It’s a recipe for disaster: A Mulisha
Air followed by a Superman Seat Grab over two jumps, the first which gives
you the air necessary for the triple stunt, the second barely enough to
get you airborne. The trick is to have the speed and continue it through
the course.
That means tight turns and quick acceleration.
EA SPORTS™ Supercross, for the PlayStation
console, is not just about freestyle competition. In fact, the game really
hits its stride in the featured event – which is Supercross motorcycle
racing. Featuring more than 25 riders (plus the option to create your own
rider), and 18 courses (yes, one must be unlocked), this force feedback
ride is a combination of quick reflexes, instant strategy and the will
to win.
Mike LaRocco is in fourth place, in
the final lap at the indoor Anaheim event. One minor jump left, then
a 90-degree turn and then it’s the finish line. You position your rider
carefully, knowing that the opponents are likely to take the corner a little
wider because of the speed they have. Backing off the accelerator just
a tad allows you to cut that final corner very tightly, zip from fourth
to first and capture the flag.
It’s a chess match on the race course,
a bump and run spectacle that can see you in second place one moment and
eighth the next.
The options package on this game is
pretty solid. You being with seven choices (quick start, 1 player, 2 player,
racing class – which has three sub-levels, record book, create rider and
game options) and from there you define just what you wish to do within
the confines of the game.
Yes, it is frustrating, especially
in the supercross events when two riders bump you off your line going into
a corner, and you end up fighting to get your bike back on track and into
the race.
The graphical elements are very nice
in this program, and the audio is exactly what you would expect from EA
SPORTS™.
Controls in Supercross racing events are very straightforward, though you
will have to be careful on employing the hairpin turn button combination,
because you can go from a hairpin turn to accelerating back down the way
you came, which means turning back around and losing valuable time. Controls
in the freestyle are a little trickier and involve the O button and D-pad
combos.
EA SPORTS™ Supercross is a fast-paced,
high-flying bump-a-rama that is a lot of fun. From the steady drone of
motorcycle engines revving constantly, to the background of announcers
and crowd, this program is a solid ride.
Install: N/A
Gameplay: 8
This program moves very smoothly and
enjoyably through each event.
Graphics: 8
Perhaps not as smooth as a PC game,
this program still features solid graphical elements that will delight
gamers.
Sound: 8.5
Very good and exactly what one
would expect to hear in this sporting activity.
Difficulty: 8
You can outwit the competition in
Supercross racing, while succeeding in freestyle events is a lot tougher.
Concept: 6.5
This is a genre that has been around
for a while.
Multiplayer: 8
This is a nice game for single players,
but really excels in the multiplayer competitions.
Overall: 8
Solid graphics, audio and easy control
elements make Supercross a wonderful racing event for younger and older
players. This game features enough options, riders and courses to create
a challenging gaming experience each time out.
