Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

MX vs. ATV: Untamed builds on the solid foundation of MX vs. ATV Unleashed by expanding vehicle options and racing styles. You can choose from 250 cc and 550 cc motocross bikes, four ATV models, plus an exciting roster of monster trucks, off-road dune buggies, and trophy trucks. Each vehicle class handles differently, demanding you adapt your throttle control, braking, and cornering technique to match the machine under you.

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The core of Untamed lies in its six distinct racing series: Supercross, Nationals, Opencross, Supermoto, Freestyle, and Rally. Tackling each discipline tests different skills—Supercross focuses on tight, technical stadium tracks; Rally rewards precision over varied terrain; Freestyle encourages you to string together massive aerial tricks. For the ultimate challenge, the X-Cross tournament wraps all six series into one gauntlet, pushing you to be a true all-round off-road racer.

Stunt enthusiasts will appreciate the wide stunt roster and the innovative Crash Camera feature. Nail a whip or a backflip to fill your combo meter, then watch in super slow-motion when things go wrong—crumpled bumpers and flying mud look spectacular in mid-air freeze-frames. Beyond racing, Untamed sprinkles in mini-games like ATV hockey, Monster Truck Smash, and an off-road game of Tag, providing lighthearted breaks from the main events.

Multiplayer options broaden the fun, with split-screen modes on console and online matches supporting up to eight racers. The Wii version even lets you twist and lean using the Wii Remote for a more immersive feel. Handheld versions streamline the experience: the DS edition offers a single championship mode but compensates with ten exclusive tracks and three custom stadiums, while the PSP version mirrors console series with Race, One-on-One, Time Attack, and more, all tied together in the “MX vs. ATV World Tour” and playable via Wi-Fi.

Graphics

Visually, Untamed marks a clear evolution from its predecessor. On Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2, environments are rich with detail—rocky outcrops, waving grass, and mud splatters all blur convincingly at speed. Vehicle models are crisp, and the game’s lighting engine does a great job of selling day-to-night transitions and dynamic shadows on dusty tracks.

The Crash Camera sequences are a standout graphical flourish. Watching a truck’s suspension buckle in slow motion or seeing dirt chunks fly off your tire adds a visceral thrill to every wipeout. Particle effects during dust storms and water splashes are polished touches that heighten immersion, especially in Rally stages.

While the handheld versions can’t match console fidelity, they carve out their own visual identities. The DS game’s cartoon-style shading keeps frame rates smooth on dual screens, and the tiny stadiums pop with bright colors. The PSP version presents higher-resolution textures and some dynamic lighting, though draw-in occasionally occurs on open courses. Overall, each platform balances clarity and performance effectively.

Story

MX vs. ATV: Untamed doesn’t deliver a traditional narrative; rather, it thrusts you into the heart of off-road competition with a career mode driven by sponsorships and unlockables. Your progression feels tangible: solid race finishes earn you better bikes and upgraded ATVs, giving you a clear incentive to climb the ranks in each series.

Though there’s no cutscene drama or character dialogue, the game crafts its own sense of purpose through leaderboards and tournament brackets. Chasing that top step on the podium, unlocking a monster truck, or conquering the X-Cross feels rewarding, forming a loose “rags-to-champion” arc that keeps you invested.

Multiplayer competition and mini-game diversions also create emergent narratives. Whether you’re staging a comeback in Rally or chatting smack during an ATV hockey match, the camaraderie and rivalry replace any formal storyline. Fans of pure racing be welcomed; your story unfolds on the track.

Overall Experience

MX vs. ATV: Untamed strikes a commendable balance between accessibility and depth. Novices can pick up a controller or Wii Remote and quickly blast down a dirt track, while seasoned racers will find enough series variety and bike tuning options to stay engaged. The inclusion of ample mini-games and online play extends replay value well beyond the main championship.

Platform differences are worth noting for prospective buyers. Console versions deliver the best audiovisual presentation and full suite of race series, while DS and PSP editions tailor content to handheld strengths with unique tracks and streamlined modes. Choose the version that fits your playstyle—whether that means couch multiplayer on a big screen or quick races on the go.

Ultimately, Untamed expands on its predecessor in meaningful ways without overcomplicating the formula. With robust vehicle selection, six racing disciplines plus the all-in X-Cross tournament, and a fun array of crash cams and mini-games, it remains a compelling package for off-road enthusiasts. For anyone hungry for high-octane dirt warfare, MX vs. ATV: Untamed delivers a versatile and exciting ride.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10