Many Exhilarating Dirt Bike Games Have Been Overlooked; Have You Missed Out On Any Of These?
Motocross as a racing subgenre hasn’t seen much love from developers in the past and the future isn’t looking any brighter. Despite this unfortunate position that motocross fans are in, there have been a few recent releases that are worth your time as well as some timeless classics that should be dusted off and replayed this summer. Thanks to flash animation, this list of the 10 best dirt bike games also includes a game that can be played for free right in your browser.
May your challengers forever be eating your dust!
10. MXGP - The Official Motocross Videogame
Did I mention brand-realism?
As the title suggests, this game is fully licensed by all the big names and brands in the motocross world. Brand realism is only part of the equation; major focus in development was applied toward creating a gameplay experience that is just as real.
MXGP sports a robust set of features including 60 racers and bikes to choose from. What’s more is that these bikes adhere to realistic physics which eliminates that weightless, drifting sensation that plagues many dirt bike games. The lineup of racers and their bikes provides plenty of combinations given that there are 14 unique tracks to choose from. For gamers who demand stunning graphics, think eye-candy store. Dirt bike enthusiasts will also be ecstatic to know that the tracks in MXGP were designed with official tracks in mind. Even more exciting is that these tracks are susceptible to deformation, so carve out some ruts and watch your opponents eat dirt!
The sheer variety of realistic motocross aspects that MXGP recreates coupled with its dedication to brand realism makes it a top contender as one of the best dirt bike games to play in 2015.
9. Trials Fusion
Sonic the Hedgehog and Trine make a beautiful baby!
Trials, being true to its name, is a challenging motocross game that struck me as the spawn that would be produced if the Trine games and Sonic the Hedgehog: 2 successfully reproduced. Players must traverse tracks full of gigantic ramps, inclined-planes, loops, hoops (sometimes on fire), and a multitude of other potential setbacks.
Built around a realistic physics engine, Trials requires players to maintain relative speeds while aligning their bikes with the environment. Failure to comply with the wishes of the environment makes the difference between a successful encounter with an object and an all-out crash. The game gives you as many lives as are necessary to finish the track since crashing is a frequent occurrence; thankfully there are ample checkpoints. Trials has a variety of maps to choose from and when enjoyment of stock maps runs dry, there is a level editor that has made available loads of original content.
The parkour-style variables at play in Trials can make for a very frustrating experience. Despite the steep learning curve, this game has a tasty recipe for innovation which renders your longing for dirt tracks and typical motocross atmospheres obsolete.
8. MX Simulator
What would a simulator be without a first-person camera option?
From trains to planes to goats, there is a wide variety of simulator games out there. Did you know that there is a motocross simulator as well? Being a simulator, this title has quite a few unique features that racing fans should be aware of before getting themselves stuck in the mud.
The most important thing to realize is that this games learning curve is steep which, in part, is due to a heavy customization menu. Each of the 8 unique bikes available to players carry their own realistic attributes, so it may take some before you find something you like. Riding is far from easy; players must manually engage the clutch to shift gears and reaching a place of comfort with any bike may require tweaking of the gearing and suspension systems. MX Simulator has three difficulty modes and online multiplayer for seasoned riders seeking to up the ante. As far as tracks go, true motocross fans will recognize many of the locations as replicas of real life locales.
MX Simulator is a game that is less concerned with outward appearances, and more concerned with delivering an authentic racing experience. If you aren’t a stickler when it comes to graphics, and are seeking authenticity across the board then this is a title you must check out. If you are unsure if this game would appeal to you, why not try out the demo?
7. Motocross Madness
And I'm free...free-riding!
For its time, Motocross Madness was known for its realism and amazing looking terrains. 17 years later and this game is still a surefire way to satiate those moments of videogame-related nostalgia. In its generation, Motocross Madness had a lot of great things going for it.
Madness offers players six game modes to choose from and only one, career, allows players to earn cash for upgrades. Stunt mode is a fun option because it offers a pseudo-open world which was ahead of its time. Another fun feature included in this game is an unseen catapult that will fling you and your bike back inbounds should you wander off too far. The velocity at which and distance you are vaulted will have you purposefully ditching the map again and again.
With our modern lens, it’s hard to see innovations in videogames that made their debuts in days gone by. Still, Motocross Madness is one of those classics possessing a solid career mode, ample extra modes, and a functional physics system that earned it much praise in its prime.
6. MX vs. ATV Reflex
Reflex is all about the atmosphere, fireworks anyone?
Reflex is a popular entry in the MX vs. ATV series and was developed by Double Helix Games, Nordic Games, and Rainbow Studios. This game is an adrenaline-fueled, off-road racing game that does not restrict players to riding motocross. Once players have selected their customizable ride, they are launched into hectic races that are convincing enough to captivate real motocross racers.
At the core of Reflex is a flexible control scheme that allows you to control the rider and bike as separate entities. Your score hinges on how many tricks you do and the caliber of the trick performed. The terrains are definitely something to write home about. From the unpredictable conditions of the bog to the loose sands of the desert, players must best the elements as they race their way to victory or pure, utter defeat. Like MXGP, Reflex has included deformable terrain which ensures each lap is exciting as the likelihood to bail inevitably escalates. The physics are done right, and as every gamer knows, ragdoll effects only add to the enjoyment of the game.
Reflex has been out for a number of years and positive Steam reviews continue to pile up. The unique control scheme, dynamic terrain, and vast array of customizable vehicles are the reason for this. It is also why we recommend this as one of the best dirt bike games to check out in 2015.
