Well we finally have our first motorcross game for PS2 and it comes in the form of MX 2002 Featuring RIcky Carmichael. I know you don’t have to add the guy’s name at the end, but his name is cool. Anyways this is the first and I am sure most people weren’t expecting much from a first attempt. Those are the people that will be kicking themselves in the ass once they play this glorious game.
The visuals in the game are very nice, good solid character models and highly detailed terrains add to the graphic flare of this title. The physics of the bike and riders is unparalleled to any other game minus Tony Hawk. The little touches such as the dirt chocking up behind the wheels on a hard turn to the riders coming off the jumps disoriented on their bikes are just a few little things to notice in this stellar game. There are over 30 tracks to choose from and most of them are official tracks in the Supercross Circuit. They range from a construction site to a snowy road. Lots of atmosphere in this game and it is welcomed.
The music is straight up heavy rock, tracks from such artists as Saliva and Sum 41 to name a few add to the extremity of this title. Nothing like grinding some dirt and wailing on a guitar eh? The sound effects are pretty standard stuff, the usual grunts and groans of most games these days. No annoying announcer and no stupid comments this game is straight up gameplay.
The nice thing about MX 2002 is the control and trick system. It is really easy to get into and hard to put down. You rev your jumps with either L2 or R2 and then while in mid-air you perform a trick with any button on the controller. This makes for some wicked combos and lots of fun! The multi-player is good, chugs here and there but nothing to complain about, the main thing is that this game is fun and challenging at the same time. One of the best features of this title is it’s instant replay mode. You can zoom in and out as well as around your character in slow motion or freeze frame Matrix style. Very cool.
Bottom line is that if you want a good MX game this is the one. Do not hesitate buying it waiting for the next best thing because this is the next best thing. A great game and a fine follow up to one of the PSX’s best MX games. Highly recommended from myself as well as most of the staff here at ZTGD. Fun and dirt is what life is all about.
