MX vs. ATV: Reflex Review for Xbox 360

System: X360,PS3, PSP, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Rainbow Studios	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: THQ	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Dec. 2, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-12	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

In addition to the single-player mode, MX vs. ATV: Reflex has plenty of multiplayer content to keep the serious motocross fan engrossed. There are, of course, ranked and unranked matches where you can challenge friends to race around one of the game's many tracks. But interestingly, there are also two mini-game-style challenges (tag and snake) included to help keep the multiplayer mode nicely varied. The tag mode is essentially like "keep away," where the goal is to keep a ball for the longest amount of time. Snake, on the other hand, is more strategic and involves your ability to trap opponents by driving around them (like a snake).

MX vs. ATV: Reflex screenshot

As far as visuals are concerned, MX vs ATV Reflex looks great. The game uses a new graphics engine that displays and compounds track damage in a way similar to the Dirt series. The damage system is especially impressive on some of the more open courses, where you can rip your way though bright grassy areas as well as tear up dirt-based tracks. During a trick run, I actually damaged the track so much that my driver had to lean forward while I was accelerating just so he could get out of the giant hole my repeated trick runs had caused.

In addition to the impressive track damage system, MX vs ATV has a lot more going for it in the graphics department. Tracks feature plenty of detail, and open-style tracks have plenty to explore. There are also plenty of natural features like cliffs, hills, and water bodies that all have a spectacular level of detail. The vehicles all look very nice as well, and the total visual package is one that developer Rainbow Studios can be very proud of.

MX vs ATV Reflex is an interesting title. Content-wise, it's nearly identical to its predecessor, with plenty of vehicles, motocross events, and online multiplayer components working together to form a cohesive title. It would have probably garnered quite a bit of praise if it had just been left at that. However, the addition of the new control scheme is definitely a game-changer. The entire game feels different with the new control options, and this fresh experience is definitely one that old (and new) fans should experience.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.1

Graphics
Tracks look great, vehicles are detailed, and environments are lush. Damage system also looks great.

4.7

Control
Controls make Reflex a completely fresh-feeling experience, and are the best reason to pick this title up.

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Music is generic, but motor sound effects are very high-quality and realistic.

3.8

Play Value
Career mode is a bit on the short side, and there isn't much in the way of new challenges or modes. Still, there is a lot to do, and the new control keeps things from getting stale,.

3.9

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Streamlined 12 player multiplayer interface lets you challenge your friends and brings players of all skill levels together with competitive mini-game.

The Rider Reflex control system allows you to battle for position with new independent rider, vehicle and trick systems, as well as avoid the danger of wreaks on landing.

Real-time deformation continuously changes the track beneath you with every lap, and a new terrain engine provides unprecedented driving surface detail never achieved in any other racing game.

Dual controls let you tear it up with death-defying stunts and high-flying freestyle action, and intuitive gestures in the Reflex tricks system lets you push the limits to pull off the most extreme stunts ever.

Climb aboard new event specific MX bikes, ATVS, super buggies and trucks, flaunt your latest battle scars as truck body panels shatter and break away, and customize and tune the fiercest MX bikes and ATVs.