Hoffman .vs. Hawk (Matt Hoffman - BMX (DC))

Member Name: Desert Beetle

Product:	Matt Hoffman - BMX (DC)
Date:	18/02/02 (221 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics, Addictivity, Ease of use

Disadvantages: -, -, -

Note: I wrote this for the PS1, but I can't find it in that directory, so I'll post it here. Cheers.

Mat Hoffman Pro BMX is the latest biking game to grace the PS1, and it does so in style. Activision have done themselves justice with this amazing game, and from the opening video sequence, you will notice the close resemblance to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Similarities are noticeable immediately. Like THPS, Hoffman plays like a dream, and the graphics are amazing. If we had to find a new THPS, this would undoubtedly be it, hands down.

The first mode you will encounter is Career Mode. You are to choose from a vast selection of the most respected bikers, including Mat Hoffman, Mike Escamilla and many more. You can then browse the currently very small collection of bikes and calibrate it to your preference, with very miniscule details such as the tires and the handlebars, which albeit unnecessary, are still very interesting. However, should you get involved in Career Mode, you will soon build up a decent amount of special bikes and characters, which will make your job immensely easier. After being treated to a nice movie, you will get out into the action, where you have two minutes to complete a variety of tasks. These tasks earn you covers, which are used to advance to the next level. Career Mode is thoroughly entertaining, and it has a great learning curve, which really helps you to get to grips with the world of Mat Hoffman. After 10 minutes of casual play, you will be pulling off 10,000 point grinds, and 1080 Superman's.

The multiplayer counterpart offers something incredibly different. You will be introduced to Graffiti Mode, where (in a split-screen) you have to pull off tricks over various parts of the level, and as you do, these parts will become highlighted in your color (either red or blue). However, the opponent can steam them from you with a more desirable trick, and vice versa. The winner is the player with the mos
t parts in two minutes. Trick Attack mode is again split-screen, but the player with the highest score after two minutes wins. Finally, Horse Mode is a glorified "can-you-top-this" contest. After entering a word of your choice, you will take it in turns of performing tricks. The player with the least points at the end of each round gets a letter from the word chosen at the start. The games ends when one person has the entire word by their name. This is the most obscure multiplayer mode I've ever seen, but it really makes this game what it is. Sure, it would still be a classic without it, but this really makes it greater than great.

We then change to some more laid back modes, with Single Session, where you can practice your speed, attempting to attain the most points possible in two minutes. Free Ride allows you to practice your tricks under no time restrictions - this is particularly helpful for beginners. There is a movie theatre, where you can view all the video sequences that you've seen so far. Finally, there is a Park Editor, where you can create your own wacky and wonderful tracks. It's best to really try out Single Session and Free Skate early on, or you'll really not see any use for it, as the Career Mode itself is enough practice. I found the Park Editor to be of reasonable quality, if not a little somewhat repetitive and frustrating.

Mat Hoffman Pro BMX is without a doubt a PS1 classic. The controls are intuitive, the graphics are brilliant and the realism is there. Also backed by a musical score from such groups as Outkast, you simply have to buy this. It's jam packed full of features, has a great learning curve and it can measure up to the greats - a true testament to how amazing this is. I strongly suggest buying Mat Hoffman Pro BMX, and for the stunning price of £19.99, why not?

Summary: