MX vs. ATV Supercross
Fifth entry in the MX vs. ATV franchise from Rainbow Studios.
MX vs. ATV Supercross is a racing game from Rainbow Studios, published by Nordic Games for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It marks the fifth installment in the MX vs. ATV series and the first title created after Rainbow Studios split from its former publisher, THQ, following THQ’s bankruptcy. A revised edition, MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore, came out for Microsoft Windows in 2015 and for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in July 2016.
The game focuses on supercross racing using motocross bikes or ATVs, similar to earlier entries like Reflex, Alive, and the Nintendo DS version of Untamed. It includes 17 supercross tracks for both vehicle types, a career mode with five series (250 East, 250 West, 450 MX, 450 ATV, and 450 MX vs. ATV), over 80 motocross brands for authenticity, and 40 riders to compete against. New physics and controls are introduced, including a reworked version of the "pre-load" mechanic from the original MX vs. ATV games. The game received regular content updates. Multiplayer supports up to 12 players online, and local split-screen is available for two players.
During THQ’s bankruptcy, Nordic Games bought the rights to MX vs. ATV, along with Red Faction and Darksiders, and other THQ software, for $4.9 million in an asset auction. Originally scheduled for release on September 9, 2014, the game was delayed and launched on October 28. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One version, MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore, was bundled with MX vs. ATV Alive and released worldwide in late 2015, adding new features. It also came to Microsoft Windows through Steam’s early access program.
Reception was mixed. The Xbox 360 version scored 55.00% on GameRankings and 57/100 on Metacritic. Jeremy Peeples of Hardcore Gamer rated it 6/10, praising the soundtracks but calling the graphics "a perplexing blend of impressive and sub-par." He noted it "doesn't reinvent the wheel" and that fans of past entries would enjoy the new right-stick jumping and aiming mechanic, but found it "easy to like, but hard to feel passionate about." Devin Charles from Game Revolution gave it 4/10, commending the customization options while criticizing uninventive gameplay, poor control and handling, unnatural turning, and weak graphics.
Quick Facts
- Title
- MX vs. ATV Supercross
- Developer
- Rainbow Studios
- Publisher
- Nordic Games
- Series
- MX vs. ATV
- Platforms
- PlayStation 3 / Xbox 360 / Microsoft Windows / (Encore) · PlayStation 4 / (Encore) · Xbox One / (Encore)
- Released
- PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360WW · 28 October 2014Encore Edition / Microsoft WindowsWW · 5 March 2015PlayStation 4WW · 27 October 2015Xbox OneWW · 15 July 2016
- Genre
- Racing
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The game focuses on supercross racing on motocross bikes or ATVs, similar to earlier titles Reflex, Alive, and the Nintendo DS version of Untamed. It features 17 supercross tracks for both MX and ATV riding, a career mode with five series (250 East, 250 West, 450 MX, 450 ATV, 450 MX vs. ATV), over 80 motocross companies, and 40 riders. New physics and a control system reinterpret the 'pre-load' mechanic from the original MX vs. ATV games. The game received regular content updates.
During THQ's bankruptcy, Nordic Games purchased the rights to MX vs. ATV, along with Red Faction and Darksiders, for $4.9 million in total at an assets auction. The game was originally set for release on 9 September 2014 but was pushed back to 28 October. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One version, titled MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore, was bundled with MX vs. ATV Alive and released worldwide in late 2015, containing new features. It also entered Steam's early access for Microsoft Windows.
Reader's Guide
MX vs. ATV Supercross received mixed reviews from critics. The Xbox 360 version scored 55.00% on GameRankings and 57/100 on Metacritic. Jeremy Peeples from Hardcore Gamer gave it a 6/10, praising the soundtracks but describing the graphics as 'a perplexing blend of impressive and sub-par.' He summarized that the game 'doesn't reinvent the wheel' and that those who enjoyed past entries would enjoy it, but it was 'easy to like, but hard to feel passionate about.' Devin Charles from Game Revolution gave it a 4/10, praising customization options but criticizing uninventive gameplay, poor control and handling, unnatural turning mechanics, and poor graphics. The game's significance lies in being the first entry after the franchise's acquisition by Nordic Games following THQ's bankruptcy, and in introducing a new control system that reinterpreted the pre-load mechanic. The Encore version extended its availability to newer platforms.
Did You Know?
- The Encore version bundled MX vs. ATV Supercross with MX vs. ATV Alive for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
- The game features 17 supercross tracks and a career mode with five series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MX vs. ATV Supercross?
It is the fifth game in the MX vs. ATV series, built by Rainbow Studios and released by Nordic Games. Players race motocross bikes or ATVs through 17 dedicated supercross tracks on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Why is MX vs. ATV Supercross a turning point for the franchise?
It was the first MX vs. ATV title produced after Rainbow Studios separated from THQ during that publisher's bankruptcy. Nordic Games took over as publisher, giving the series a new commercial home.
What kind of racing does the game focus on?
The entire lineup is built around supercross-style events, echoing the format of earlier entries like Reflex and Alive. Riders choose between motocross bikes and ATVs rather than the broader off-road or desert terrain seen in other franchise titles.
Was MX vs. ATV Supercross delayed before its launch?
Yes; the initial target date of September 9, 2014 slipped to an actual release on October 28, 2014. A revised Encore edition later arrived on PC in 2015 and on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in July 2016.
How many tracks are in MX vs. ATV Supercross?
The game ships with 17 supercross tracks for players to race on. Each circuit is designed around the tight, banked-turn layout typical of real-world supercross events.
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