MX vs ATV Supercross Encore Review
MX vs ATV Supercross Encore
Publisher: Nordic Games Publishing
Developer: Rainbow Studios
Genre:
PEGI: E
Comments:
MX vs ATV Supercross originally launched back in 2014 on the Xbox 360 and PS3 and received mixed reviews. The game was popular enough, however, for Nordic Games to rerelease it on PS4 and Xbox One under the new title, MX vs ATV Supercross Encore edition. We’ve had the game for a little over a week now and are ready to share our thoughts.
We reviewed this title on Xbox One. This encore edition launched earlier this month, with loads of new content exclusive to the Xbox One version, including: a total of six brand new tracks on the biggest ever Open World environment, two Supercross, two Nationals and two Waypoint tracks and an extra Free Ride mode!
The encore edition – available on both Xbox One and PS4 – comes with more content than the original as well. Here is a breakdown from Nordic Games,
More than double the number of tracks as in the original MX vs. ATV Supercross; Rhythm Racing mode: Drag race your friends on straight dirt tracks full of obstacles and jumps; 12-player online mode; 2-player split screen; Free Ride mode to race using your own rules; New gear and design kits; Race against over 60 licensed professional riders; More than 80 licensed motocross brands for maximum authenticity; Remastered audio effects with 3D sound for the first time and new environmental effects; Comprehensive tutorials with pro tips for beginners.
Doing Some Things Right
Before the frustrations of the game quickly take over, new players are treated to a number of great things in the MX vs ATV title, including a killer rock soundtrack that is overlayed in every mode of the game, including the menus. So often, these types of games either lack a soundtrack, or the developers were too lazy to include great tracks. Neither is a problem here, as MX vs ATV has one of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard in an extreme sports title.
The other thing that you will quickly note is the ability to customize your riders. Whether it’s decals on the pants or choosing which bike or ATV you might use, there is lots to unlock and discover while playing through the game. Unfortunately, this might be the only driving factor to get you to play race after race.
Things Fall Apart
When watching someone else play, the game actually looks great and fun. However, when officially taking over the controls, frustrations are bound to set in.
The learning curve for this title is pretty steep, despite the promise of an enhance tutorial system. I was having major difficulties for more than an hour trying to learn the ins and outs of Motorcross racing, Perhaps this is a reflection of how motorcross is suppose to work – steep learning curve I mean – but I just found it frustrating.
Things should have been OK after my first few hours and as I became more comfortable with the games controls, but unfortunately it wasn’t. Dumb AI really destroys this game quickly, as opposing bikes do things that a normal person wouldn’t, and often that would result in them crashing into me mid jump, ultimately pushing me off course. In some cases you could chalk it up as incidental contact, but when you think about it, why are they so bad?
The game boasts a ton of tracks, but whether you are indoors or outdoors, everything will feel pretty much the same. Your indoor tracks might have different layouts, for example, but you would never know it as it always feels similar. It is almost as if the developers created an environment that would generate random track formations. Sure, its nice to have lots of tracks, but varied environments – different stadiums perhaps – would have been ideal.
Bright Spots
Although I never could get going in Career Mode, some of the other modes in the game were definitely exciting to play. The new mode to this version – rhythm racing – is fun for a few tries, but quickly loses its appeal when playing against bots. In multiplayer, however, racing down a straight track with lots of hills is great fun no matter what.
The real shinning jewel in MX vs ATV Supercross Encore edition is the Free Play and Waypoint modes. Roaming around across numerous, varied locations is great fun no matter what you are driving, but doing the waypoint races is really where the real excitement lies. If I could have an entire game focused on this mode, I would have been more than happy.
In Waypoint Races, you and friends – or bots – can travel around an open world environment trying to be the first to hit each waypoint as it pops up on the map. I do believe the waypoints are varied, which means even when you are playing in the same location, the races will not feel familiar. With friends, this is a great mode!
Conclusion
MX vs ATV Supercross really could be fun, but so much is holding it back. Graphics have been improved, but they are not at 2016 levels. Especially in Free Mode, you can see many texture issues, especially when looking at mountains! Despite the many issues, playing in Free Mode and Waypoint mode is really great, and if you really want to play motocross with friends, it’s not to expensive at an MSRP of 29.99.
Trailer
Article By Adam Roffel
Adam Roffel has only been writing about video games for a short time, but has honed his skills completing a Master's Degree. He loves Nintendo, and almost anything they have released...even Tomodachi Life.
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