C&VG


BMX Simulator
By Codemasters
Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Computer & Video Games #63

BMX Simulator

If you LIKE BMX, but don't like the things that go with it - broken legs, arms and necks - this is the game for you!

BMX Simulator is about as close as you'll get to the real thing without injuring some part of your anatomy. With its two player option, action replay mode and colourful graphics this has to be one of the best games around for under £2.

You and the computer are lined up, ready to start. Bikers ready, pedals ready, GO!! Carefully turning the bike at an angle which has to be accurate, you speed around the corner, avoiding the steep banks of earth. The computer knows how to play too, and is very good at catching up.

BMX Simulator

You zoom around the track, using the brake carefully, using the banks to turn, and using a box of Kleenex to wipe away the sweat from your face.

You've done two laps, and are coming up for the last one when... bangl... you hit a post and come flying off. The crafty computer takes advantage, speeding and then leaving you in the distance. The computer wins, you lose. But, you did it within the time limit and have qualified for the next course. Phew!

This track looks harder, more banks, more posts more everything! As you start, the computer takes the lead, using skill like you've never seen to take the most dangerous of corners. This computer biker is good!

BMX Simulator

On the next course, you learn about one of the most annoying parts of what is otherwise a super game. This irritating aspect is the fact that if you and the computer collide, only YOU come off. Yes, you lose time and the machine just keeps going.

This gets really bad when you are just about to win. You are neck and neck. Then the computer turns into you and POWI, you're out! What a cheat!!

If you think the computer cheated or you want to see that little bit of skill that saved you, pressing 'A' gives an action replay of the whole affair.

When you finish, you are told who is the winner, and you're given the scores. If you are playing in two player mode, you get a rather short awards ceremony.

The tracks are graphically quite good, the only moan is lack of colour, but that's the limit of the machine. The music, although short, is very good and Dave Whittaker should be proud of himself. A great game for the price, very entertaining.