Despite a few “speed bumps” here and there (and no, we’re not making a pun), the MX Vs. ATV franchise has been very profitable to THQ over the years, so why stop a good thing from going? This time around, however, the company has a new business approach with its latest entry, MX Vs. ATV Alive. Rather than bunching everything together into one big product (as it did previously with MX Vs. ATV Reflex), it’s working instead on a basic game model, which can then be expanded with additional downloadable content. That’s not to say the primary content is limited by any means. You’re still getting a full-on racing experience here, one that you’ll spend hours revving through, no matter if you prefer two-wheeled MX bikes or the equally impressive ATV’s. But you can maximize your game experience by adding on new packs, which are available in both free goodie packs and premium packs that vary in price. No matter which way you go, you can customize your experience and race whatever way you please. Can’t go wrong with that.
Recently, THQ gave us the opportunity to go hands-on with the near-finished game, to prove that it’s not just relying on a business model to get attention. As with previous MX games, Alive utilizes some solid gameplay mechanics to make it feel like you’re really behind the bars of a speedy bike. You can still manually adjust to get some air as you go on hills, quickly pressing in a down-up motion on the stick to get the timing just right. You can also perform tricks, tight turns and other techniques to keep your bike on the road, while showing off to the crowd like any good stunt rider would. Obviously, first place is a nice thing to have, but THQ has an interesting approach to rewards here. Rather than relying so much on first place victories, MX Vs. ATV Alive rewards you via an XP system. Winning is great, obviously, and you’ll score more points with each first place victory, but there are other things that earn you precious XP, such as entering a race, taking part in time trials and customizing your bike so that it’s just the way you want it.
The customization options are pretty cool, though the bikes perform just about the same way, mind a few very minor differences in handling. As with Reflex, you also have the ability to lean your rider, should you want tighter turns on the track or need to prevent yourself from toppling over if you’re knocked off-balance. Better safe than sorry, mind you. Improved in Alive is the ability to go bar-to-bar with opponents. Now, you won’t be able to knock them down as you probably would in any given Road Rash game, but you can compete and show some strength in trying to muscle your way into first place. These realistic tactics are pretty sweet, especially if you go into first-person mode and see everything that’s happening when you ram into someone. For the most part, the gameplay remains right on tap with what we’ve expected from MX Vs. ATV. Getting air is exhilarating as always, and performing stunts, while dangerous, adds a nice bit of thrills to the proceedings. The racing itself is ferocious, and rival racers will keep right on you in an attempt to score a first place victory.
This feature preview concludes on the next page, please click Page 2 below to see our final thoughts on THQ's MX vs. ATV Alive.
