Motocross Madness 2

This sequel improves on the original by offering larger racing environments, more modes of play, and much more detailed graphics. The environments now have a full complement of trees, cacti, bushes, and other solid objects to smack into, and some game modes even introduce highway traffic into the mix. There's nothing like jumping over a moving semi on your way to the finish line! The new Pro Circuit career mode adds a lot of replayability (and long-term strategy) to the game, and fun multiplayer modes like tag offer a refreshing break to standard racing when playing online.

On the downside, all the new graphical goodness requires some serious computer hardware. While a 3-D accelerator isn't required, that's a little like saying your car doesn't need an engine because you can still push it. With a decent 3-D card, at least a 350 MHz processor, and plenty of RAM, however, the game really comes to life. Those of you with 3-D audio cards are also in for a treat, as it becomes possible to tell where other riders are just by listening.

It took some time to get used to Motocross Madness 2's completely over-the-top physics. Hitting even a minor jump launches the bike straight up into the air, and bigger hills can leave you staring down at the treetops for over five seconds. It's a little ridiculous, but once we gained some familiarity with the tracks it actually made the game a lot of fun. More air time means more chances to perform outrageous aerial stunts, from the Tail Grab to the back-bending Cordova. Unfortunately, it also means unfortunate encounters with trees are much harder to avoid.

If you buy sports games based only on their ability to realistically portray the sports they are simulating, Motocross Madness 2 will disappoint. For those of you who like big air, big stunts, enormous open environments, and lots of challenging arcade action, this game is better than its predecessor in every way. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Detailed, interactive environments
• Career mode keeps players coming back for more
• Outrageous arcade physics model

• Steep hardware requirements
• Computer opponents are extremely challenging regardless of difficulty level