Gaming options make for highly replayable 'MM 2'

By Jim Schiff

Daily Arts Writer

To tell you the truth, I've always been afraid of motorcycles. Not only do I refuse to ride them, I fear collision (non-alcohol related, of course) is destined to occur when I drive beside one.

Consequently, motorcycle games are the last ones you'd see on my hard drive. With "Motocross Madness 2," however, even the most unenthusiastic biker can have a jolly good time.

Simply put, the game has some of the best replayability on the market. It includes six single-player events, including Baja (featured in the original game), Freestyle Stunts, Nationals, Supercross, Enduro and a Pro Circuit where you can move up in rank based on performance.

Each event combined garners about 70 tracks, ranging from Chimichanga, Mexico to Munchberry Farms. The latter three tracks are indoors, with the sounds of imaginary screaming fans in the background. Most of Baja's tracks are open-road, forcing you to pass through a series of gates in order to complete the race.

For the novice player, the Baja mode is likely to be the favorite. It is crucial in building skills, such as quick maneuvering and stunt execution. The lack of boundaries may be troublesome for a few, but a handy green arrow in the corner of the screen is helpful in pointing the way. Here, the gamer will learn what sort of cyclist they are: One who vaults through the air, landing on his bike, or one who just vaults through the air.

Generally, the graphics are excellent. Each course is exquisitely detailed with a series of rolling hills, steep cliffs and narrow, flat planes. The scenery is surprisingly realistic, even the leaves on the trees were given a great deal of attention. In a few places, however, they looked a little too pixeled, particularly on details of the bike and the rider's costumes.

"Motocross Madness 2" has plenty of avenues for customizability. Though you can only choose from 3 manufacturers of bikes (Yamaha, Honda and KTM), there is a nice variety of nimble 125s and monstrous 600ccs. It would have been nice to have a reference sheet explaining the difference among the bikes, but after a few practice the differences are apparent.

The multiplayer option is a welcome addition to any game, but here it adds an especially competitive flavor. It is enjoyable to run your opponents off the road, sending them into a giant cluster of mulberry bushes.

My biggest complaints are in two areas: Sound (or lack of), and the instructions. The outdoor track modes are silent except for the sound of the cyclist passing through the gate, and indoors one can only hear the cheering of the crowds. Some country western or heavy metal would have been appropriate for those long endurance races. I also felt the instructions could have been more detailed; although most players will be familiar with motorcycles, the newbie has few references to turn to for engine specifications.

But overall, "Motocross Madness 2" is a well-made, attractive and enormously entertaining game. It definitely has the ability to encompass fans of any genre into the motorcycle world. Tell me what could be better than flying through the air, landing on your side, and emerging completely unscathed? Not much.

Courtesy of Microsoft