Rainbow Studios' MX vs. ATV series has earned its spot as one of the better racing games on the market - and with good reason. Though rough around the edges, it has consistently provided a fun, different experience. MX vs. ATV Untamed is the series' "next-gen" debut, adding sharp visuals to proven gameplay.

As far as visuals are concerned, MX vs. ATV Untamed doesn't look quite as good as other games currently on the market, though it still looks nice enough that you can notice the increase in system power. All of the vehicles are modeled well, though the real star power is in the details. There are plenty of little pieces of eye candy found in each level, so there's always something to look at. Of course, if you spend too much time staring at the level details, you'll probably end up losing events.

The game's soundtrack sticks mostly to rock, so there is a noticeable lack of variety. The featured music is great and really fits the game's overall feel, though at the same time if you don't particularly like it, there isn't much of a chance you'll hear something you like. Of course, you can always drown out the music with engine noises and other racetrack sounds.

The MX vs. ATV series has never been short on play modes and MX vs. ATV Untamed only expands the number of race types. Single-player includes race types such as Quick Play, Custom, and various Events. Quick Play lets you jump right into the action, though the number of options available makes the mode a little more complex that it sounds. Events are broken down into a number of race types, including Freestyle, Free Ride Waypoint and Supermod.

Free Ride mode is a great mode for newcomers that focuses more on exploration and learning the game's basic mechanics without the pressures of a race event. From there, you can move on to other events, such as the more time-based National events or Supercross, which is more technically demanding than other modes.

Eventually you can work your way into tournaments which are fun, but best played in smaller doses. Tournaments are pretty lengthy and require a bit of a time investment. Events are a better alternative if you're looking for a feeling of progression, but are short on time. Each Event includes a series of race types with prizes. Some of the prizes are useful, though there is little point to cash. There's a lot that you can buy, though payouts are overly generous, so it doesn't take long before you can buy just about anything in the game.

Multiplayer includes both split-screen and online modes. Both modes are kept simple, focusing more on fun that hardened competition. Split-screen races include a few standard race types as well as a series of mini-games. There's about a 50-50 split when it comes to mini-games; some are fun while others are half-baked. Up to twelve people can compete in Online races.

MX vs. ATV Untamed is a challenging game, though the wide array of modes keep the game from feeling overwhelming. Unlike other racing games, which follow a much more linear structure, you never feel like you're "stuck" in any one place. If you are having a problem with one event, you can always try something else. Since many seem to focus on different skills, there's a good chance that you'll pick up something useful that will help you in the other event.

When it comes to tricks, the basic system is easy to understand, though it takes a while to really get good at it. One of the more challenging aspects is learning how to load your jumps. One you get an idea about when to get ready for a jump and when to perform it, you'll have little problem getting enough air and pulling off move trick combos. The only really difficult part is sticking landings which, like jumping, is really a matter of timing.

With the exception of a few smaller tweaks, such as increased difficulty in landing some jumps, everything remains the same from past games. Newcomers shouldn't have too much of a problem understanding the system's basics, though it can be deceptive. Controls have a decidedly arcade feel to them, but with the sensibilities of a simulation. In other words, they're tight enough that you have to concentrate on what you're doing, but at the same time forgiving enough that you don't have to be perfect. Tricks are easy to pull off, though pesky things like momentum and gravity have a say in what tricks you can do and when. Although you can pull off tricks that would probably kill you in real life, you still have to worry about timing things just right.

Although the game advertises motocross and ATV races in the title, MX vs. ATV Untamed also features rally vehicles like buggies and monster trucks. Not only do these vehicles give longtime fans something new, but it adds a stellar bit of variety to the game. Thanks to the game's physics engine, each feels completely different. It is a lot of fun racing through similar tracks with different vehicles; the experience of driving through sand is much different on a bike than it is a truck. Considering the different approaches required for each vehicle, it is nice to know that the controls are, for the most part, out of the way, allowing you to focus on the different techniques required for the various track/ vehicle combinations.

MX vs. ATV Untamed isn't an amazing game by any means, though it is still an incredibly fun game. If you aren't into racing games this isn't the one to convince you to give them a try, though racing fans who have grown tired of similar games, like Motorstorm, should definitely give it a shot.