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MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX
Score: 100%
ESRB: Everyone
Publisher: THQ
Developer: EA Games
Media: Cartridge/1
Players: 1
Genre: Miscellaneous

Graphics & Sound:
I have to say that I liked the graphics. I liked the color, detail and clarity that THQ was able to pack into a GBC cartridge for MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX. Every arena, track, pipe, bike and rider had its own look, color and feel. The detail was enough to see what you needed to see and make out what you didn't. By doing this, an extra dimension is added to the game. Not only do you see what you need to see, in detail, but you also get to visualize the non-significant, which you normally don't get on GBC. What does all that mean? Basically, it boils down to realism. I know, there is no way a hand held system can look real. That is true, but Ultimate BMX comes as close as it can. It looks, sounds, and plays great.

Gameplay:
MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX offers a variety of BMX style competitions for you to go at. You get to choose from six pro riders, many different bike combinations, and four modes of play including almost a dozen competition levels. To get started, select Practice mode, where you can grind it out in freestyle or try your luck at the half pipe. In this mode there is no time, score or goal. It's just for practice. Of course, the reason you buy the game is for the Competition mode. With this, you compete on a series of street, pipe, and dirt courses, improving your ranking as you go. Finish them all, and you win. As you win, you are given money based on your performance. The better you score, the more money you get. You can use the money to purchase upgrades of various kinds for your bike.

MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX is a fun game. It is easy to play and easy to like. There are 10 or so tricks to try out on many different surfaces, tracks, and hazards. The controls are easy, and the graphics are great. MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX is one GBC game that you can't pass up.


Difficulty:
Actually, MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX is quite easy. The bike will automatically pedal for you and the tricks are simple two-button combos. The competitions are relatively easy and you really only compete against yourself. All in all, anyone should be able to play and beat MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX without any major problems.

Game Mechanics:
Although the game looks, plays, and feels great, it does run a little slow. Other than that, it's A-OK. The controls are simple, and everything is laid out right in front of you. The bike automatically pedals for you and the tricks are combinations of the A and B buttons in conjunction with the directional pad. MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX is a fun game. It is easy to play and very addictive. The controls are easy, and the graphics are above par. MTV Sports: T.J. Lavin's Ultimate BMX is one GBC game that you have to try.

-Storm, GameVortex Communications
AKA Jeremy Kelso

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