MX vs. ATV Reflex
Motocross racing refined, though perhaps not redefined.
ByChris Roper
Updated:
May 9, 2012 5:13 am
That feature didn't make it into the sequel. Instead, Motocross Madness 2 added better visuals, more courses (including a track editor) and refined controls. It was definitely an improvement, but in terms of the actual gameplay, it was an evolutionary step, not a revolutionary one. That same sort of pattern has been happening year-in, year-out since then. More vehicle types have joined the fray, multiple console generations have allowed for substantially better graphics, and more processing power has allowed for better physics (and in turn, better controls). But by and large, we've been playing the same sort of thing for years, and while Rainbow has it pretty much down to a science by now, MX vs. ATV Reflex really is just more of the same.
Don't get me wrong -- Reflex is a really fun title, and anyone who enjoys a racer of this sort should definitely consider picking it up. But, if you've played the past couple releases, this will largely seem like familiar territory.
That's not to say that there isn't a smattering of new features this year. For one thing, there's complete terrain deformation now. Driving over soft dirt will give way to the mud below, but rather than just remove dirt, you actually move it. That is, instead of just creating a line in the ground where your tire was, you're shoving the dirt to the side and creating mounds on either side of the rut, making your resulting wake more treacherous for your opponents (and yourself). The result is that each successive lap around a track leaves the course more and more worn, and you'll theoretically have a harder time keeping your lines clean as the race goes on.
On some courses, this has a noticeable impact, though it's not as game-changing as it sounds like it could be. Some courses are already beat to hell before you get there, so you don't really notice a major change after taking a few laps. In other cases, I noticed that it made my race tougher than if the deformation wasn't there, but it didn't feel like it was getting worse as the race went on. What you don't get from this solution is dirt becoming loose and causing your ride to slide around a corner rather than bite. It's more of a flat vs. bumpy effect. It's great because it forces you to respect the course and drive more defensively than you might have before. However, I didn't find myself adapting to the changes as races progressed, but I'd instead race as if I was always dealing with the toughened terrain right from the start.
Another change in Reflex is the way tricks are handled. Previously, you'd press a button or two and push the left analog stick in one of eight directions to trigger a trick. Now, all of your moves have been transferred to the right analog stick. You press and hold the trick button (to essentially turn the stick into "trick" mode) and then tap or rotate three directions. Left, right, right will do one trick, while up, left, down will perform another, for instance.
The change from face buttons to the right analog stick was intended for a different trick system initially, but that doesn't matter at this point. What matters is that while it now takes more input to perform a trick (you have to do three things instead of one, essentially), it's still just a game of Simon Says. It works, but it also needs some work.
One thing that seemed nice to me in early previews was the way that trick competitions had changed. Rather than earning points for performing a trick and having that add to your total for the round, you're now judged on five categories, including difficulty, flow (how well you use the course) and execution.
The idea here is great, and when casually considered it does a nice job of changing how things work. But, the system is very imperfect. For one thing, it doesn't seem like you're judged over time. That is, if you perform a couple awesome tricks and see that your scores are fairly high already, you can just sit there and let time run out to claim your victory. It also doesn't always pick up what you do correctly. If you launch off of a ramp oddly, like at an extreme angle for example, it might not count as a trick, and even if you do some crazy stuff, you won't get credit for it. Likewise, I've hit a jump, performed a trick and then watched my difficulty score rise immediately, but then add in two other tricks to the combo and see no immediate increase. The idea is good, but the implementation needs tuning.
The other major addition to MX vs. ATV Reflex is its namesake: the Reflex controls. Rather than controlling your bike and rider as one unit with the left analog stick, the left stick now controls your vehicle while the right controls your rider (in applicable vehicle types). This allows you to lean into turns and gives you a little more control over how you're handling the track. This sort of extends to the ability to recover from bad landings where an arrow will appear in one of the four main directions on the screen, and matching the arrow with the right stick will save you and keep you going on your way.
In practice, the rider control adds a layer of complexity to steering that makes you more involved in cutting corners well, though the question of whether or not it's more fun is up for debate. After a while, I found that I was naturally using both sticks to turn and only the left to make fine adjustments, and it sort of became second nature to me. That's a good thing, though as it became a constant habit, it wasn't a "use when needed" technique; I simply always did, so the idea of making the controls more dynamic this way were lost on me. However, I did appreciate the ability to save myself from a crash, so that was great to see added in there.
