''MX vs. ATV Untamed'' is an

offroad Off-roading is the activity of driving or riding in a vehicle on unpaved surfaces such as sand, gravel, riverbeds, mud, snow, rocks, and other natural terrain. Types of off-roading range in intensity, from leisure drives with unmodified vehicl ...

racing game Racing games are a video game genre in which the player participates in a racing competition. They may be based on anything from real-world racing leagues to fantastical settings. They are distributed along a spectrum between more realistic rac ...

developed by

Rainbow Studios Rainbow Studios is an American video game developer based in Phoenix, Arizona, best known for developing offroad racing games, such as '' Motocross Madness'' and the ''MX vs. ATV'' series. It was established by Earl Jarred in 1986 under the nam ...

Tantalus Media Tantalus Media (formerly Tantalus Entertainment and Tantalus Interactive) is an Australian video game developer based in Melbourne. It was founded in 1994 by programmers Andrew Bailey and Trevor Nuridin. Since its inception, Tantalus has devel ...

Incinerator Studios Incinerator Studios was an American video game developer, based in Carlsbad, California, known for developing several racing games, three based on the animated film franchise ''Cars'' and one ''MX vs. ATV'' game, with all four of them featurin ...

and published by

THQ THQ Inc. was an American video game company based in Agoura Hills, California. It was founded in April 1990 by Jack Friedman, originally in Calabasas, and became a public company the following year through a reverse merger takeover. Initial ...

for the PlayStation 2 and all seventh-generation platforms, becoming the last ''

MX vs. ATV ''MX vs. ATV'' is an American racing video game franchise developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ Nordic that focuses on off-road racing, as a crossover between THQ's ''MX'' trilogy and Sony's ''ATV Offroad Fury'' series. Early games i ...

'' game to release on the former and the first in the series to be available on most of the latter. It is a sequel to ''

MX vs. ATV Unleashed ''MX vs. ATV Unleashed'' is a racing simulation action sports console video game created for PlayStation 2, Xbox, Microsoft Windows and mobile phones. Developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ, the video game was released in 2005 in North ...

'' and its PSP port, '' MX vs. ATV: On the Edge'', as well as the first of two games in the ''MX vs. ATV'' series to be available on a

Nintendo is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. It develops video games and video game consoles. Nintendo was founded in 1889 as by craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi and originally produce ...

console.

Gameplay

The game encompasses several modes:

Motocross Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. The sport evolved from motorcycle trials competitions held in the United Kingdom. History Motocross first evolved in Britain from motorcycle trials competi ...

, Opencross,

Supercross The AMA Supercross Championship (commercially known as Monster Energy AMA Supercross) is an American motorcycle racing series. Founded by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1974, the AMA Supercross Championship races are held from ...

Supermoto Supermoto is a form of motorcycle racing held on race tracks that alternate between three kinds of track surfaces: the hard packed dirt of flat track, the irregular jumps and obstacles of motocross, and the paved tarmac of road racing. Supermo ...

Endurocross Indoor enduro or SuperEnduro which is also known by Endurocross shortened Enduro-X or EX, is a hybrid motorcycle competition, a mix of supercross and enduro racing held indoors over obstacles resembling a trials track.Christner, Brian, ''Rise o ...

, Free Ride and Minibikes, among others. The player has a relatively wide choice of vehicles, from monster trucks, to trophy trucks, to ATVs to motorbikes. In some modes, gameplay takes place over two

motos is an arcade game that was released by Namco on September 20, 1985. It runs on Namco Super Pac-Man hardware but with a video system like that used in '' Mappy'', '' The Tower of Druaga'', '' Grobda'' (without the DAC) and '' Dig Dug II''. G ...

, or qualifying events. The player's finishing position in the first moto determines who gets gate choice in the second moto. The player's finishing position in each moto determines how many points he or she gets. The goal is to finish the weekend with the most points. Additionally, in some modes, the player can participate in a short practice race, which can help players become familiar with the track and the vehicle prior to the two motos. Setting the fastest time in practice gives the player first gate choice for the first moto. There is also a "Free Ride" mode which allows the player to explore indoor and outdoor locations featured in the other modes without time or track restrictions. All versions of ''Untamed'' support multiplayer, with handheld versions supporting up to 4 players via a local wireless network (without

cross-platform play In video games with online gaming functionality, also called cross-compatible play, cross-platform play, crossplay, or cross-play describes the ability of players using different video game hardware to play with each other simultaneously. It is ...

) and the console versions supporting head-to-head racing between just two players on

split-screen Split screen may refer to: * Split screen (computing), dividing graphics into adjacent parts * Split screen (video production), the visible division of the screen * Split Screen (TV series), ''Split Screen'' (TV series), 1997–2001 * Split-Scree ...

, while utilizing

online multiplayer A multiplayer video game is a video game in which more than one person can play in the same game environment at the same time, either locally on the same computing system (couch co-op), on different computing systems via a local area network, or ...

to support contests with larger player pools, similar to its predecessor ''Unleashed''. The Wii version supports multiple control schemes, namely the

Wii Wheel The Wii Remote, also known colloquially as the Wiimote, is the primary game controller for Nintendo's Wii home video game console. An essential capability of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with ...

, the

Wii Remote The Wii Remote, also known colloquially as the Wiimote, is the primary game controller for Nintendo's Wii home video game console. An essential capability of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with ...

and Nunchuk or the

Classic Controller The is a game controller produced by Nintendo for the Wii home video game console. While it later featured some compatibility with the Wii U console, the controller was ultimately succeeded by the Wii U Pro Controller. In April 2014, Nintendo d ...

, with most control schemes leveraging

motion controls In video games and entertainment systems, a motion controller is a type of game controller that uses accelerometers or other sensors to Motion capture, track motion and provide input. History Motion controllers using accelerometers are used as c ...

to steer and execute tricks. The mobile version is a side-scrolling racer, omitting the larger machines to focusing on MX and ATV only. This was also the last game in the ''

'' series to feature single stick turning controls. In ''Untamed'', only the left joystick is used to control all aspects of leaning and turning for the vehicle in use. All versions of the game that were released after ''MX vs. ATV Untamed'' included dual-stick controls, which require the player to use both the left and right joystick to complete a full turning motion. Often in these games, one stick would be used to lean the rider in the desired direction while the other would be used to turn the vehicle in unison. Tuning options are available in the settings of the game. Performance options include acceleration, speed, suspension, engine, and brakes. Many of the settings are customizable to varying degrees using a sliding bar. For example, sliding the bar down for suspension would create softer suspension, while sliding the bar up would make for stiffer suspension. Visual customization options are also available within the game, but they do not affect the overall performance of the player. Visual customization for vehicles is found under the "vehicle parts" tab and includes graphic kits, grip color, hand guards, handlebars, plastic color, hub color, tires, rim color, exhausts, suspensions, and fork tube color. Visual customization for the rider is found under the "customize rider" tab and includes helmets, goggles, gear, boots, chest protectors, name, number, and skin tone. If players wish to use a predetermined setup, they can also choose one from the "MX Pro Rider" tab in the customization options.

Development and release

''Untamed'' was first announced by THQ during

E3 2007 E3 (short for Electronic Entertainment Expo or Electronic Entertainment Experience in 2021) is a Trade fair, trade event for the video game industry. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) organizes and presents E3, which many video game ...

. THQ sought to bring ''Untamed'' to a wider variety of platforms in order to "deliver unique experiences that capture the franchise's strengths and maximize the fun gamers have on their system of choice", and commissioned as many as three developers to work on its various versions. The series' main developer, Rainbow Studios, developed the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, while two new firms Incinerator Studios (a THQ subsidiary) and Tanatalus Media were each assigned to work on two other platforms. Incinerator Studios, the developer of the Wii and PS2 versions, decided to spend some more time developing the Wii version to best implement its motion controls, resulting in that version releasing later than all the other versions in North America and Australia. ''Untamed'' was originally planned for an early 2008 release. Ultimately, it was first released in North America in time for the 2007 holiday season, and eventually became available for

PAL territories The PAL region is a television publication territory that covers most of Europe and Africa, alongside parts of Asia, South America and Oceania. It is named PAL because of the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) television standard traditionally used in ...

the following March, with all versions releasing simultaneously in Europe.

Reception

''MX vs. ATV Untamed'' received "mixed or average" reviews, according to

review aggregator A review aggregator is a system that collects reviews of products and services (such as films, books, video games, software, hardware, and cars). This system stores the reviews and uses them for purposes such as supporting a website where users ...

Metacritic Metacritic is a website that review aggregator, aggregates reviews of films, TV shows, music albums, video games and formerly, books. For each product, the scores from each review are averaged (a weighted arithmetic mean, weighted average). M ...

. GameZone gave the Mobile phone version a score of six out of ten and called it "a better-than-average mobile racer", but said it was "a few gallons short of a full tank".

Soundtrack

The game has 22 music tracks: * "

Face Down Face Down may refer to: Music * Face Down (band), a Swedish post-thrash/death metal band * Facedown Records, a Christian record label based in California Albums * ''Face Down'' (album), a 1999 album by Serial Joe * ''Facedown (album)'', a 2004 al ...

" by

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is an American rock band that was formed in Middleburg, Florida, in 2003. The band has released five studio albums to date. The current members are Ronnie Winter (lead vocals), Joey Westwood (bass), Josh Burke (lead gu ...

* " Guarded" by

Disturbed Disturbed may refer to: Books * ''Disturbed'', a 2011 novel by Kevin O'Brien (author) Film and TV * ''Disturbed'' (film), a 1990 film starring Malcolm McDowell * "Disturbed" (''Numb3rs''), a 2009 episode of ''Numb3rs'' * "The Disturbed", a 2 ...

