MX vs. ATV: Reflex

By Jay Williams

Put on your boots, gloves and helmet, because you're going to get dirty! Any fan of motorcross, supercross or just dirt bikes in general get ready because you're in for a treat.

Developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ, MX VS ATV: Reflex is the third game in the series.

The games main focus is on motocross and supercross racing, on motorbikes or ATVs. The game also includes waypoint racing, free ride, champion sport track, omnicross and freestyle motocross.

MX vs. ATV: Reflex may look a lot like previous titles but in fact it's not. Reflex and terrain deformation are the two new features that change the way this game looks and feels from the previous games.

Reflex incorporates a new control scheme and physics engine which makes use of both thumbsticks. The left thumbstick controls the handlebars steering you in the right direction, while the right thumbstick controls the rider's body movement allowing you to lean into corners for sharper turns. This feature allows players to feel like they are actually riding the bike and creates a sense of real world physics.

The other main addition to MX vs. ATV: Reflex is the aforementioned terrain deformation. This allows vehicles to carve into the ground creating ruts, bumps and potholes. These marks that are made over the course of any given race aren't just for show, in fact they change the characteristics of the track forcing you to pay close attention to each turn so that you can pick the fastest line.

Another more than welcome change to the series is the way tricks are performed. Previously, players would have to press a few buttons and push the left thumbstick in any direction to perform a trick. Now you use the right thumbstick, pressing and holding the L1 button and then tapping with the right thumbstick in any direction three times to perform a trick. This new system seems to work more fluently.

There are also a whole host of customisable vehicles, including, Buggies, UTVs, Sport Trucks  motorbikes and ATVs. Each vehicle handles differently from the next, four-wheelers are more stable than motorbikes, while motorbikes are more nimble when making a tight turn or getting over certain obstacles. However, one thing to keep in mind is that some events allow every vehicle type to enter, this can be hazardous to motorbikes especially when a massive sports truck wipes you out.

The key to winning in MX vs. ATV: Reflex is to keep your wipeouts to a minimum, any more than three and you're going to have a hard time finishing on the podium. This can get rather challenging especially when you throw changing course conditions, jumps and AI controlled vehicles into the mix – but I guess it's all part of the fun!

Free Ride mode in my opinion is a great way to break up the repetitiveness of circuit racing and also showcases how much fun you can have ripping through bush terrain or getting massive air off some sand dunes. Plus if you get bored riding around aimlessly - yeah right! - then there are some cool challenges that you can do whilst in Free Ride mode, like hit certain way points or insane hill climbs.

The freestyle trick competitions are also a good way of breaking things up and can be a lot of fun, but very challenging.

While MX vs. ATV: Reflex may not be a completely new or different racing experience, Rainbow Studios has taken what they know and have built upon it. The new additions like Reflex and terrain deformation take the game to a whole new level.

Ultimately, MX vs. ATV: Reflex is an amazingly solid game and should have off-road enthusiasts, motocross fans (and anyone who likes to get muddy) begging for more.

Game: MX vs. ATV: Reflex
System: Xbox 360
Online: Yes
Developer: Rainbow Studios
Distributor:  THQ

Rating: 80%

(Ratings Key/Explanation)