BMX XXX Review

Overview

Released in 2002 by Acclaim Entertainment and developed by Z Axis Ltd, BMX XXX represents a controversial departure from traditional extreme sports games. Using the engine and core mechanics from Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2, the game attempts to distinguish itself by incorporating mature themes and humour. The title generated significant pre release publicity due to its adult content, leading to several retailers refusing to stock it. As an action sports game with mature elements, it aimed to carve out a unique niche in the market, though this approach ultimately led to Dave Mirra removing his name from the project. The game launched at full price (£39.99) but quickly saw price reductions due to mixed reception and limited retail presence.

Graphics and Presentation

BMX XXX makes modest use of the Xbox hardware, showing its multiplatform origins. The game runs at 480p resolution with an inconsistent frame rate that typically hovers around 30fps but can drop during busier sequences. Character models lack detail and feature stiff animations, while environmental textures show noticeable repetition throughout the various urban locations.

The art direction aims for a gritty, urban style but often comes across as dated and unrefined. Level environments offer decent variety in terms of layout and design, from city streets to construction sites, but suffer from bland textures and limited interactive elements. The character creator offers reasonable customization options, though the results still look somewhat primitive by Xbox standards.

Interface design is functional but basic, with simple menus and a straightforward heads up display showing score multipliers and objective information. The presentation of adult content is relatively tame, with most risqué elements appearing in cutscenes that feel disconnected from the core gameplay experience.

Sound and Music

The audio presentation features a licensed soundtrack that includes punk, rock, and hip hop tracks fitting the extreme sports genre. The music selection is one of the game's stronger aspects, providing appropriate energy for the action. Sound effects for bike tricks, crashes, and environmental interactions are serviceable but lack impact compared to other games in the genre.

Voice acting ranges from mediocre to poor, with delivery that emphasizes the juvenile nature of the humour. Dialogue often feels forced and awkward, contributing to the game's uneven tone. The audio mixing is adequate, allowing players to adjust music, effects, and voice volumes independently, though some sound effects can get lost during busier sequences.

Gameplay Mechanics

The core BMX mechanics are inherited from Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2, providing a solid foundation for trick performance and chain combinations. The control scheme is responsive and well mapped to the Xbox controller, with intuitive button combinations for basic tricks and more complex manoeuvres. The physics system strikes a reasonable balance between arcade accessibility and simulation elements.

Progression follows a mission based structure where players complete various objectives to unlock new areas and challenges. Tasks range from scoring requirements to collecting items and performing specific tricks at designated locations. The difficulty curve is uneven, with some missions proving frustratingly challenging while others feel trivial.

The trick system allows for decent combo potential, with manuals and grinds serving as linking moves between aerial tricks. However, the implementation feels less polished than contemporary extreme sports titles, with occasionally inconsistent trick detection and some awkward animation transitions.

Story and Setting

The narrative framework is minimal, serving primarily as a vehicle for adult oriented humour and outlandish scenarios. Missions are loosely connected by crude cutscenes and dialogue that attempt to justify the various objectives. The writing aims for shock value but generally fails to deliver genuinely funny or memorable moments.

The game's various urban environments provide the backdrop for missions, with each area offering distinct visual themes and layout challenges. However, the attempt to integrate adult content into these settings feels forced and often detracts from the core BMX experience rather than enhancing it.

Content and Value

The main campaign can be completed in 8 to 10 hours, with additional time required to unlock all areas and complete optional challenges. The game includes a create a rider feature and basic multiplayer modes, though the latter are limited to split screen play with no online functionality.

At its current pre owned price point (£12-15), the game might interest collectors or curious players, but the limited content and dated presentation make it difficult to recommend purely on gameplay merits. The controversial elements that once generated publicity now feel tame and poorly implemented.

Technical Performance

Loading times are moderate, typically ranging from 15 to 30 seconds between areas. The frame rate inconsistency impacts gameplay fluidity, particularly during complex trick combinations or in areas with multiple NPCs. The game generally maintains stability, though occasional clipping issues and physics glitches can disrupt the experience.

The save system is functional, automatically recording progress after completing objectives. No major crashes were encountered during testing, though some texture pop in and minor visual glitches are present throughout the game.

The Verdict

BMX XXX represents a failed experiment in combining extreme sports gameplay with adult oriented content. While the underlying BMX mechanics are competent, the game's attempt to distinguish itself through mature themes and humour ultimately detracts from the experience. Technical limitations, uneven difficulty, and dated presentation further compound the issues, resulting in a title that satisfies neither as a serious sports game nor as an entertaining parody.

Pros

• Fundamentally sound BMX mechanics
• Varied urban environments
• Decent licensed soundtrack
• Comprehensive trick system

Cons

• Poor implementation of mature content
• Technical performance issues
• Uneven difficulty progression
• Dated graphics and animations

Final Score: 5/10

BMX XXX stands as a curious footnote in gaming history, demonstrating how adult themes alone cannot elevate mediocre gameplay. While the core BMX mechanics offer some entertainment value, the game's misguided attempt at maturity and technical shortcomings make it difficult to recommend to either sports or mature content enthusiasts.

By OGXbox Archive