Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX 2 - Review - daytrum

Publisher: Activision: www.activision.com

Ages: seven and up.

Parental Advisory:
None.

While the original Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX was mostly a re-run and re-dress of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, Pro BMX 2, the latest version, offers better control and more in-depth levels and play. While the game still pales when compared against Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, BMX fans may find much to like here.

The biggest addition is a trick tweaking system that lets you alter and morph manuals, wall rides, tire-taps, grinds, airs and signature tricks into new tricks. After performing a trick, you can press a modifier button that creates variations that include one-foot, one-hand, half-and-half, and more. This adds considerable depth to the game.

Another addition are flatland tricks that include backpacker, whiplash, hitchhiker, and others. However, I generally found that these weren't as challenging to perform as the other tricks. A plus, a BMX park editor lets you create your own BMX areas by selecting and arranging objects such as ramps, rails, fun boxes, and other obstacles. And a built-in camera that lets you record your best tricks and save them in a scrapbook.

While the game offers more tricks and adequate window dressing, it's the levels and multiplay action that make the game. Here, Pro BMX 2 offers various modes that include Road Trip, Single Session and Free Ride, as well as eight free-roaming levels that are well populated with objects that include helicopters, boats, cars, pedestrians, and more.

Each level offers its own distinct layouts and theme, as well as goals that you must complete before moving on to the next level. I found the levels to be well designed and with lots of depth, but prefer the slightly better levels found in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. I also enjoyed the road trip mode that simulates a BMX tour that stops in cities such as Chicago, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and more.

The well done 2-player split screen modes accommodate activities such as half-pipe hell, treasure hunt, tag, trick attack, graffiti, and horse. The 2-player games are varied and first rate, and offer entertaining possibilities. Once you've done the levels, you can play for a good, long time against friends.

The game looks great with realistic animation and graphics, and convincing-looking riders that smoothly move and crash. I enjoyed the full motion video segments that depicted real riders on a roadtrip, and the soundtrack offers solid, edgy music.

Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX 2 is a solid title that stands on its own, but stands in the shadow of Tony Hawk. If kids aren't partial to BMX, they'll have more fun playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.

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