I can't say that I have experience with any other modern motocross games, but I do know what it takes to make an entertaining game in this genre.  THQ's latest motocross release, MX2002 Featuring Ricky Carmichael, has what it takes to become a classic among the available motocross games.  It's the combination of high-speed, intensive racing with awesome tricks and riding maneuvers that makes this game a blast to play.  Not to mention the graphics, controllability and music, which are equally stunning.

This solid game begins with an impressive video sequence containing some motocross and freestyle dirt biking.  It's not a cheesy video like you might expect, but instead, it's actually worth watching.  More videos can be viewed as you progress through the game and they're all just as entertaining.

There are various modes of play, all typical of such a game: exhibition, freestyle, career, and of course, multiplayer.  In any of these modes you're able to play using one of the included 21 pro racers and there are a surprising 15 different realistic and fantasy tracks to rip it up on.  All tracks are fun to play and they all have noticeably different characteristics throughout.  Some are indoors, most of which are supercross tracks, but the majority are outdoors and the environments were made very nicely in all cases.

Freestyle is similar to a session of Tony Hawk Pro Skater, but imagine going significantly higher and busting tricks that are even more sick.  There are various jumping events, such as the high jump and bus jump, along with some "anything goes" type freestyle contests.  I think many people will be surprised with how fun playing this game actually is.

In career mode you work your way up from the 125cc amateur class to the 250cc pro class, unlocking all the tracks along the way.  Typically, you have to place in the top three to make progress, which isn't very difficult, but don't expect it to be a piece of cake either.  You're able to create your own rider, complete with a unique name and number, which shows up on the back of the rider's jersey.  You can also choose the bike and other equipment that you'd like to use (this game has a boatload of sponsors behind it, as you'll see by all the name brands) .

Multiplayer is equally as fun and you'll see no difference in the graphical performance with two riders going at it head to head.  I was relieved when I saw that the option of horizontal or vertical split screen, something all games should have.  You can either play race mode or freestyle mode against another player.

To get you up to speed, MX2002 offers various tutorials, which will provide step-by-step instructions for getting the hang of the controls.  These tutorials are very useful if you're not used to a game such as this one.  There is one for jumping, which explains how to use the preload button, an integral part of the game.  Basically, you hold this button before a jump and then let go when the meter gets to the desired point.  Utilizing this to its fullest potential allows you to get through the tracks much faster.  Another tutorial explains how to use the clutch when taking off at the beginning of a race.  I was excited to see that a clutch had been incorporated, I just wish more people would similarly do this.  There is also a tutorial for powerslide, which as the name suggests, allows you to slide around tight corners which on the throttle or brakes.  Additionally, there are tutorials available to teach you how to do stunts, which you can take advantage of in freestyle mode or while racing.  All the stunts are very cool and they add even more fuel to this game's fire.

The actual game play seems very realistic.  For example, you have to actually use the brakes for some corners, yes, the brakes.  It's not a hold the throttle button continuously type of game, but instead it's necessary to use all the available buttons (if you want to win, that is).  The different size bikes, 125cc and 250cc, behave noticeably differently, as they do in real life.  Overall the physics seem quite accurate (yeah they actually do fly that high), which is important in such a game.

I only have a few complaints regarding the game play.  First of all, every time you get a little bit off the track you automatically fall, which is ridiculous.  I don't know why they would do this, as it takes away from the fun factor significantly.  In real life the riders don't automatically fall, so why do they in the game?  Secondly, you'll notice that if you're bumped by another rider you fall almost every time.  Contrastingly, when you bump other (computer) riders, it seems as though they never fall.  Let's make it an equal playing field, please.  I would have liked to see a course map (or at least an option of having one) in the corner of the screen because with all the elevation changes it's difficult to see what's next, but I guess that's sort of the point...

The sound in MX2002 is rather impressive.  You most likely won't be disappointed with the buzz of the dirt bike engines, as they couldn't have been reproduced much better.  The soundtrack is great to get you in the mood to tear up the track.  Comprised of various punk/alternative style bands, such as Sum 41 and American Hi/Fi, it's pretty rockin'.

Graphically, MX2002 takes advantage of the processing power that the PS2 has to offer.  The environmental landscapes are smooth and detailed, as are the riders, bikes, and pretty much anything else.  Even the shadows that are produced by the riders look really impressive.  The replays look great and they are fully controllable, including zoom, angle, and more, allowing for just about any view you'd want to see.

Personally I'd never even think about participating in this extreme sport, the action is just too intense for me.  Luckily though, THQ was able to capture the action and bring it to the PS2 - you'll think you're watching the real thing on TV!  MX2002 is a nice mix of freestyle and classic motocross/supercross that makes for a very solid title.  Once you get the hang of utilizing the various unique buttons, this game will undoubtedly provide for some intense game play.

Gameplay: 9.0
Very realistic, incorporating many unique controls and features.

Graphics: 8.5
Detailed and smooth in all aspects, from the motorcycles to the landscapes.

Sound: 8.0
Great game play sound and some solid bands to back it up.

Difficulty: 8.0
A great balance between being easy and being too hard.  If you wipe out, be sure to get up and going in a hurry because the competition is often quite fierce.

Concept: 8.0
Honestly, I'm not sure how many times it's already been done, but the way THQ did it with MX2002 makes for a great game.

Multiplayer: 8.0
Fun to play with friends and the horizontal/vertical split option is nice.

Overall: 8.25
MX2002 is very solid overall and the bottom line is that it is extremely fun to play.