, it's on to the next. Road Trip is much like this, except that when you complete a series of objectives you'll unlock a new level! Each objective is creative and makes the most of your (hopefully) well-learned trick skills. After you have unlocked levels in Road Trip, they are available to you for play in Single Session or Free Ride Mode, the difference being whether the clock is running. And, in answer to my fervent prayers,
Pro BMX 2 now includes a Multi-Player Mode! That's right! With a single GBA, you'll be able to compete in Hotseat mode, playing for position in sequence. Or, get the Game Link cable and 2 Game Boys out for a head-to-head that makes the admission price of this game totally worthwhile for gamers who might have found the Single Player action of the first game a bit limiting. In Link Mode, you'll be able to play several variations of 'Catch the Flag' and finally pick an 'anything goes' mode to see who has the best handle on his bike. Competing well in Road Trip will pump up your stats for Multi Player, so there's even a connection between how well you perform on your own and how you'll fare against the competition. The addition of these Multi-Player modes really stand as the greatest single improvement from the first game, and make this the eXtreme Sports game to beat for GBA.
Rider choice is, as before, excellent. All the circuit pros are here, each with unique skills and stats so you can choose your favorite to play. Plus, the challenge of taking each pro through a Road Trip should keep you busy for a long time, adjusting riding style to compensate for better stats in Air, Speed, Stability and trick skills. Subtle changes in clothing and bike color are things you won't see reflected too dramatically during the game, but these little design touches just let you know Activision loves you.