* " Happy?" by

Mudvayne Mudvayne is an American heavy metal band formed in Peoria, Illinois in 1996. Known for their sonic experimentation, face and body paint, masks and uniforms, the band has sold over six million records worldwide, including nearly three millio ...

* "House of Wolves" by

My Chemical Romance My Chemical Romance (commonly abbreviated to MCR or My Chem) is an American rock band from Newark, New Jersey. The band's current lineup consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero, and bassist Mi ...

* "12:34" by

Authority Zero Authority Zero is an American punk rock band from Mesa, Arizona, United States, formed in 1994.Blueskye, Brian (2014)Indie-Punk Veterans: Reggae/Skate-Punk Pioneers Authority Zero Head for the Hood, ''Coachella Valley Independent'', Septemb ...

* "Collapse" by

Saosin Saosin is an American rock band formed in Orange County, California in 2003 by Beau Burchell, Justin Shekoski, Zach Kennedy, and Anthony Green. The band released their first EP, ''Translating the Name'', in 2003. That year, vocalist Anthony Gre ...

* "Dinosaurs Will Die" by

NOFX NOFX () is an American punk rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1983. Vocalist/bassist Fat Mike, guitarist Eric Melvin and drummer Erik Sandin are original founding and longest-serving members of the band, who have appeared on every ...

* "Disconnect" by Pennywise * "General Admission" by

Mower A mower is a person or machine that cuts (mows) grass or other plants that grow on the ground. Usually mowing is distinguished from reaping, which uses similar implements, but is the traditional term for harvesting grain crops, e.g. with reapers ...

* "Hearts and Stars" by

Cage9 Cage9 is a Panamanian/American rock band, formed in Panama City in 1993. The group was founded by Evan Rodaniche (guitar/vocals) and is currently based out of Los Angeles, California, since 2002. Cage9 has been direct openers for Ozzy Osbourn ...

* "High of 75" by

Relient K Relient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio, by Matt Thiessen, Matt Hoopes, and Brian Pittman Board Message during the band members' third year in high school and their time at Malone University. The band is named after ...

* "I Don't Like You" by

Electric Six Electric Six is a six-piece American rock band formed in 1996 in Detroit, Michigan. Their music was described by AllMusic as a combination of garage, disco, punk rock, new wave, and metal. The band achieved recognition in 2003 with the singl ...

* "Kwad Up" by Kasper K * "Lobotomy for Dummies" by

Zebrahead Zebrahead is an American rap-punk band from La Habra, California. Formed in 1996, the band has released thirteen studio albums to date. History 1996–2001: Formation and early years Zebrahead was formed in La Habra, California in summer ...

* "Loose" by

Primer 55 Primer 55 was an American nu metal band which formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1997. The name originated from the combination of Primer, meaning "something that's unfinished", and 55, which refers to Interstate 55, "the road that drugs run on to ...

* "On Edge" by

* "The Ripper" by

The Used The Used is an American rock band from Orem, Utah, that formed in 2001. The group consists of vocalist Bert McCracken, bassist Jeph Howard, drummer Dan Whitesides, and guitarist Joey Bradford. Former members include Quinn Allman, Branden Stei ...

* "Secret Weapon" by

MxPx MxPx () is an American pop punk band from Bremerton, Washington, founded in 1992 as Magnified Plaid. As of 2016, current members include Mike Herrera on lead vocals and bass guitar, Yuri Ruley on drums and percussion, Tom Wisniewski on lead gui ...

* "Shapeshifter" by

Celldweller Celldweller is an American electronic rock project by multi-musician Klayton. Celldweller songs have been featured in many films, movie trailers, television shows and video games. Career Precursors: Circle of Dust and Angeldust (1992–1999) The ...

* "

Side of a Bullet "Side of a Bullet" is Nickelback's seventh and final single from the album ''All the Right Reasons''. The song was released only to U.S. rock stations. "Side of a Bullet" charted on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Chart, peaking at number 7, giving Nic ...

" by

Nickelback Nickelback is a Canadian Rock music, rock band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta. It is composed of guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adai ...

* "Social Suicide" by

Bad Religion Bad Religion is an American punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1980. The band's lyrics cover topics related to religion, politics, society, the media and science. Musically, they are noted for their melodic sensibilitie ...

* "Soulcrusher" by Operator

References

External links

* {{Authority control 2007 video games Crossover racing games Monster truck video games MX vs. ATV THQ games Nintendo DS games Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection games PlayStation 2 games PlayStation 3 games PlayStation Portable games Video games developed in Australia Video games developed in Finland Video games set in Colorado Video games set in Georgia (U.S. state) Video games set in Mexico Video games set in Minnesota Video games set in Nevada Video games set in Oregon Video games set in Orlando, Florida Video games set in Philadelphia Video games set in South Carolina Video games set in the United States Wii Wi-Fi games Xbox 360 games Tantalus Media games Multiplayer and single-player video games Video games developed in the United States Universomo games Rainbow Studios games Incinerator Studios games