ATV Quad Power Racing 2 Review

Overview

Released in November 2003 by Acclaim Entertainment and developed by Climax Studios, ATV Quad Power Racing 2 represents a solid entry in the off road racing genre. This sequel builds upon its predecessor with improved physics, expanded trick systems, and more varied track designs. Arriving during a period when extreme sports games maintained strong popularity, it positions itself as an accessible alternative to more simulation focused racing titles. The game balances competitive racing with stunt based gameplay, creating an experience that emphasizes entertainment over strict realism.

Graphics and Presentation

Running at 480p resolution, ATV Quad Power Racing 2 delivers serviceable visuals that prioritize performance over spectacle. Track environments show decent variety across different locations, from muddy forests to desert landscapes, though texture quality remains basic. The quad bikes themselves feature reasonable detail, with visible suspension movement and rider animations contributing to the sense of movement.

Weather effects and environmental interactions prove modest but functional, with mud splatter and dust clouds providing appropriate visual feedback. Character models demonstrate adequate detail for the era, though animations can appear stiff during certain tricks. The game maintains a steady frame rate throughout, which benefits the responsive gameplay.

Menu interfaces adopt a straightforward design that emphasizes functionality over style. Loading screens feature basic track previews and tips, while in game HUD elements remain clear and unobtrusive. While not pushing the Xbox's capabilities, the visual presentation serves the gameplay adequately.

Sound and Music

The audio package delivers a standard mix of engine sounds and environmental effects, though lacking in variety. Engine notes provide appropriate feedback for speed and acceleration, while impacts and crashes convey sufficient weight. The soundtrack features a collection of licensed rock and metal tracks that fit the extreme sports theme, even if the selection proves limited.

Environmental audio creates basic atmosphere across different track locations, though repetition becomes noticeable during extended play sessions. The overall sound mixing maintains clarity between crucial gameplay audio cues and background elements, helping players track nearby competitors and upcoming obstacles.

Gameplay Mechanics

Core racing mechanics emphasize accessibility while maintaining enough depth to reward skill development. The control scheme proves intuitive, with responsive handling that allows for both precise cornering and dramatic power slides. The physics system strikes a balance between arcade fun and basic realism, though clearly favouring the former.

The trick system adds variety to races and dedicated stunt modes, offering a good selection of basic and advanced manoeuvres. Performing tricks builds boost meter, creating strategic decisions between showing off and maintaining optimal racing lines. Track designs accommodate both racing and trick opportunities, though some corners can feel awkwardly placed.

Career progression offers a steady stream of new tracks and quads to unlock, with championship series increasing in difficulty at a reasonable pace. AI competitors demonstrate competent if predictable behaviour, providing adequate challenge without feeling unfair. The inclusion of various race types, from standard circuits to checkpoint challenges, helps maintain variety.

Story and Setting

While lacking a traditional narrative, the career mode presents a logical progression through different racing circuits and environments. The various tracks and venues create a sense of advancing through professional ATV racing tiers, even without explicit storytelling elements. Character customization remains basic but allows some personalization of the racing experience.

Environmental variety across tracks provides context for different racing challenges, from tight woodland trails to open desert courses. While the world building proves minimal, the diverse locations offer enough variety to maintain interest throughout the career mode.

Content and Value

The career mode offers approximately 8-10 hours of content to complete, with additional time required to unlock all vehicles and tracks. Local multiplayer modes extend replay value significantly, particularly for groups of players who enjoy split screen racing. The variety of race types and tracks provides decent value, though the lack of online features limits long term appeal.

At its original price point of £29.99 (now available pre owned for around £6), the game offered reasonable value for its content. The solid multiplayer options and gradual progression of unlockable help justify the investment for fans of the genre.

Technical Performance

Loading times remain reasonable throughout, with track loads completing within 15-20 seconds. The game demonstrates consistent stability with no significant technical issues encountered during testing. Frame rates maintain steadiness even in split screen multiplayer, prioritizing smooth gameplay over visual complexity.

The save system functions reliably, tracking career progress and unlocks without issues. Camera options provide adequate views for both racing and trick performance, though occasional awkward angles can occur during particularly complex stunts.

The Verdict

ATV Quad Power Racing 2 succeeds in delivering an entertaining off road racing experience despite its limitations. While it may not push boundaries or set new standards for the genre, solid mechanics and decent content variety create an engaging package for casual racing fans. The emphasis on accessibility over complexity helps overcome its technical shortcomings, resulting in a game that prioritizes fun over innovation.

Pros

• Accessible and responsive controls
• Good track variety
• Enjoyable multiplayer options
• Balanced progression system

Cons

• Basic graphics and presentation
• Limited customization options
• Predictable AI opponents
• No online features

Final Score: 6/10

ATV Quad Power Racing 2 provides solid entertainment for off road racing fans despite lacking innovation. While not a standout title, it delivers consistent fun particularly in multiplayer sessions.

By OGXbox Archive