Joining the likes of SSX Tricky and Sled Storm in EA Big's foray into extreme sports is Freekstyle. It's the most dangerous Motocross game ever created, they warn.
SSX was infamous for its relaxed attitude to snowboard simulation and encouraged players to cheat their way down the slopes, brutally taking out any competition along the way. Freekstyle's approach is very similar, except motorbikes are the apparatus of choice.
Those who for some reason find official riders and statistics crucial to a game's success can relax in the knowledge that Mad Mike Jones, Metz and Deegan make appearances as playable riders. But underneath the commercial presentation and features of Freekstyle lies some genius game design, cunning AI and an all round intense Motocross experience.
Focusing very much on Tony Hawk-style stunts, and less on the racing element of Motocross, Freekstyle challenges its players to take some big risks and score as highly as possible. Players can perform 360s, the Saran Wrap, Superman Seat Grab and even the McMetz off 200 foot cliffs at speeds of around 70mph. The courses, which include Rocket Garden, Crash Pad II, Monumental Motoplex and Big Sky are very much designed to accommodate such stunts.
From a technical standpoint, Freekstyle is accomplished, clean and almost devoid of graphical flaws bar a few dodgy camera angles, and the Dual Shock pad makes the game very easy to play, very accessible.
With game modes including Circuit, Race, Freestyle and Freeride, a 2-player split screen option and an emotionally charged soundtrack, Freekstyle is an ideal two-wheeled alternative to the SSX series.