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Preview  Freekstyle
- By Neal Gittens
E3 Impressions:
EA's motocross racing game, Freekstyle, made an appearance at E3 in playable form, and showed off the moves and grooves that it bills as one of its major selling points.
The game is primarily a dirtbike racing game, which features big air and huge tricks. Coming from the same division that gave us SSX Tricky, it seems highly likely that tricks will indeed be a BIG factor in the gameplay. Unfortunately, in limited play, I didn't really get a chance to get deep into the trick system, due to the mass amounts of games that needed portion of my very, very important time and attention. I did get the basics down, which involved using the R shoulder button to perform simple tricks, but finer techniques beyond that eluded me.
The core racing itself is also highly enjoyable. Basic racing controls apply, naturally, and there are immense jumps, which of course contribute to the emphasis on the trick portion of the game, which as I previously stated, should have been more of the focus of my attention. I have never claimed to be the most attentive man in the world, only the most beautiful.
Overall, Freekstyle looks to be a natural fit for the extreme antics of a game like SSX Tricky. Huge tricks are something that can definitely set Freekstyle apart from other motocross games, and when EA delivers this title, we will see how well the final product competes with others in the field.
Neal
-05.28.02
Made for action gamers, Freekstyle™ by EA SPORTS BIG™ is the most dangerous motocross game around. Freekstyle dares you to harness the power of your bike while pulling off sick tricks in insane, over-the- top worlds.
Picture flying through rugged terrain with massive jumps at more than 100 mph, hitting a 40’ jump at the ledge of a 400’ cliff and pulling off a Kiss of Death, a Cordova, and 360 all before you land. Incomplete tricks will cause the rider to crash and waste valuable time and points.
It is not just about coming in first. It’s not just about being the fastest. With Freekstyle, it is all about being fearless. Take a good look at the freaks you are competing against. Go head-to-head and see if you have what it takes to ride with the best.
A unique cast of characters includes from the freestyle motocross world Mad Mike Jones, Mike Metzger and Brian Deegan. Even the former Miss Supercross and TV host Leeann Tweeden saddles up and turns into a throttle junkie.
Key features include:
Eight Characters: Choose from any of eight different riders with their own unique attitude and style including freestyle sensations Mike Metzger, Brian Deegan (leader of the Metal Mulisha), Stefy Bau, Clifford “The Flyn Hawaiian” Adoptante, Jessica Patterson, and Greg ”Albee” Albertyn. Each character has their own unique personality, bikes and gear.
Nine Arenas: Nine different venues, six circuit racing and three freestyle venues, will challenge riders to take on some of the most outrageous freestyle terrain on Monumental Motoplex, Rocket Garden and the ultimate big air course, Burn it Up. Hidden paths and shortcuts challenge gamers and add to excitement while special Freekstyle worlds will allow gamers to take the bikes anywhere they have the guts to go.
Tricks Galore: Over 100 tricks to pull off or combine for bonus points and boost including, the McMetz, Heart Breaker, Vortex, Mulisha March, the Helicopter and the Executioner to name a few. An all-new scoring system will challenge even the most fearless dirt demon to hold that Lazy Boy for just one more second.
Suberb Graphics: The richly detailed environments are inspired by the sport and embrace the lifestyle of extreme Moto-X riding. Gone are the barriers and constraints of licensed tracks and venues. Behold the EA SPORTS BIG worlds of Freekstyle.
Five Game Modes: Various modes include Circuit, Race, Freestyle and Freeride. Race mode includes split screen head-2-head action.
Interactivity: Feel the wipeouts and the rugged riding environments with the Nintendo GameCube controller.
Excellent Tunes: Topped the whole thing off with an emotionally charged soundtrack that will bring forth the dare devil in everyone.
This game should do for Motocross what SSX: Tricky did for snowboarding. It isn't exactly Excitebike, but the game has the potential to be a blast nonetheless.
Travis
-06.03.02
- 5.29.2002 |
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