• Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Feb 17, 2004
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Even fans who dislike racing games will be impressed with MX Unleashed. [Apr 2004, p.24]
  2. The control is excellent, the physics are perfect, there are loads of original tracks and landscapes, and the fun factor is off the charts.
  3. 88
    It's really well polished, controls great, looks good and is presented very nicely. You'd really have a hard time finding a racing game that's more fun to just fool around in, cruise about the country side and wreck the living crap out of yourself.
  4. 87
    MX Unleashed has got to be the best motocross game on the PS2, and possibly the best ever. It’s addictive, it’s packed with gameplay and unlockable tracks and the soundtrack beats any of those featured in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series by a mile.
  5. 85
    Easily the best motocross game I've ever played, and it's the first one I'd recommend to people who aren't the least bit fans of the sport.
  6. It has the small features bike fans will be looking for, but the game also caters for those looking for a quick spin with some powerful bikes.
  7. Tearing a page from their old Motocross Madness tome, they've inserted a beefy mission-based free-roamer into the mix, allowing you to essentially go f'ing bananas between venues. [Mar 2004, p.69]
  8. More straight-up innovation is needed next time, but until then, we've got a good solid game on our hands. [Mar 2004, p.94]
  9. This year's MX is certainly the most professional motocross game I've played - the physics are flawless and every race has nail-biter potential, even if you're dead last heading into the final lap. [Apr 2004, p.118]
  10. The bikes have a nice low end growl to them that is a pleasant departure from the typical mosquito-like buzz that is usually afforded them.
  11. 80
    Smooth handling is complimented by solid physics, while the opponents boast A.I. that is much more balanced than Freekstyle’s rubber-band rivals.
  12. The physics make the game so entertaining that you really won't mind having to replay a race over and over again. [Apr 2004, p.99]
  13. Another very good entry in a solid series of motocross games. It plays well, and it has great control and a lot of tracks and objectives.
  14. Unlike "ATV Offroad Fury 2," Unleashed isn’t online, and it doesn’t support four-player multiplayer. Furthermore, the visual quality doesn’t increase at all due to these cuts, which is disappointing.
  15. The attention to detail is commendable, but the sheer scope may be a point of frustration for some, especially those who come from the "Tony Hawk" school. The supercross races are so exacting that progression without dedication is impossible.
  16. The inoffensive, safe, non-threatening nature of the title just doesn't ever inspire fun or even frustration, merely, and perhaps most disconcertingly, ambivalence.
  17. We struggle with MXU's collision problems, floatiness while jumping, and the decision to scrap "MX Superfly's" stunt track editor. These work to frustrate and unfortunately take things down a bit. [Apr 2004, p.93]
  18. Despite the gripes there’s no denying that the core jumping mechanic is sound and more importantly, fun. It’s a refreshing change from the standard racing offering.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. BrianN.
    10
    refreshing new way to drive dirt bikes. New features are give the game and extra kick. Well done.
  2. JeremyW.
    10
    Best mx game ever. The music does suck though so i turn it off.
  3. BobS.
    10
    This is a really great game. It's fun and best of all it's pretty simular to ATV games but only with MX bikes. So it makes it even better. Can't wait til MX VS ATV Unleashed comes out!! Full Review »