MX vs. ATV Alive Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3, Xbox 360
Dev: Rainbow Studios
Pub: THQ
Release: May 10, 2011
Players: 1-12
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence

That's it. There are no trick competitions, alternate race types, multi-race cups, or anything like that. It's just single races on the same tracks, over and over and over again. You can play the game in local split-screen multiplayer, but your friends will grow tired of the tracks very quickly. You can take your game online, but even now, only a few days after the game released, people have already maxed out their rides and riders. It's almost useless to play online unless you already have your dream ride, which, may I remind you, requires tons and tons of grinding.

MX vs. ATV Alive Screenshot

Where are all the extras? Is the game outstandingly pretty to make up for its deficiencies? Nope. The models move stiffly, the vehicles cut into the environment, and almost every animation is awkward. What about the music and sound? There's nothing to brag about here either. The soundtrack is filled with the rock and punk music you'd expect from titles like these, and the revving engines of the ATVs don't sound any clearer or more realistic than they have in any other racing title.

At least there is DLC, right? Well, that's the kicker. There is, in fact, DLC. There's tons of it, even available right now. There was a reason that the game only cost forty dollars, after all. Purchasing the game new even gets you a download code for a "MotorClub Pro Membership." Over the next few months, THQ plans to roll out tons of DLC in the form of rides, riders, and tracks. To make a long story short, the full game is all on the online market, and you'll have to spend at least another twenty dollars or more to get the full game experience.

All things considered, the RPG-like progression system in MX vs ATV Alive is appealing. The sheer wealth of customization options makes it feel as if no two racers are the same. However, outside of that, there just isn't enough content to satisfy a new player. It's as if THQ took its fan base for granted, figuring that anyone who picked up this game is going to be a hardcore dirt-racing fan and wouldn't think twice about dropping a hefty chunk of change on DLC offerings or grinding the same tracks over and over. If that's not your cup of tea, MX vs ATV Alive is probably not for you.

By Angelo M. D’Argenio
CCC Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.0

Graphics
The graphics are probably the worst part of this game. Everything moves so stiffly that it's hard to get into the racing experience.

3.7

Control
Though the barrier of entry is high, the sheer amount of stuff you can do with the controls is impressive.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Engine revs and punk rock music; what more do you expect?

3.5

Play Value
This game has a serious lack of gameplay modes. However, the XP system is a lot of fun for anyone who likes to customize their racer down right down to the tiniest detail.

3.3

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Experience total control of both rider and bike with easier controls as part of the enhanced Rider Reflex.

An advanced real-time deformation continuously changes the track beneath you with every lap.

Wreck-avoidance lets you correct collisions and landings to race like a pro.

Compete in the Nationals and claim the Motocross Championship title.