In terms of the overall controls, Rainbow Studios has always been very good about giving you a very responsive input system, and that hasn't changed one bit. Once you get good, you're able to dial in pretty much exactly what you want whenever you want. My only complaint here is that most of the vehicles could feel more substantial with a little more weight to them. Some of the trucks and bigger vehicles can fly when you hit a bump so they can feel a little too feathery, especially on uneven courses. Still, the controls are quite good overall.
One thing that Rainbow has always done exceptionally well is design a great course to race through, and that remains true here. Pretty much every track in the game is very well designed as the course designers have a great knack of transitioning between speed, wide turns and tight ones. They're difficult in just the right ways where blazing through them will hurt you, but practicing and respecting them will give you a big advantage. Fantastic stuff here once again.
Verdict
MX vs. ATV Reflex is another very solid release from Rainbow Studios, though the franchise hasn't changed a ton in the gameplay department despite some pretty hefty on-paper features. The controls are still great, the track design is at the top of its class and there are enough events here to keep you coming back for ages, not to mention a very solid and capable online component. If you're a fan of offroad racing, this is definitely worth a serious look, though don't go in expecting a completely different racing experience.
In This Article
MX vs. ATV Reflex
Rainbow Studios
Rating
Platforms
FAQs
How old is MX vs ATV Reflex? ›
ATV Reflex is a 2009 off-road racing video game developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ.
How do you do tricks on MX Reflex? ›Instead of using complex combinations of buttons and triggers to pull off tricks, stunts have been simplified in Reflex--to pull off a trick you simply hold the trick modifier button (LB on Xbox 360, L1 on PS3) and then flick the right stick in three distinct direction (such as up, down, left as opposed to up, up, down ...
Is MX vs ATV All Out a good game? ›The graphics are decent in this title; there are some really nice visual effects like when riding your bike your jacket and top flutter in the wind which is pretty cool to see. There are some nice environments to look at too. However MX vs ATV All Out does suffer from poor textures and performance issues.
Is there going to be a new MX vs ATV game? ›MX vs ATV Legends will release on PC, PlayStation and Xbox on 28th June 2022.
Who is the fastest MX rider in the world? ›...
| Kevin Windham | |
|---|---|
| Bike number | 14 |
12-player multiplayer support.
How do you unlock everything in reflex? ›- Unlock everything - deadhead.
- All AI - allai.
- All ATVs - couches.
- All locations - whereto.
- All gear - gearedup.
- All boots - kicks.
- All goggles - windows.
- All helmets - skullcap.
MX Bikes. About : Overview. MX Bikes is a realistic motocross simulator, based on a scratch built physics engine that accurately simulates motorcycle dynamics and setup options.
Does MX vs ATV have free roam? ›Players get immediately dropped into an open-world compound upon starting the game and are free to roam. Traversing the map on a bike initially, players can pull off big jumps or stick to a defined course while going over varying terrain.
Which MX vs ATV game has pitbike? ›Slash's Snake Pit features three of the largest Supercross tracks the MX vs ATV franchise have ever seen plus an FMX area. In addition to these new tracks, the Snake Pit also features a brand new custom gear set by Slash!
Is MX vs ATV Legends worth buying? ›
MX vs ATV Legends is definitely an awesome dirt-racing game that is worth playing! However, if you aren't willing to put in the time to build up your skills and learn how it is best to play this game, it might not be for you.
What was the last MX vs ATV game? ›A seventh game for ninth-generation consoles, MX vs. ATV Legends, was released on June 28, 2022.
Who is the best dirt biker ever? ›In terms of championship wins, the best Motocross rider of all time is Ricky Carmichael. Nicknamed “The Goat” (Greatest of All-Time), the former professional Motocross rider had a distinguished 10-year career in the sport, winning seven AMA Motocross Championship titles from 1997 to 2007.
What is the hardest motocross track? ›The Erzberg Rodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble is probably the toughest and one of the most famous tracks in the world.
