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RATING: (weak) 1 2 3 4 5 (awesome)
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IN BRIEF
Pros: Beautiful design; and where else can I race an ATV? Cons: Redundant, feels like the same race, race after race; not challenging enough. In a nutshell: If racing is your game, ATV is worth a test drive. Multiplayer: Up to 4 players *ESRB rating: E (Everyone) |
FACTS
Game Title: ATV Off Road Fury Platform: Playstation 2 Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Accessories supported: D/A Control Vibration / Multitap Price: $54.99 |
THE REVIEW by David Daniels for Gamers Today
Maybe I'm greedy, but I've come to expect at least twenty tracks and twelve vehicles in a racing game. Engaging visuals and track challenges are my primary requisites to a decent racing game, and ATV only fulfills the former. Though the track changes (shape and level of difficulty) run after run, a few full-circle runs later I realized that ATV had shown me all that it had to offer. Like a helium high, the fun factor is short-lived.
These four-wheeled ATVs don't move like other racing vehicles. Like me (and I'm a regular gamer), you're likely to crash and burn (no explosions or fires) before you can stay on-course for more than one run around the dirt track. Over-steering will be your first trip to crash city. But with practice, patience and a gentle touch you'll soon be a contender in the race.
To advance to the next level (new track) and juice up your vehicle (earning more points), you must master the physics of jumping and landing. Big air could land you in a tough spot for your next move, but staying earthbound could eat up valuable race time. Learn the course (know what's coming up when) and your vehicle (how it handles) to achieve personal best.
A major letdown is the tricks (the "Double Can Can," the seemingly similar "Heart Attack," and "Lazy Boy") because they don't lend to your success. Why bother unless you're more interested in eye candy than progressing to the next level. An incentive to putting the tricks aside in favor of speed is that if you finish in the top two, you're given garage access to tweak your vehicle.
Perhaps the greatest graphic triumph of ATV is the textured track, which gives a 2-4 second preview of what lies ahead (potholes, inclines, bumps) so you can decide how to maneuver. The physics are exaggerated (210 foot jumps), but they offer a solid, consistent feel that only adds to the gameplay.
Unfortunately, blase wipeouts, tired music and sound effects are the game's fatal blows. I'd like more than an ordinary "oomph" when my vehicle gets ran over, and something hipper than a five-year-old Soundgarden song in the background.
As long as other games offer bigger, faster, and more tricked out action - like SSX and NHL 2001 - I don't foresee ATV Offroad Fury having a lot of console time in my home.
*For a complete explanation of ESRB ratings, check out the official ESRB Web site.
