Dave Mirra returns to gaming

Reviewers weren't the only ones left with a bad taste in their mouths after the drowning Acclaim launched the adult-oriented BMX XXX in 2002. BMX superstar Dave Mirra, whose name had originally been attached to the game, sued the publisher for an array of reasons associated with the game, including injury to reputation.

The two sides eventually patched up their differences and were ready to keep putting out Mirra games until his contract ran out in 2011, but Acclaim declared bankruptcy before another product bearing the Mirra name could be released. It was then that Crave Entertainment picked up the rights to the Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX and ATV Quad Power Racing series for no less than $120,000.

Now Crave is looking to get a return on its investment--the company today announced Dave Mirra BMX Challenge for the PlayStation Portable, the first new Dave Mirra game in more than two years. BMX Challenge will feature 17 levels in nine different environments, nine bikes, customizable characters, four-player wireless play, and, of course, Dave Mirra.

Crave is currently planning on an October release for Dave Mirra BMX Challenge. No rating has been announced as yet, but the game will carry a $29.99 retail price upon release.