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MX Superfly Preview

THQ and Pacific Coast Power and Light offer more motocross action on the PlayStation 2.

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MX 2002 Featuring Ricky Carmichael was one of the stronger entries in the motocross genre on home consoles. The game's accessible gameplay and big-jump-friendly physics model made it one of the more engaging entries in the genre. For the next installment in the series, called MX Superfly, developer Pacific Coast Power and Light has opted to tweak the original's formula. We managed to spend time with a pre-alpha build of the game recently and were able to check out how it was coming along.

You'll find new tricks and new environments in MX Superfly.
You'll find new tricks and new environments in MX Superfly.

In spite of the name change, the core of MX Superfly is the same: high-speed motocross races emphasizing huge jumps and tricks. You'll find that Superfly isn't too radically different from last year's in terms of its gameplay. You'll find the usual assortment of modes to choose from, including exhibition race, freestyle, and career, as well as a track editor and multiplayer options. Exhibition is essentially a quick race that drops you onto the track of your choice for a quick three-lap race against AI opponents. Freestyle has seen some significant upgrades since its predecessor, with the inclusion of a variety of minigames, more arenas, and five expansive levels with secret areas to explore. The career mode has also been buffed out to include racing and freestyle careers for greater gameplay variety. You'll be able to create your own rider and choose your own sponsors, gear, and bikes from the six major manufacturers. As you progress through your career, you'll be able to earn the cash to pick even better gear. The track editor lets you build your stunt track, complete with ramps, jumps, and obstacles to test the limits of your bike. The game's multiplayer mode offers five different game types to select from in both racing and freestyle, in addition to minigames.

For the average gamers, tricks like these are best performed in a game rather than real life.
For the average gamers, tricks like these are best performed in a game rather than real life.

The game's roster of selectable riders features familiar faces from the 125cc, 250cc, and freestyle ranks. Seven-time AMA National Champion Ricky Carmichael is once again one of the 26 pros available in the game. You'll find 25 motocross, supercross, amateur, and freestyle tracks, including the exclusive appearance of such tracks as Loretta Lynn's, the Outdoor Nationals, the Free Ride Moto-X Championships, and the THQ US Open.

Control in the game is true to the setup in the last game. You'll accelerate with X and brake with the square button, which also serves as reverse when held down. The left analog stick steers your bike. The right analog stick offers the functionality of the X and square buttons for players who prefer it. R1 lets you powerslide, and L1 serves as your clutch. The setup makes it easy to perform moves such as wheelies, stoppies, and tail whips. The stunt system in MX has been tweaked, although the core of it remains the same. L2 or R2 lets you perform stunts when used in conjunction with button combinations. In addition to the tricks in the previous game, you'll find new tricks such as the tsunami and rock solid, which round out a trick list that encompasses nearly every signature move you'd hope to see.

You'll find even more over the top stunts in MX Superfly.
You'll find even more over the top stunts in MX Superfly.

Graphically, MX Superfly looks just as good as its predecessor. In spite of the state of our early build, the frame rate was high and stable. The environments were detailed and expansive on the PlayStation 2. Texture detail was nicely done and was very clean. The level design offered a good assortment of stunt opportunities and a variety of little details, like flashbulbs from the crowds in the indoor areas.

So far, the game seems to be a smart extension of everything that was appealing about the original MX 2002. The expanded freestyle options and new modes show a lot of promise. The game is due later this year for the PlayStation 2, with the Xbox and GameCube versions to follow. Look for more on the game in the coming months.

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