JACKED Preview

E3 2003 – First Look

Some kids now a days call freestyle motocross an extreme sport.  Popularized for its gravity defying tricks and angst-driven attitude, freestyle motocross is full of broken bones, devastating wipeouts, and the respect of everyone under 25.  Pulling off a Superman or a Lawn Chair is nothing compared to what the racers face in Jacked, the new combat motorcycle racer from 3DO.

Set across 7 twisted environments spanning amusement parks, logging areas, and military bases, Jacked should provide plenty of fun for gamers with a little pent up aggression.  There are 20 levels to race across, 22 bikes to obtain, and seven leather-clad insane characters to choose from.  The goal of the game?  Ultimately, win the race.  But along the way to the finish line, you can beat the crap out of the other riders. 

Jacked features three classes of weapons to decimate your enemies with.  The melee weapons include such impromptu weapons as parking meters and stop signs.  The Projectile weapons class contains more traditional (term used loosely) weapons such as shotguns and rocket launchers.  Additionally, once a rider is defeated, gamers have the opportunity to steal their bike (if they time it perfectly) and keep it after they win the race to add to the character’s garage. 

Several of the standard as well as over the top freestyle tricks are in the game.  Completing these tricks boosts a rider’s boost meter, something racers will need to finish high in the ranks. 

Jacked will also have shortcuts, bonuses for excessive public property damage, and level specific dares, extra challenges to complete such as throwing other riders in electric chairs.  The graphics in the game left a lot to be desired, but Jacked is still in its pre-alpha stage, so expect improvements in that department. 

Jacked will be ready to race in September of 2003.