Who is the goat of supercross? ›Carmichael is notable for winning the AMA 450cc motocross national championship seven times and, the AMA Supercross Championship 450cc class five times. His unrivaled successes in the sport of motocross have given him the nickname "The GOAT"; standing for Greatest of All Time.
Is reflex a video game? ›Reflex Arena (colloquially known as Reflex) is a first-person arena shooter video game, developed by Turbo Pixel Studios and released onto Steam's Early Access program on 4 November 2014, and launched out of Early Access on 8 March 2017.
Can you play 2 player Supercross 4? ›In singleplayer, you'll find the option for a single race, time trial, championship and the already mentioned career. Multiplayer-wise the game offers an online mode and luckily also a split-screen mode. While split-screen might offer some local fun, you'll discover online can be a barren wasteland most of the time.
Is MX vs ATV untamed 2 player? ›...
| MX vs. ATV Untamed | |
|---|---|
| Mode(s) | Single-player multiplayer |
There are a few reflexes that you can block. For example, if you are having esophagus constriction, you can swallow to stop that reflex. You may be able to block a sexual arousal reflex with someone tickling you or a deep yoga stretch.
Is reflex a good math game? ›Adaptive and individualized, Reflex is the most effective system for mastering basic facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division for grades 2+. Full of games that students love, Reflex takes students at every level and helps them quickly gain math fact fluency and confidence.
How do you get the gold bike in MX vs ATV All Out? ›
This was a fun version of the RS450F bike that was created for "MX vs ATV All Out". The GOLD EDITION bike is awarded to a player after they have won all gold in every event in the career mode.
How do you get Holeshots in MX vs ATV All Out? ›You get a holeshot by reaching racing speed the fastest from the start . Pretty easy once you master the clutch trick you get taught in training.. Just hold LB (CLUTCH) and rev at the start with RT (accelerate) to get jump start, you should usually reach speed within a few seconds...
Is a quadruple backflip possible? ›Connor Addis lands a quadruple backflip at Cardrona ski field on Thursday September 22, 2022.
What angle is the perfect backflip jump bike? ›45 degrees gives you the most distance. As you get flatter, distance and height go down. As you get steeper, distance drops but height increases.
Is Mx the most physically demanding sport? ›Motocross is a physically demanding sport requiring both strength and skill. Motocross riders need to ensure they are in peak physical condition to compete safely. Motocross riders are some of the fittest athletes in the world, although no study conclusively proves they are the fittest overall.
What is the most realistic motocross game? ›MXGP 2021 – The Official Motocross Videogame (2021)
What is this? As perhaps the most realistic and in depth dirt bike game for the PS4, MXGP 2021 is easily one of the best. These advanced motocross games require some time to learn the mechanics and perfect your riding skills.
What is the most reliable motocross bike? All modern motocross bikes are very reliable if you do proper maintenance. But if you're looking to get an older used one, most Yamaha mx bikes are reliable, including the YZ125, YZ250, and YZ250F.
Is there a freestyle in MX vs ATV All Out? ›MX vs ATV All Out is the complete off-road racing and lifestyle experience! Choose between bikes, ATVs, UTVs, refine your rider style at your private compound and blast across massive open worlds to compete head to head in various game modes! The all new Freestyle mode allows you to win with style and crazy stunts!
What is the difference between MX vs ATV All Out and Anniversary Edition? ›Mx vs ATV All Out was the latest iteration in the series and was released about a year ago. This year, it is being released again in an anniversary edition. The base game remains the same, but the anniversary is being celebrated by including three paid DLC modules that have come out in the intervening year.
Is there a career mode in MX vs ATV? ›ATV Legends, the most notable of which is the games Career mode option in which players take part in various events across several calendar years of either the MX, ATV, or UTV variety, whilst stopping off at the local ranch to speak to different people who will help your further your career prospects.
How many people play MX vs ATV All Out? ›
| Month | Avg. Players | % Gain |
|---|---|---|
| November 2020 | 32.3 | -4.89% |
| October 2020 | 34.0 | +25.99% |
| September 2020 | 27.0 | +31.18% |
| August 2020 | 20.6 | -18.95% |
Memory: 8 GB RAM. Graphics: Geforce GTX 460 or Radeon HD 6850 or equivalent. DirectX: Version 11. Storage: 26 GB available space.
