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Rainbow Studios does it again. With a new control system, improved physics, and an overhauled visual engine, Reflex set out to address the criticisms that some gamers had about MX vs. ATV Untamed. We’re glad to report that the game manages to reinvigorate the series while maintaining the solid racing action that Rainbow Studios is famous for.
Reflex includes three main game modes: MotoCareer, where you’ll unlock events and tracks, Arcade, and Multiplayer (supporting both local and online multiplayer on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3). MotoCareer is where you’ll be able to sample the game’s breadth. Here is where you create a rider, compete in races, earn money that enables you to buy better vehicles, and unlock new tracks and vehicle types.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Reflex. You’ll find a number of vehicle classes, which break down into three general categories: motorbikes, ATVs, and trucks (sport trucks and buggies). You’ll also find events catered for the individual vehicle types, as well as the Omnicross, a no-holds barred competition for any and all types. You’ll find events that take place in smaller, more technical arenas (Supercross) while others take you across varied and vast landscapes as you use anything in your disposal to get first place. The game also boasts flag-to-flag races, where you try to be first to each flag and a freestyle mode to ride around at your leisure.
The game’s multiplayer boasts additional gameplay modes and you’re likely to spend a lot of time in two: snake and tag. In Snake, you’ll try to avoid a barrier that eliminates you from the race upon contact. In Tag, you’ll race around the landscapes looking for a ball, which you’ll then try to hold for a minute. Come into contact with another player, and the ball is gone.
Of course, all of this content wouldn’t be worth much if the underlying gameplay mechanics weren’t up to snuff. Thanks to the new control system and physics engine, Reflex really shines when you’re in the driver’s seat. The game wisely begins with a tutorial that introduces the new gameplay mechanics and does a great job of easing you into the new control system. The game makes use of both analog sticks to control your rider and the bike. The left stick controls the handle bars, while the right stick controls the driver’s actual weight. This means that you’ll want to shift a rider’s weight in to make a sharp turn or pull them back if you’re about to crash face first. It’s a very satisfying system that does a great job of making you feel like you’re truly in control. Braking and accelerating are handled by the triggers, and you can enter freestyle mode by hitting the bumper, which allows you to pull off moves with the right stick. There’s even a nifty feature where the game will give you a couple of seconds after a rough landing to adjust your character and avoid bailing. At first, you’ll rely on the onscreen markers but after a while it’ll come naturally. All in all, Rainbow Studios did a great job of introducing a nuanced, responsive control system while making sure you aren’t overwhelmed.
Visually, Reflex is a looker. The game boasts a number of varied, well-designed and stunning landscapes for you to race on, whether you’re going crazy in a vast mountain setting or taking part in a tight, indoor supercross race. One great touch is the addition of deformable terrain, which actually shifts realistically, depending on how the race is progressing. This, of course, looks awesome and adds for an interesting nuance to the gameplay, as well. The vehicles look great, as do the riders, who move around realistically as they take sharp turns or try to avoid bailing.
Fans of previous MX vs. ATV games will undoubtedly want to pick up Reflex, and the game is good enough to pull in newcomers to the series. Rainbow Studios did an excellent job at crafting an amazing racer. From the great landscapes to the robust but intuitive controls, there’s a lot to enjoy in Reflex. It’s definitely one of the best racers I’ve played in a long time. -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- Nov 30, 2009
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