Let's Play...Pro BMX

BBC Sport Online reviewer David Gibbon says Matt Hoffman's Pro BMX is a solid simulation game, but is a little too similar to another game.

Skateboarding takes nerves and stamina - especially if you want to pull off some special tricks without ending up in the casualty department of your local hospital.

When Activision launched its series Tony Hawk Pro Skater, gamers could do all the stunts and tricks they wanted without ever leaving their PlayStation.

The series has enjoyed incredible success, with the third version of the title currently in development.

Now Activision has decided to expand their extreme sports range with the release of Matt Hoffman's Pro BMX.

  Matt Hoffman's Pro BMX

Format: Sony Playstation

Price: £29.99

Publisher: Activision

Genre: BMX Riding

Also Available: N/A

This seems good news on the surface, but delve a little deeper and the good news becomes rather thin on the ground.

The designers have taken the game engine that created Tony Hawk, removed skateboards and added bikes, changed the physics slightly and that's about it.

Essentially, Matt Hoffman's Pro BMX is the same game - though there's still more than enough here to attract Hawk fans to buy it.

Although you will find the trick system very similar too, the gameplay has undergone some subtle changes that make this great fun to play in its own right.

Getting the tricks just right now takes a little more time, and the controls have been altered.

This means you now have to be more precise when using the D-Pad in order to pull moves off.

Same tricks, but different mode of transport

But alas, this is the main difference between Matt Hoffman's Pro BMX and Tony Hawk and you will soon find that your skills transfer to the new game rather too well.

If you can win medals with Hawk, then expect to pick up every cover and medal within hours of switching on here.

The gameplay modes - as with Tony Hawk - include a career mode. You kick off on a low quality bike and as progress further you earn magazine covers - with five available on each level.

  Gibbon's verdict

Graphics: 76%

Playability: 78%

Sound: 72%

Realism: 84%

Overall: 79%

One of the levels involves you riding on the bike, collecting letters that spell the word Trick.

Another involves destroying five items, which include vending machines, satellite dishes and more.

Other modes include a free ride, single run and a host of multiplayer options such as Trick Attack, Horse and Graffiti.

The game also comes with a create-your-own-level mode, though your creations are limited in size when compared with the large environments found in the rest of the game.

If you like rock music to accompany your efforts, this has some of the best with even the Stone Roses lending their tracks.

And graphically this is good too, though the textured character animation often appears a little rough around the edges.

Although Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX has held the badge of best BMX game for sometime, thanks to the pedigree of the people behind Matt Hoffman's Pro BMX it overrides the competition in every respect.

Still not as good as the Tony Hawk games, but those looking for an above average BMX simulator will not be disappointed.