MX Vs. ATV Supercross Encore
Introduction:
MX vs. ATV Supercross, developed by Rainbow Studios and published by Nordic Games, is a racing video game available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Marking the fifth installment in the MX vs. ATV series, it represents a significant milestone as the first game produced subsequent to Rainbow Studios' separation from THQ, the franchise's previous publisher, due to THQ's financial troubles. A subsequent version, titled MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore, emerged in 2015, catering to Microsoft Windows users, while a release for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One followed in July 2016.
The game's primary thrust centers on the opportunity for players to engage in supercross racing using either motocross bikes or ATVs, echoing the dynamics found in Reflex, Alive, and the Nintendo DS iteration of Untamed. Nordic Games made a commitment to revive numerous elements from the original game. Among the game's highlights are the inclusion of 17 Supercross Tracks designed for both MX and ATV riding, complemented by a career mode encompassing five series: 250 East, 250 West, 450 MX, 450 ATV, and 450 MX vs. ATV. The game encompasses over 80 motocross companies to ensure authenticity and features a roster of 40 riders to compete against. Significantly, the game introduces a novel physics and control system, reinterpreting the "pre-load" feature from the original MX vs. ATV titles. Subsequent to its release, the game saw regular content updates. Multiplayer functionality supports up to 12 players, and the option of split-screen play for two local participants is also available.
Gameplay:
Amidst THQ's insolvency, Nordic Games emerged as the purchaser of the rights to MX vs. ATV, alongside Red Faction and Darksiders, as well as other software and licensed products associated with THQ, for a total of $4.9 million during an asset auction. Nordic Games unveiled the game's announcement in December 2013, marking the fifth chapter in the series. Although initially slated for a September 9, 2014 launch, the release was subsequently postponed, with the actual launch taking place on October 28. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game, collectively titled MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore, were bundled with MX vs. ATV Alive and enjoyed a worldwide release in late 2015, boasting additional features specific to this edition. This iteration also extended its reach to Microsoft Windows and participated in Steam's early access program.
Final Words:
The critical reception to MX vs. ATV: Supercross was mixed. The Xbox 360 rendition achieved an aggregate score of 55.00% on GameRankings and a Metacritic score of 57/100. Hardcore Gamer's Jeremy Peeples awarded the game a 6/10, commending its soundtracks while expressing mixed sentiments regarding its graphics, describing them as "an intriguing blend of impressive and sub-par." His final assessment characterized the game as evolutionary rather than revolutionary, catering to existing fans and highlighting the novel right-stick jumping and aiming mechanics. The game's appeal was noted, though it fell short of evoking strong passion.
Meanwhile, Devin Charles of Game Revolution assigned the game a 4/10 rating. He lauded the customization options available but criticized the lack of innovation in gameplay, subpar control and handling mechanics, unnatural turning dynamics, and unsatisfactory graphics.
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