It is quite amazing really to witness how popular MX games have turned into a very viable genre in the world of interactive entertainment. THQ brought Ricky Carmichael to life last year on the PS2 in the form of MX 2002. While it was a good first outing, many MX fans wanted more crazy stunts and big airs. EA Big's label more or less answered this call this past summer with the crazy Freekstyle. The problem with Freekstyle was too formulaic to the SSX framework. Therefore, THQ did their homework in bringing a new Carmichael product to the marketplace. Instead of slapping a 2003 onto last year's title, THQ has redefined the game with a new name and an outlook that does not mean a reworked title must appear every year. The result is a pretty good, high flying ride.

The visual experience is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the race courses look great with fine detail, environmental effects and smooth movement. On the other, the stunt courses look rather bland without any special visual pop. Regardless things look good enough thanks to texture variation, mostly smooth draw-in, and a good steady framerate. Some of the tracks from last year's game have made a return. Sadly, they could have been re-worked and edited instead of simply thrown back in. The soundtrack is solid for the genre as are the sound effects which come across quite nicely.

The first Carmichael game, MX 2002, was all about gameplay and Superfly builds upon this success by adding a few more extras to keep the bike "flying". The main difference this year is the addition of an entirely separate mode dedicated freestyle tricks. In this mode, players head out to the arena and complete insane tricks, combos and experimentals for points. More courses open up as they are cleared in the career mode. The deep career mode returns again where you create a rider and compete for the Championship in race and freestyle events. Another new edition to Carmichael is the mini-games mode. THQ has taken a nod to Crazy Taxi by providing 11 different unauthorized competitions that range from Horse to Pizza Delivery to even booting around a golf course! Naturally a racing game is not complete without a track editor and Superfly delivers in this department. All modes play equally well and the controls are easily managed. My only gripe is with some of the more wild stunts are difficult to pull off. This does give the game depth for the hardcore MX fan, but it may turn off some casual gamers who may prefer the easier Freekstyle.

In sum, MX Superfly has a good presentation, fast action and just plain old fun. It has enough depth for true MX fans while still offering a good experience for the casual gamer. Superfly has a good balance of simulation and over-the-top craziness to deserve a spot on your shelf. Superfly is somewhat refreshing in a marketplace crowded by the SSX-type clones