MX vs. ATV Unleashed

Pros

• Single-player and multiplayer modes
• Track editor
• Licensed soundtrack

Cons

• Track editor is only available on PC
• Soundtrack is not customizable
• Easy AI

MTX vs ATV Unleashed is a racing simulation video game developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ for the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and Windows PC platforms.

MX vs ATV is a series of racing simulation video games that focus on off-road racing with motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. MTX vs ATV Unleashed is the 2005 edition of this series, and although it focuses on motorcycles and ATVs, the game also features off-road trucks and other off-road vehicles, including fantasy vehicles such as hopped-up golf carts.

MTX vs ATV Unleashed features three primary modes: single-player, multiplayer and a track editor. In the single-player mode, a single person can compete on tracks and have fun in sandbox areas with AI opponents. Many of the tracks, vehicles and upgrades are locked by default, and the player unlocks them by participating in a career mode and achieving various objectives.

The multiplayer component is available offline and online. Offline multiplayer is a split-screen co-op mode where two players can compete against each other and AI drivers. The online multiplayer mode allows eight players to connect via the Internet and race single tracks, race in a series or just hang out and ride together in a freestyling mode. Freestyling can be a great deal of fun and a very low-pressure multiplayer gaming experience.

The track editor allows the player to use the tools and assets used by the game’s developers to create their own tracks. Note that the track editor is only available in the Windows version of this game. Custom tracks can be created locally or downloaded from other players, and those tracks can be used for single-player, local multiplayer or online multiplayer. The track editor allows online multiplayer to have great longevity because the community can keep it fresh.

The main criticism of MTX vs ATV Unleashed is that the AI is not very good. On easy and even intermediate modes, most new players will have a great deal of success against the AI. Players who have experience with the MX vs ATV series will have trouble finding a challenge against the AI on the highest difficulty setting. Great challenges await against human competition, of course, but as time passes, finding that human competition will become increasingly more difficult.

Pros

• Single-player and multiplayer modes
• Track editor
• Licensed soundtrack

Cons

• Track editor is only available on PC
• Soundtrack is not customizable
• Easy AI