Freekstyle
Score: 95% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: EA Games Developer: Hypnos Media: GCD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Racing
Graphics & Sound: Freekstyle is motocross like you've never seen it before. Continuing the hard-hitting, arcade style gameplay and graphics of SSX, Freekstyle is about as stylish as a game can get. Combining over-the-top characters, unbelievably outlandish courses and no holds barred personality - there is little here to not like. This game is complete sensory overload. Like its snowboarding cousin, Freekstyle is all about style and attitude. Without a doubt, these are some of the best graphics I have seen in a motocross game yet. While it is not the same visual treat as SSX, there is still much to be impressed with here. I especially liked the motion blur and fire effects during the 'Freekout' mode. All of the motorcycles are solid and detailed, and the characters look even better. This is especially cool when you consider that you are playing with real riders, and not a group of made up characters. Trust me guys - digital Leann Tweeden is just as hot here as she is in her lingerie ads. Oh, and the other riders look like they should too. When it comes to sound, Freekstyle does not disappoint. The effects are fantastic, whether it is the low whine of the engines revving or the really cool heart monitor beep when in Freekout mode, everything is top notch. I especially liked the soundtrack - which is a good mix of Techno, Punk and Rock. This is definitely a game you will want to turn all the way up.
Gameplay: Just as you would expect, this is essentially SSX on motorcycles. You choose a rider and travel from race to race on a quest to kick some ass. The core gameplay isn't very complicated and can be picked up by just about anyone in a matter of minutes. You race other riders on some of the wildest tracks ever concocted, all the while performing stunts to build up your 'Freekout Meter' so you can perform even bigger stunts. In theory, this may sound like a rather mundane task that could get boring quickly, but I guarantee that after a few minutes with the game, you will be hooked. The frantic gameplay really helps to keep the game interesting. Simply put - there is ALWAYS something going on. If you're not trying to out-race someone, then you're flying hundreds of feet through the air hanging off the back of your bike or watching the screen go blurry and your heartbeat intensify in Freekout mode. If you cannot find a way to have fun with this game, then you are not trying hard enough. When it comes to replay value, Freekstyle delivers. If you have an ungodly amount of patience, then you will find the sheer amount of things to unlock will keep you busy for a long while. Of course, nothing beats a fun 2-player game as well.
Difficulty: One of my complaints about SSX was that it was incredibly easy to win races. If you knew a shortcut or just got ahead of someone, there was a good chance you were going to win (unless you had a major wipe out). In order to remedy this, EA has gone in and put together a really good racing AI for Freekstyle. The problem is that the AI is a little too good, making for an exciting - yet, frustrating - experience. Even after leaving the entire pack in the dust, it never failed that another racer would turn into Speedy Gonzales and leave me behind. This was especially common towards the end of races. This makes the game harder than it has to be and unplayable at times because of the frustration level it brings along with it. It is still possible to win golds in races, but do not expect to whiz through it as fast as you could SSX.
Game Mechanics: After trudging through the mess that was SSX's control scheme, I was not looking forward to Freekstyle. When I finally got to play the game, they were not nearly as bad as I envisioned. Thanks to the five different control schemes offered, something will be comfortable for a good majority of players. The well-laid out controls make pulling off tricks a breeze, from the simplest one button trick to your rider's 'Freekout' trick. Given how complex the controls are, Hypnos should be commended on doing a fantastic job of working out an easy to use scheme. Freekstyle is an excellent entry into the MX category. With its fun single and multiplayer modes, as well as the numerous things to unlock, Freekstyle is sure to keep gamers busy for a long time.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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