With Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 hitting retail shelves recently, Acclaim has managed to publish three versions of the title in the last year. With such a hectic schedule, some of us were suspect to the quality that would result in such an endeavor that is usually reserved to the likes of Electronic Arts. We were pleasantly surprised with the final outcome. While Dave Mirra 2 is not a perfect BMX game by any stretch of the imagination, it does offer enough to keep gamers captivated for hours on end.

Graphics
The developer Z-Axis has done a very nice job in cleaning up the graphics engine over their last outing with the game. The environments which were unstable at best last year have been revamped and no longer show any signs of polygonal break up. Draw distances, have been improved, but pop-up is still painfully evident in many of the game's vast levels. Vast levels is an understatement. This iteration of the game includes some of, if not the, largest levels we have ever seen in this type of game. In addition, the levels now offer a more impressive collection of ramps and objects for trick possibilities.
Although the graphical look has improved, it still looks like a first generation effort and more like a project that was ported to the PS2 in mid-development. There is some severe collision detection due to the number of objects that are present in each level. This results in moments of frustration as you plow through boxes without breaking them or find ladders still standing after you have hit them direct on. Slowdown frequently occurs in later levels with higher traffic density. Occasionally the camera fails to follow the action but this usually happens more on the ground and does not effect all of the insane air action. A nice added feature is the ability to look around your immediate area in order to work out how to complete challenges.

Sound
The soundtrack is solid and has offerings from Rage Against The Machine, Ozzy Osbourne, Sum 41 and a number of popular U.S. Indie bands. Each track was carefully chosen by the developer in order to compliment the on screen environments and action. My only complaint is that it seems the extreme sports genre (skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, MMX) is using the same bands over and over again. Developers now really have to do their homework and try to exclusively sign bands in order to avoid this repetitive trend. The voice acting is standard for the genre as are the sound effects.

Gameplay
Extreme sports games can have all of the visual splendor in the world but if they do not have a tight control mechanism in place, they quickly become door stops. Fortunately, the makers of Dave Mirra 2 have sorted out the control issues that plagued the original PS title. Controlling the bikes for the most part is good. Problems arise when there are too many obstacles in the level. This usually results in bouncing off items and losing control. The trick system is massive featuring just over 1500 tricks. Pulling off each trick is user friendly thanks to the trick modifier which allows players to modify tricks. Thus, linking numerous combos is possible and quite enthralling once you get the hang of it.
The game's structure is similar to past iterations. The main difference is progression onto new areas is now more accessible to players. In addition to the basic structure, much of the game revolves around the concept of respect. For example, in early stages you must pass a test in order to prove yourself to the pros and move onto to attempt the level tasks. To gain respect, you must seek out different pros spread throughout each level. Unfortunately, the developers did not use this feature to its full potential as each interaction leads to less than they would have you believe.

Value
Dave Mirra 2 scores high in the replay department thanks to the numerous tasks to be completed. There are 14 top BMX pros to choose from to compete in 8 massive levels. These large interactive areas come at a price, not enough time. There are so many things to do and the time limits enforced make it very difficult to find everything. This means you will find yourself going through each area over and over in order to find and accomplish each task. It does become quite arduous but for players committed to the cause will find it rewarding.
The game modes include: ProQuest, Session, Free Ride, Park Editor and a Multiplayer competition. To my dismay the multiplayer competition is not a split screen experience. Rather it is competition turn-based contests. Free Ride is worthy as there are no time limits, just free roaming while you perfect your trick skills and explore the level in detail. Most of your time will be spent in the ProQuest. Here you take on superstars meeting challenges and earning respect. As challenges are cleared on a level, new bikes that boost riding attributes and additional sponsors for money are awarded. To move onto the next level, you will need to accumulate the required trick and respect points. The park Editor is a very nice addition to the game. Create your own dream BMX park with interactive themes, hundreds of pieces and a free roaming camera.

Final Word
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 has an overall great concept with some significant faults that need to be addressed in the next iteration. It lacks a certain elegance that is found in polished games like Tony Hawk 3. Regardless, there is more than enough for BMX fans to merit a purchase.