However, that doesn't mean ATV Offroad Fury 3 is bad; the controls are comfortable and fluid, and the physics are consistent (if not entirely believable), and it's still a fairly competent game. Being an ATV game means it isn't all about the racing. You are also able to perform tricks mid-race, by combining the use of the d-pad or analogue stick with the face and shoulder buttons. These vary in difficulty to perform, though the bigger issue is usually trying to pull them off before hitting the ground. Whether you bother at all while racing is up to you—you can still proceed and win the racing championships without racking up trick points, though they are the main feature of the Freestyle championship.
The game offers a range of ATV race types in Single Event option. There's Supercross (races in stadiums), National (races in open land), Endurance (in open land with no track boundaries, but gates to pass through), Short Track (er... short open tracks), and Freestyle (where it's all about the stunts). Each of these are available in Amateur and Pro flavours, as well as being playable through a Championship. I have to admit that as the tracks were immediately recognisable to me (having also been playing the PSP version), the Championship was probably easier than it should have been. Overall, it's reasonably good fun, but seems to lack a sense of excitement present in some racing games' main career modes. There's also a Waypoint mode allowing you to create your own paths through Endurance that's a worthwhile addition.
It's also very disappointing to learn that the online mode that was present in the North American version of the game has been sadly removed, despite remaining present on the PSP release. No reason was given for this, though it could be that the European publisher did not want to set up the separate servers—though it's a pity there's not even the ability to play on the North American servers. It's even more of a pity when you realise that this mode was actually one of the best around on the PS2, including full USB headset support, scoreboards, the lot. Still, there's some split-screen offline play to enjoy for up to four people, even if it isn't that exciting with a quarter of a screen.
The game's graphics are not exceptional, and are often quite murky, but they aren't bad compared to many PS2 titles. The brown-based palette is a symptom of a mud-based sport, and so isn't really the fault of the developers. However, it does contribute to an overall dull look to the game, failing to provide the excitement the sport itself thrives on.
Reviewed by: Matt Bailey.
From: All About Games.
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