ATV Quad Power: Racing 2 (Xbox)
Author: Game Now

I was ready to dislike ATV Quad Power Racing 2 because it isn't ATV: Off-Road Fury for PS2, the king of ATV racing games. But that would be unfair, especially since it turns out that Quad 2 is hecka fun in its own way.

Quad 2 is a jammin' ATV racer that puts you in the seat of one of 10 pro riders. Through 15 terrific tracks, a Career mode, tricks arenas, Arcade modes, and a party-hearty multiplayer feature, you literally kick some ATV arse. Yes, literally: Quad 2 lets you kick other riders to knock them off their bikes and steal their boost power. Fun!

Quad 2's riding physics are painfully realistic. Sloshing through mud or negotiating snow is tricky, so controls can be challenging. The track design and special effects are tight: I loved the swamp track, for instance, where my tires got all muddy and then cleaned off through the water. Pretty basic, but I appreciated these little touches.

Gameplay is built largely around pulling off tricks—the Can-Can, Scissors, and Superman are among the 28 total tricks, which can be done individually or in combinations. Tricks are easy to execute; it's the combos that are tough, especially if you lose perspective with the left thumbstick.

Biggest letdown: the lack of open worlds to roam and trick around in, something Off-Road Fury offers in its huge deserts and forests. That said, Quad 2's tracks are well designed, with some great jump-and-trick terrain. The tricks stadium is challenging but gets a little boring if played too long.