The card turns sideways as the group of riders sits at the start line, engines powering up, the vibration and whine of the 125cc motorcycles creating a tremendous din. The gate drops and the riders fire out, dirt flying, puffs of smoke, bikes leaning as each vies for position hitting that first turn.

Ah, indoor supercross racing – the crowd is loud and enthusiastic, but who has time to look at them? There is too much to pay attention to on the track, like lining up that turn for maximum acceleration going into the jump. Which jump had the washboard after it? Where did that rider that just blew past you come from?

MTX: Mototrax is a release for the PlayStation 2 from Activision and Left Field Productions. This is a game that is diverse in gameplay, terrific graphically and a real challenge. The controls are a little touchy at times, but are mirroring the way the bike handles as it tries to grab hold of dirt and gravel and turn at impossible angles for the speed it is carrying.

The game has several playing modes, including MTX career, exhibition, multiplayer, a custom track editor and a customer rider editor. You can race in supercross or freestyle races.

In the career mode, you pick a ride, and compete is a series to earn money for sponsorships and upgrades. The tracks take place in a variety of locations under a variety of circumstances. The key to the racing is to pick the right lines and to learn how to handle the jumps and bumps along the way. You can crash or get off track and resets will cost you time.

The AI of this game is well designed and the controls are kept simplistic enough to allow even the rawest of newcomers the opportunity to compete. Where this game departs from other titles is that little attention is give to spectacular crashes and the emphasis is on racing.

The career mode allows for a nice rider customization. The game also sports an interface in which you will get e-mail and offers, and you can check on your racing statistics. The career mode is clearly intended for the single player, but the game does allow for head-to-head challenges.

The track customization mode is very easy to use.

The musical soundtrack for this game is awesome. Featuring a wide range of rock styles, this game is almost worth just turning on for the soundtrack. But the real star is the racing. The game is lushly textured and is responsive to the controls. This is a wonderful racing title.

The game sports some of the same features as other titles, such as a timer to show how far or ahead you are, positioning, and a course layout.

Activision and Left Field can be very proud of this title. It is right on track and will provide the racing enthusiast a wonderful ride.
 

Gameplay: 9

From the moment that gate drops to the leap through the finish area, this game moves smoothly. The tracks and racing elements offer a nice range of diverse elements.

Graphics: 9.2

This is an excellent-looking game, loaded with great track texturing, and solid physics.

Sound: 9.3

Awesome is one word for the musical score undercutting the interface. The rest of the elements are exactly what one would expect in a racing title like this.

Difficulty: Medium

You up for a challenge, this is it. The AI seems to evolve with your skill level. You may cruise to a win in one race, but the next time out, expect the game to have adjusted to provide more of a challenge.

Concept: 9

The developers have offered a great options package and great base package in the career mode. The interface is kept simple enough for anyone to jump in and go.

Multiplayer: 8.5

This does not have quite the depth of the single-player career mode, but is still fun nonetheless.

Overall: 9.1

Ready to feel that rush of adrenaline as you plant a foot to anchor a turn? All set to grab big air and look for a soft landing spot? MTX Mototrax offers high-flying motorcycle acrobatics and supercross thrill rides. This is a blast!