The MX vs. ATV franchise has been a staple for off-road racing enthusiasts for nearly two decades. Released in June 2022, MX vs. ATV Legends attempts to push the iconic series forward on modern hardware. But does it manage to capture the thrill of dirt bike and quad racing, or does it stall at the starting gate? In this detailed review, we break down the background context, career narrative, visual performance, platform availability, and overall gameplay experience.
Game Context & Background
MX vs. ATV Legends serves as the seventh major installment in the crossover series that originally began in the mid-2000s. Pitching itself as an expansive off-road racing simulator with arcade elements, the game focuses on delivering high-speed dirt track action across diverse landscapes. It aims to bridge the gap between hard-core simulation physics and accessible arcade racing fun.
Developer and Publisher
The game was developed by Rainbow Studios and published by THQ Nordic. Rainbow Studios has a long and celebrated history in the off-road racing genre, dating back to classics like Motocross Madness and ATV Offroad Fury. With Legends, the studio aimed to revamp physics engines and implement dynamic track mechanics to modernize the franchise.
Playable Platforms
MX vs. ATV Legends is widely accessible across both current-gen and previous-generation hardware:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X/S
- Xbox One
- Microsoft Windows (PC via Steam)
Story and Narrative: Career Mode
While narrative-driven storylines are rarely the main focus of racing titles, MX vs. ATV Legends introduces a structured career mode designed to give players a sense of personal progression. You begin as an ambitious amateur rider striving to build a legacy and become a world-renowned off-road champion.
The career path branches into three main vehicle disciplines:
- MX (Motocross): Fast and agile dirt bike racing across Supercross indoor arenas and outdoor Nationals tracks.
- ATV (All-Terrain Vehicles): Heavy-hitting quad racing requiring careful weight distribution and throttle control.
- UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicles): Side-by-side off-road buggies that offer intense, door-to-door racing action.
As you progress through seasons, you earn money, contract offers from sponsors, and vehicle parts to customize your setup. While the dialogue and narrative cutscenes remain lightweight, the career progression delivers a steady sense of accomplishment.
Graphics, Physics, and Technical Performance
Visually, MX vs. ATV Legends delivers an ambitious environment. Track environments feature impressive dynamic terrain deformation, where tires carve real-time ruts into mud and dirt, dynamically altering the racing line on every lap.
However, performance at launch was somewhat mixed:
- Visual Quality: Lighting effects and landscape vistas look impressive on PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PCs. However, character models and UI elements can feel dated.
- Performance: Frame rate stutters and visual pop-in were noticeable at release, though post-launch updates from Rainbow Studios have significantly stabilized performance.
- Physics System: The signature dual-stick control scheme returns, allowing players to control vehicle steering with one analog stick and the rider's body weight with the other. Mastering rider positioning is crucial for landing jumps smoothly and pre-loading suspension.
Final Recommendation & Verdict
MX vs. ATV Legends (2022) is a passionate homage to off-road motorsport. While it suffered from technical hiccups at launch, ongoing post-launch patches, physics reworks, and DLC track additions have turned it into a competitive and fun off-road racer.
If you are a fan of dirt bike racing, quad bikes, or outdoor motorsport games, MX vs. ATV Legends offers a satisfying mechanical depth and varied terrain that makes it worth picking up, especially on current-gen consoles or PC.
Pros:
- Diverse vehicle selection covering MX bikes, ATVs, and UTV buggies.
- Dynamic track deformation changes racing conditions continuously.
- Expansive open-world free-roam areas for casual riding.
- Dedicated post-launch developer updates and support.
Cons:
- Inconsistent graphical polish in character models.
- Career mode progression can become repetitive in later stages.
Final Rating: 7 / 10
