MX vs. ATV: Untamed

The most recent version of the MX vs. ATV video game franchise has been out for about a month now, and we’d guess that many of you have been busily playing it to get your winter moto fix.

As for us, we did pick up a PS2 version of it shortly after the release date, and while it’s cool, it pretty much plays exactly like the previous version of the game. It’s after we recently upgraded to a PS3, and got into that version that we really discovered how vast the differences are in the new version of Untamed. The look and feel of the riding, the tracks, and features like a new online setup, as well as the Endurocross addition make it a vastly different game experience.

To learn a little more, we hooked up with Elliott Olson, the Lead Technical Game Designer for MX vs. ATV: Untamed over at Rainbow Studios, and tossed him some questions about the new version (and to see if we could score some tips for smoking our buddies online).

That previous version of MX vs. ATV almost seems a bit dated now, with the number of pro riders who have retired, and the nearly complete takeover of four-strokes. What new things have been added to bring it this version up to date?

Because of our long-standing reputation as the leader of off-road racing games, it’s left up to us to raise our own bar on what a game should deliver. When we set out to make MX vs. ATV: Untamed, we wanted to revamp everything from the ground up. Speaking directly to the bikes, the physics were completely redone to make them feel even better. We added things like physics-based whips and the ability to scrub jumps, which had never been seen before in any game. The first-person camera delivers a realistic race experience that not only shows non-moto people what it would feel like to ride but is exactly how seasoned riders would expect it to feel–just as if they were out on their bike. 2-Strokes and 4-Strokes drive a bit different, and there are sliders to fine-tune your control. We’ve also added new modes and features, including Endurocross, the X-Cross tournament, and huge outdoor worlds. We left no stone unturned.



What are the features that the guys who are interested in two-wheeled fun will notice the most?

The biggest things they would notice are probably the control and how it feels, the customization and the first-person camera. Also, our tracks and events are amazing. You can get lost free riding for hours.

How about other features that they shouldn’t overlook?

A popular thing that was added to the game is your home hangar. This is where you test all your settings, try out vehicles and get to mess around while the level loads. Who wants to wait on a loading screen? As a bonus, the hangar also serves as the online lobby, which has already hosted numerous bench racing sessions. The other big feature is the X-Cross tournament. For the first time you can compete in every aspect of the game and probably see and experience things you wouldn’t normally get to or find. Conquer this and you will be a true off-road champion and a force to be reckoned with!



How much has the technology in audio, video, and the game systems themselves advanced since last time a version of MX vs. ATV hit the shelves?

The new systems have a lot to offer, and we wanted to make sure we took advantage of it all. We wanted to start from the beginning and build everything in MX vs. ATV: Untamed from the ground up. We’re really excited about the results.

What’s the full factory setup to play this game?

Well, get your gear on, pull up the couch and fire it up. All you need is the game, a console, a big TV and your buddies. Don’t forget the internet connection. Online is where the factory players hang out, and there are definitely some guys on their game.

This game is available in an amazing array of platforms. Different studios did the different versions…are they consistent in game play between them? Is there a version that stands out?

This is the largest launch of any off-road game, and we are really excited that we were able to pull it off. The game is now available for the Xbox 360, Sony PS3, Sony PS2, Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS. The Nintendo Wii version is launching next month. The different platforms were developed by 3 different studios. The cool thing about this is that while Rainbow Studios laid down the 360 and PS3 to set the tone, the other studios took this and ran with it, creating unique experiences on each version. The easiest thing to do would have been to just do ports across the different platforms, but we never take the easy road. We wanted to take full advantage of the unique capabilities of each of the platforms, and this was best achieved by splitting up the development among the different studios. 360 and PS3 probably have the largest online following right now, but with each one so unique, they are all a blast.



Has online play changed any in this version?

Yes. Aside from making the experience more solid than any other version, the online lobby, full leaderboards and free riding online are new to the franchise and enhance the online experience. Many hours are being spent trying squeak out those last .10 of a second to win a race. Everyone should get online!

Talking with some pro riders the other day, they were blown away that they were putting in their best laps online, and were still getting smoked by seven seconds a lap. Do you have any tips for online play?

Practice, practice, practice, and hire a trainer. Really just keep playing, ask the fast guys in the room what they are doing, and have them show you their lines. Also learning how to tune your bike for the type of race you are doing helps. It’s just like a regular day at the track—pick out the fast guys and follow.

How about any other tips or tricks?

Stay loose, stay focused and have fun. As for tips: as always, sometimes it’s faster to go slower.