MX vs. ATV Unleashed

MX vs. ATV Unleashed is a racing and action sports title that blends simulation with arcade-style play. It launched in 2005 across North America and Europe for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows PCs, and mobile phones. The game was built by Rainbow Studios and released under the THQ banner. It brings together two racing franchises: THQ’s own MX series (which includes MX 2002 featuring Ricky Carmichael, MX Superfly, and MX Unleashed) and Sony’s ATV Offroad Fury line. On the same console, two players can race together, and online matches support up to eight players. The PC version includes a track editor. Online multiplayer on Xbox Live remained active until April 15, 2010, but the game can now be played online again through the replacement service Insignia. A portable version for the PlayStation Portable, called MX vs. ATV: On the Edge, came out in 2006, and a sequel, MX vs. ATV Untamed, followed in late 2007.

The PSP port, released in North America on February 28, 2006, and in Europe on March 17, 2006, was marketed as MX vs. ATV: On the Edge, though the game itself refers to it as MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On the Edge. It offers modes like hill climb, FMX, and supercross, covering pro ATV and MX racing. Players can drive not only ATVs and MX bikes but also dune buggies, golf carts, stadium trucks, monster trucks, and sand rails. The PSP version lacks the ability to fly airplanes, which was present in the console edition, and features different graphics and new playable areas. Reception was average: GameRankings scored it 69%, and Metacritic gave it 68 out of 100.

According to Metacritic, the original game received reviews that ranged from “generally positive” to “mixed or average.” PlayStation Illustrated gave it a 66% rating, describing it as “boring.”