MX vs. ATV Reflex

Dynamic terrain modification and the Reflex control system succeed in delivering something new to the offroad genre. On the other hand, some minor bugs and inaccuracies in physics and collisions make the experience sometimes frustrating. Add not-so-good graphics, invasive soundtrack and a clumsy customization menu and what you get is an unpolished product, suitable just for big fans of the saga and the offroad genre.

Reflex is far better than Untamed, and offers some interesting add-ons in terms of control, and is a more polished work.

MX vs. ATV Reflex is a solid game that meets expectations. The Reflex system is a nice addition, but besides that this game is just not special in any way.

Reflex's control scheme provides a fantastic simulation of what we believe off-road driving is actually like. [Jan 2010, p.86]

With a bit more work, this could absolutely revitalize the series, but right now only the brave need apply.

It just needs a little more zest and content. [Feb 2010, p.72]

It's just a shame that ploughing through the rest of the content is essentially gaming busywork. [Mar 2010, p.117]

Building MX vs. ATV Reflex from the ground up has had a positive result in a way. Rider Reflex and terrain deformation make the motocross- and ATV races very challenging. The rest of the vehicles seem to have been neglected by the developer and disturb the balance of the game during the mixed races. Despite the flaws the game will still be very much enjoyed by fans of the sport.

MX vs ATV Reflex is a competent game with an innovative new way of steering your bike and your rider, despite slightly awkward controls. Good graphics and fast, hardcore racing are the real highlights.

The sound effects needed to be revamped and brought out more, the new features don’t have quite the impact they could’ve had, the technical aspects can drag, and the trick system – while mostly well done – isn’t perfect. Perhaps it’s best to wait until it’s a bargain bit purchase.

MX vs. ATV Reflex is a bit of a mess. There are some good tracks to race on, but the control scheme is overcomplicated, the visuals are ugly, and the motorcycles are the only vehicles worth spending any time with. Determined players will find some value in it, but for everyone else there are much better racing options available.

It doesn't have the physics to match. [Issue#189, p.75]

A new dual-stick control system breathes life into what is otherwise a well-worn and sometimes frustrating game.

Despite the large offer of game types, off-road vehicles and race tracks, MX vs ATV Reflex doesn’t manage to kick up a lot of dust. The new Reflex system looks promising on paper, but in practice is a bit too unstable to guarantee an intuitive control system. Add the faulty graphics and the sometimes annoying sound effects and you’ve got a game that even fans of the genre will find hard to enjoy.

Despite some effort to make Reflex more than just another MX vs ATV game, it's ended up feeling very similar to what's gone before it.

MX vs. ATV: Reflex would benefit greatly from a diet of raw motocross action. Without the added weight of the Rider Reflex controls, the other vehicles, or its half-baked race types, this could be one lean, dirt-shredding machine. As it is, it’s a misshapen lump of flabby features and excess ideas.