You Get What You Pay For With 'MX vs. ATV: Supercross'

Jeb Haught
Thu, 30 Oct 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

DEVELOPER: Rainbow Studios

PUBLISHER: Nordic Games

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3, PC)
Updated: Fri Oct 31, 2014

DEVELOPER: Rainbow Studios

PUBLISHER: Nordic Games

SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3, PC)

PRICE: $29.99

ESRB RATING: Everyone

REVIEW RATING: 3.0 stars (out of 5)

I've been enjoying Rainbow Studios' dirt-packed racing games ever since "ATV Offroad Fury" was released way back in 2001. These developers have always led the competition in terms of accurate physics and flat-out fun! Too bad their latest entry, titled "MX vs. ATV: Supercross," is little more than a barebones racing simulation.

Like others in the series, this title throws players into races where they can choose to ride offroad motorcycles or ATV's. The gaming modes are rather limited, with only the option to ride in single races, career mode or online races. Would it have killed the developers to include a trick mode or a free ride mode? I can't tell you how many hours I spent in previous games simply driving around in large maps searching for, and repeatedly trying to master, cool jumps.

I appreciate the return to the original pre-load system where players press the right analog stick down before a jump and then slam it forward to launch higher into the air. However, it doesn't mesh too well with the leaning system that's tied to the same analog stick. When I slam the stick forward to launch off a jump, I'm leaning forward in the air and I have to recover before actually performing a trick.

However, the leaning system does work well when all wheels are on the ground. I've never played an offroad racing game that feels so realistic when properly leaning into a turn. This must be close to what it feels like in real life! I also like the natural progression of unlocking vehicle upgrades when I win races.

Sadly, the mediocre visuals and lack of a tutorial remind players that they've purchased a bargain-priced title. In the end, "MX vs. ATV: Supercross" will only appeal to hardcore offroad racing fans.

'Zen Studios 2: South Park Super-Sweet Pinball'

DEVELOPER: Zen Studios

PUBLISHER: Zen Studios

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PS3, PC, Xbox 360)

PRICE: $4.99 Download

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4.5 stars (out of 5)

My favorite digital pinball developers have created what may very well be my favorite pinball tables of all time, and I'm going to celebrate harder than during Conjoined Twins Myslexia Week! That's right, "Zen Studios 2: South Park Super-Sweet Pinball" is now available. Since it can only be played on the PC and consoles, Cartman's infamous quote comes to mind: "screw you guys; I'm goin' home."

This digital download contains two super-sweet pinball tables for one low price. The first one is the South Park table, and it's reminiscent of the early days of South Park when Chef is still alive and ManBearPig roamed the countryside. Not surprisingly, this table centers on the four main characters and tasks players with initiating missions for each one. It's cool to see Cartman's mission center around aliens, and I love how Stan's mission focuses on helping him kiss Wendy without throwing up in her face.

The second table focuses on Butters' multiple personalities, and it showcases just how weird and insecure he is! Butters' Very Own Pinball Game features missions for alternate characters such as: Professor Chaos, Marjorine, Meheecan Butters and vampire Butters. This table is great because it explores one character (Butters) from the show rather than trying to include as many as possible.

It's cool how these tables are both from the same show but they're very different to play. Both tables offer lots of colorful South Park visuals and references, but they lack the vulgarity that the show is known for. This may please parents, but fans of the show will not be so happy. Nevertheless, playing "Zen Pinball Studios 2: South Park Super-Sweet Pinball" is better than eating Chef's chocolate salty balls!

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Very Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: (Everyone)

E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

"MX vs. ATV: Supercross"