MX 2002 Featuring Ricky Carmichael is all about the racing experience. But, just for the fun of it, THQ threw in some mini-competitions to keep you on your toes. Here you can compete in a Freestyle event, where you can perform tons of killer moves, as well as High and Long Jump competitions. Some of the extra tracks (including stunt tracks) will have to be unlocked in Career Mode, giving you something to shoot for.
Career Mode consists of two series of events: Amateur and Professional. In order to move on, you must first finish in the top three spots of overall points. After making it through the Professional Series (both 125cc and 250cc), you have the opportunity to try becoming the THQ US Open World Champion.
MX 2002 may not be an overly long game, but the challenge of taking first is made quite difficult. In the same manner that the real pros need to learn every intricate detail of the course they are riding on, you too will have to be aware of many factors that can greatly affect the outcome of the race. To succeed, you will need to learn how to effectively use your clutch for speed bursts, your body weight for cornering, and your 'preload' button to time your jumps for maximum distance or height. Practice makes perfect, and this game is no exception to the rule. Find your groove and slingshot your way to first.
Of course the racing is fun, but who doesn't love a little Freestyle action now and again? Yeah, those BMX guys can perform some sweet tricks, but what happens when you throw a motor on your bike? You get high-flying super-stunts that would kill ten ordinary men. Although it is tricky to get used to performing tricks, once you do, MX 2002 takes you to that next level of competition. There are twenty-eight moves listed in the instruction manual (possibly more?) to keep you on your toes. Throw in a few 360s and flips and landing those moves becomes loads more difficult, but a lot more rewarding. The Freestyle competition is a great way to go head-to-head against your buddies, split-screen.