What is better pit bike or dirt bike? ›Pit bikes have less torque. A pit bike with a similar engine as a dirt bike is still less powerful than a dirt bike. Dirt bikes can reach faster speeds consistently and are more compatible with motocross. If it is faster speeds your child is after, a pit bike may not be the best option.
Is a dirt bike or ATV easier to ride? ›ATVs are technically easier to ride and four wheels do offer more stability, but that's not necessarily good. Especially with new riders, ATVs grant a false sense of safety.
Are dirt bikes better than quads? ›-ATVs are the better choice for someone who needs a versatile working vehicle or something for a casual, comfortable ride. -Dirt bikes are a superior option for thrill seekers who just want to have some off-road fun. They're also safer than ATVs in some ways.
Is MX ATV Legends open world? ›This is a shame, as MX vs ATV Legends has some interesting ideas, an open world area, three distinct vehicle types and a vast single-player career.
Are Yamaha Four Wheelers good? ›Yamaha ATVs' are undeniably reliable and we hear this time and time again from our customers. Yamaha makes rugged and dependable ATVs that take you anywhere you need to go. Always keep in mind that regular ATV maintenance and service will help ensure that your ATV runs efficiently and safely all season long.
What is the newest MX game? ›+Offers in-app purchases. Online multiplayer on console requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold (subscription sold separately).
What does MX stand for in motocross? ›Short for Motocross. MXGP: The motocross world championship.
How many players is MX vs ATV Reflex? ›12-player multiplayer support.
Who made MX vs. ATV Reflex? ›
MX vs. ATV Reflex
When was MX vs ATV alive released? ›ATV series, following MX vs. ATV Reflex, and the last game in the series published by THQ. MX vs. ATV Alive was released on May 10, 2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Can you get MX vs. ATV Reflex on PS4? ›Available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, this latest game in the MX vs ATV series is the first in the series to be fully built for ninth generation consoles.
How do you unlock everything in MX vs. ATV Reflex? ›- Unlock everything - deadhead.
- All AI - allai.
- All ATVs - couches.
- All locations - whereto.
- All gear - gearedup.
- All boots - kicks.
- All goggles - windows.
- All helmets - skullcap.
Designed with input from Doug Gust, considered by many to be the best ATV racer of all time, the LT-R450 won numerous ATV MX championships, which is what the machine was developed to do.
What is the best MX bike make? ›- Yamaha PW50. You probably weren't expecting this bike to top our list, but for us the Yamaha PW50 is without doubt the greatest dirt bike of all time.
- Honda CR500. ...
- Maico 490 Mega 2. ...
- Suzuki RM125. ...
- Yamaha YZ400f. ...
- 1989 Honda CR125. ...
- Yamaha YZ250. ...
- KTM 350 SX-F. ...
In 1986, Honda unveiled the first four-wheel-drive ATV, the FourTraxª 350 4x4. For its grand unveiling it was lowered from a helicopter to show all four wheels moving under their own power. This model would ultimately become the most versatile and popular ATV in history.
Which MX vs. ATV game has pitbike? ›Slash's Snake Pit features three of the largest Supercross tracks the MX vs ATV franchise have ever seen plus an FMX area. In addition to these new tracks, the Snake Pit also features a brand new custom gear set by Slash!
What was the last MX vs. ATV game? ›A seventh game for ninth-generation consoles, MX vs. ATV Legends, was released on June 28, 2022.
Are there any scooter games on PS4? ›Crayola Scoot - PlayStation 4.
Does SCUF reflex work on PS4? ›
Will SCUF Reflex be backwards compatible with the last generation PS4 devices? No. SCUF Reflex, like the DualSense, will only be compatible with the PS5 unless you are playing through PS Remote Play on a supported device.
Does PS4 have Supercross? ›Game and Legal Info. This product entitles you to download both the digital PS4™ version and the digital PS5™ version of this game. Mud, sweat, fun and adrenaline: find the rider in you and jump into the action with Monster Energy Supercross 6!
How do you get Holeshots in MX vs ATV all out? ›You get a holeshot by reaching racing speed the fastest from the start . Pretty easy once you master the clutch trick you get taught in training.. Just hold LB (CLUTCH) and rev at the start with RT (accelerate) to get jump start, you should usually reach speed within a few seconds...