5. Fuel
Fuel encourages driving off into the sunset.
Fuel is an open-world racing game that was developed by Asobo Studios. When I say open-world, I mean it; Asobo earned a slot in the Guinness Book of World Records for designing the largest traversable map for a console game (Fuel was also released on the 360). Aside from an enormous landmass to unlock and adventure across, Fuel has plenty more going on.
Players start their quest at the first of nineteen camps. A good way to think of these camps is as quest-hubs from which players can venture off in search of career racing opportunities and other discoverable tokens. As a racer, you are hunting for two commodities; Fuel and stars. Fuel is the currency sought after and used to buy new vehicles as well as a host of customization objects. Stars are important because they are what allow you to unlock new regions of the map and can only be attained through the career races. While on the topic of the map, there are zero to minimal loading times which is much appreciated in open-world environments. Aside from these commodities, there are basketsful of other goodies scattered across the map.
No doubt about it, Fuel is a racing game and it nails many aspects in that department. Fuel is also an exploration game that almost feels like a scavenger hunt at times. It is this synthesis of concepts that makes Fuel one of the best dirt bike games to play in 2015.
4. Motocross Madness 2
This rider knows death is imminent, why not go out with a stylish McMetz?
Motocross Madness 2, as you have probably guessed, is the sequel to Motocross Madness. The developers at Rainbow Studios weren’t trying to do anything revolutionary here; Madness 2 simply adds some extra shine to an already solid game.
This new shininess comes in the form of 40+ maps, slick new textures and terrain-objects as well as a revamped career mode. With earnings scored in the career mode, players can upgrade their bikes which makes success in all the other modes easier to achieve. While career mode is fun, the most enjoyable time I have spent in Madness 2 has been in the stunt mode. There have been times when I have stuck my landing and scored huge points, and other times when a trick looked promising and I ended up goring myself on a large cactus. This game will bring out the giggles in you!
Motocross Madness 2 and games like it were forerunners to the epoch of modern day videogames. Whatever this game is lacking in graphical features it makes up for in heart. Motocross Madness 2 has heart and for that reason it is worth digging out and having a session with this summer.
3. MTX Mototrax
In Mototrax, this gigantic house is but a pebble under your tires.
Mototrax is a successful Motocross game that was released by Aspyr back in 2004. This game takes the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater approach by assigning you the role of an unknown rookie whose ultimate goal is to crush the competition at the X-Games. The setting for the first free-ride and tutorial is Travis Pastrana’s residence; so you must be a very talented rookie. Nice work!
Rookies begin with the barebones setup in terms of their rider and bike. From there it’s all about the money. Players will alternate between completing free-ride quests and racing in competitions to earn cash. This cash can be spent in a few places; on bike upgrades, rider perks, and unlocking new free-ride locations which are goldmines waiting to be tapped. Aesthetic customization options are rather barebones and only allow for few modifications.
Mototrax was a popular title for its time and gamers who enjoyed the THPS grind will find a similar feeling of enjoyment in this game. The resonating opinion is that replay value is limited unless you decide to play online or utilize the LAN support to race with your friends. In that case, Mototrax offers many more hours of fun for you and up to 8 of your friends.
2. MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore
He's number 1 for a reason.
Supercross Encore is the most recent release in the MX vs. ATV series and is currently in early access. The closest that Encore gets to offering a plotline is in its career mode where players suit up and take on all the big-wigs in motocross culture. Encore is the 6th release in the MX vs. ATV series, and it would seem that the development team is trying to create a solid, familiar experience rather than ramping up to a new innovation-plateau.
Encore comes packed with over 30 tracks, some of which will be familiar to those who have played MX vs. ATX Alive. There are 5 game modes to choose from, 60 officially licensed challengers, and more than 80 brands making their appearances. All of these features do a bang-up job of creating the vortex effect, where real-life melts away and the game lights up all your senses. It is best to share these immersive sensations with a group of friends; Encore has you covered and supports up to 12.
As the controller on the loading screen would suggest, the PC version has been ported over from consoles. This has been the culprit for many issues found within the game, yet the development team is working hard to iron out bugs and other issues that are common with migration. While a few people have written this game off, the fact that it is an early access title, and that the development team is applying frequent updates makes it clear that the team is going to care for their baby. It appears that this care will come in the form of the developers incorporating all the best MX vs. ATX features that have emerged over the lifespan of the franchise.
1. Temple Bike
Not a temple in sight, but there sure are a lot of cool ruins!
Temple Bike is a simple flash game that utilizes both the Flash and Unity engines. On a basic level, it resembles Trials Fusion in that the track is pseudo-3D and your only objective is to traverse a course littered with obstacles.
The premise is simple, but completing the 20 levels is no easy task. The first few levels are nothing more than a tutorial which allow you to familiarize yourself with the physics and the arrow key control scheme. The down arrow has no utility but up, left and right are crucial to acceleration and for positioning the bike in a manner that yields adequate traction. Obstacles come in the form of boulders, logs, bridges, stairs, fallen objects, and little step-ups that were cleverly placed to destroy first-time players.
Temple Bike is a great way to kill some time, I played it for roughly 2 hours last night and certainly didn’t intend to do so. Any flash game that is able to captivate me for that length of time is worthy of being recommended.
Whether you are in the mood for a realistic or completely crazy, farfetched motocross experience, you can find what you are looking for on the PC. It is my wish that this list has helped you rediscover a few of your favorite games from the past as well as unearthed a few you never knew existed.
Thanks for reading, see you on the track!
