MX Unleashed E3 2003 Preshow Report

At the Electronic Entertainment Expo this week, THQ is showing off one of its never-before-seen titles currently in development, a motocross game called MX Unleashed. Developed by Rainbow Studios, the company responsible for fast-paced racing games such as Splashdown and Motocross Madness, MX Unleashed will reportedly combine racing action and a freestyle trick system, along with realistic physics and a deep career mode.

MX Unleashed will offer 50 different tracks, as well as licensed bikes and gear from top real-world manufacturers. You'll be able to compete in race and freestyle events, as well as try various minigames, and even try racing against a helicopter. THQ touts the game's physics engine as one of its most impressive features, as it will reportedly allow for realistic character and bike animation and behavior. Wrecks should look more believable than ever here. The game's career mode, meanwhile, will feature 14 separate race leagues for players of all skill levels.

Authentic sound should round out the visually convincing gameplay. You'll hear lifelike engine sounds from the different bikes, to the tune of a licensed music soundtrack "from top recording artists," according to THQ. The company has also stated that the game will feature "split screen, LAN support, and Internet play using TCP/IP."

MX Unleashed is headed to the PS2 and Xbox in 2004. We'll have more information on the game as soon as possible.