ATV Quad Power Racing 2 is a racing video game which is notable for the inclusion of the three-wheeled ATV. This game was published by Acclaim Entertainment in 2003 for PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox. Not the greatest looking game ever, at least the environments will keep you interested and there is always something new around every turn. The framerate is smooth for most of the game and the draw distance lets you see far down the track; it’s especially noticeable when you reach open areas. The vehicles look great and display some nice reflective lighting effects. The riders are crude looking and suffer from marionette-motion syndrome. The tunes are hard rocking but at only seven tracks you’re going to grow very tired of them.
Main Difference in ATV Quad Power Racing 2
Where Quad Power Racing 2 differs is in the difficulty aspect of the gameplay. This game is much easier to play. Players will get much deeper into it before starting to look around for cheat codes. This is good news for occasional gamers. The controls are simple and pulling off tricks couldn’t be easier. Launch characters into the air and press the trick button while manipulating the analog stick. This will earn players points and turbo boosts which can help them catch up to the pack or maintain their lead, though it’s really just a short-term aid.
Racing Environments in ATV Quad Power Racing 2
The key to playing this game is in knowing how to handle the machine on the terrain. The environments include beach, dirt, forest, ice and a construction site. Aside from compensating for the surfaces, there will be plenty of hills and obstacles in the path. Players can make short work of some of these obstacles by using the pre-load button. Simply press it when beginning to climb a hill and release it at the exact moment when reaching the top. Like a recoil spring, a player’s launch will be more powerful allowing them to stay in the air longer, complete more tricks and land further down the track. Timing of the preload in the mogul section of a track is crucial.
Some Button Mashing and Game Modes
An attack button allows for some aggressive gameplay whereby players can attempt to knock another rider off his machine and take over his position. This works both ways and it won’t be long until they begin taking some shots out of nowhere from similarly aggressive players. It’s like stirring up a hornet’s nest.
Modes in the game include Career, Single, Arcade, Freestyle, Challenge and Time Trials. The Career mode is where players unlock new quads and open new tracks. Freestyle allows players to get some practice in without the added pressure of a race, or they can just drive along at their own pace and appreciate the scenery. Challenges put players to the test on the ground and in the air. An arena is filled with ramps, obstacles and a slam course. Players have to complete certain objectives within a time limit. There is also the option to take the challenge of crossing a variety of bridges that span suspended platforms.
Final Thoughts
Where you could go wrong is in purchasing this game thinking that it’s an improved version of Off-Road Fury. It’s not. Quad Power Racing 2 is basically in the same leagues as Fury which is disappointing. Recommended for beginning to intermediate gamers, this game might not even be worth a rental to the veteran player as it could be construed as a dumbed down version of Off-Road Fury.