I started out playing the DS version of MX vs. ATV: Untamed, and I am glad that I did. It was an average game, but it was true to its small race feel and simple gameplay. The grownup version has all of the fun and simplistic features I liked in the DS version, with enough push towards realism to make it a little more challenging.

Saying that the PS2's graphics are better than looking at the DS's version is like saying I will take the cash over getting an I.O.U. It looks good. I am continuously amazed that the now touted "older generation" of game systems are still looking really good. Well, I should rephrase that; the one remaining "older generation" system that is still making good looking games. Granted that the big jump is from HD and a Next-gen system to an older system and a CRT, but it really does look good.

Negating the discussion of which came first, the chicken or the egg? The music system reminds me very much of the now standard jukebox system look and works with EA's titles. When the music switches, you see the pop-up in the left corner letting you know who and what is playing. The soundtrack is exactly what you expect it would be. I think that unless you can plug your I-pod in and stream it directly through the game, that you are not going to be able to please everyone with the music score of any game. The sound effects themselves were well done. I can't really comment on the sound of a crashing bike, but I will take their word for it.

MX vs. ATV: Untamed is a racing game that flirts with being a sim. Most racing games and flying games, for that matter, have to maintain that illusion so you can enjoy them as a game. Load up, and then set up your account. Keep your wheels out of the stands, and the rest should come naturally. Because what isn't natural about flying 40' in the air and landing it. Choose the single player path where you are anything but alone on the track. Play with friends in the Multi-player Mode, or shop at the store to pack out your off-road monster.

Single player offers 14 different types of races, not including the tracks or the ability to choose between, and race against, either MX or ATV vehicles. But 14 unique race types to choose from. Just for those who don't know, MX stands for Motor Cross, and ATV is for All Terrain Vehicles and Quads (four wheels). Race mixed classes of both. Or, single out one type or another. There are 14 event types you can choose from.

The Multi-Player Mode is there so you can take on the world. This is, of course, both online and on the same machine. Set up custom matches or try your luck at being the best in the world. No matter which one you choose, there is plenty to do.

Having mentioned a few times now that I looked at MX vs. ATV: Untamed on the DS first, there is an obvious difference in how much more difficult and hopefully more realistic the handling and control is. You still have the magic power to really rotate and turn in mid-air. I am not so sure that as I hurl a giant chunk of metal into the air, I would be able to manipulate it quite so easily. Even with that, I feel like there is a definite ease of use between running the 4-wheel vehicles and the bikes. The bikes feel very loose and all over the place, but not too hard to control. The preload stunt feature does take some of the edge off of these harrowing jumps. I think I would have preferred a more Tony Hawk move in the air style of stunts, but it is what it is.

MX vs. ATV: Untamed allows for magic physics, and like I said earlier, that is, in part, necessary to have so that it is a game and not a sim. I just think that it would not take one too far from the experience if you were to take some of that away and make it a little more believable. I am not just picking on them for the sake of doing it because they boast a more realistic physics engine. I would say that I did notice very realistic handling with the four wheeled vehicles. The two wheel versions are a little too fantastic and easy to handle. The rag-doll physics that they use are also a little fantastic. When you wreck, your body loses every muscle and tendon ever attached and it flops and folds like a newspaper. This is comical, but it is also a little overdone.

So here is the final lap. The game looks good and has a decent adrenaline rock soundtrack. There are plenty of options and races to keep you busy for quite a while until you may become fatigued of driving around in circles. There are tons of upgrades to unlock and goof around with. It has the simple replay value of a standard race game, as well as the added playability of it not just running a Baja Truck, Quad or MX bike. If you are a racing game fan, you may find it a little unbelievable, but you will enjoy the racing.