MUD – FIM Motocross World Championship Preview (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

Looking at the stats, MUD – FIM Motocross World Championship appears to have something for every fan of the sport. Diving into the menu reveals that the licensed MX1 and MX2 competitions are supported, with 32 teams between the two, as well as 84 real riders and eight bike manufacturers.

If that’s not enough the game also features the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. This is a “massive and internationally recognised worldwide motocross annual event, in which the top riders of the world race for their country to obtain the prestigious Chamberlain Trophy.” It includes 16 national teams, and 48 riders and bikes with all relevant liveries.

The actual racing takes a lot of getting used to. As one might expect the tracks undulate, as well as being covered in ruts caused by bike tyres. This means just keeping straight is a task in itself, as you constantly battle with the bike which wants to go in a totally different direction to where you do. In fact, at times the track and bike are a greater threat than the AI riders.

Managing the bike’s throttle is also a key task. You can’t just open it up fully and hope for the best, as the first rut you hit will send you spinning. It takes constant adjustment and becomes almost instinctive as you feel the change in the track’s surface. Knowing when to hit the gas and when to hold back is very important.

Again, throttle control is needed when it comes to cornering. Slamming on the brakes as a corner approaches is a big no-no, and will more than likely earn you a nice stay in a comfy hospital as your bones heal. Instead, the bike needs to drift round without the revs dropping too much.

For those who want a break from ultra-realism, the MUD World Tour mode allows you to play as “Heroes”; fictional characters who can have their stats upgraded after earning money in a set of 15 different levels. These levels will see you take part in Checkpoint Races, Head to Head Races, Elimination Cups, Trick Battle, and Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

The Trick Battle is also a separate mode. I can’t fully comment on it, as what I played wasn’t 100% complete and had issues with the trick input timing and recognition. The arenas are well designed though, with different sized ramps spaced logically to maximise the points you can score. I was also unable to properly test the online multiplayer due to empty servers.

Graphically the game is a mixed bag, although again there are still effects that need to be added. What I really dislike, though, is the music. This is highly subjective, but constant guitar riffs and wailing singers put me right off and reminds me of games in this genre from about ten years ago.

It will be interesting to see how the final version of MUD – FIM Motocross World Championship turns out when it’s released in April. Whilst not the best looking racer out there, it provides a good challenge and has enough content to keep you busy for quite some time.

Code provided was for the PlayStation 3. As this is a preview build, features mentioned may change.