Amazon.co.uk Review
MX 2002 Featuring Ricky Carmichael admirably rides (on two knobbly wheels) the line between casual motocross arcade game and hard-core simulation. It should please both audiences equally by offering stunning graphics, good controls, lots of options and just enough realism.
The game offers standard modes of play: Exhibition lets you jump into a full race on your own, so you can practice tricks and assess the competition; Freestyle mode lets you practice and get used to performing trick combos; Career sends you off to create your own custom rider and to race against opponents to further your career (and unlock various bikes and extra tracks in the process). Finally, there's also a Challenge mode (hidden in the options menu), which gives you a task of unlocking cool video clips of real riders performing the stunts. Of course, you can play Exhibition and Freestyle in split-screen multiplayer, which provides the ultimate and most satisfying challenges.
Career mode lets you revel in range of accurate bikes available, from 125cc models all the way up to 250cc monsters. Bikes handle about the same, but Career mode lets you dress your custom biker in licensed clothing and allows you to put your number and name on the rider's back.
While the physics--particularly the gravity modelling--is relaxed, allowing you more time to do the stunts, you still have to worry about power sliding and using the clutch to win races and stay upright. It's a satisfyingly deep nod toward simulation while remaining as fun and accessible as an arcade stunt racer should be.
Naturally for a PS2 title, the graphics are sharp and the textures complicated and colourful. It's almost as good looking as the real thing, except the mud you kick up doesn't have to be washed off. --Andrew S Bub, Amazon.com
Manufacturer's Description
MX 2002Featuring Ricky Carmichael lets you ride like a champion, compete for rock-star status, or just cruise the open terrain for your moto kicks. The game is a blend of traditional racing and free-ride madness, with 30 pro riders from the 125cc, 250cc, and freestyle ranks, such as Mike LaRocco, Kevin Windham, Ezra Lusk, Carey Hart, and new amateur sensation James "Bubba" Stewart. There are more than 10 fully customisable bikes with tight, responsive controls, allowing you to pull huge wheelies, stoppies, tail whips, and more. Freestyle mode includes such gut-busting stunts as the Bus Jump and Step-Up Challenges, and career mode offers the chance to win sponsorship deals and factory offers.