MX Nitro is a unique motorcycle racing game which incorporates elements from games like Trials Fusion and MX vs. ATV Supercross. To call it a racing game is actually not a precise way to describe it. MX Nitro is a motorcycle-themed platforming experience. Nonetheless, it gives you fun and enjoyable gameplay doing stunts without having to worry about steering (which was a great relief for me because motorcycle racing on consoles tends to have poor handling). Many games are completely unplayable because of that.
The game is quite small by today’s standards but is well crafted. I didn’t experience any technical problems during my playthrough. The graphics were consistent with my expectations. The game doesn’t strive for realism, and the color scheme and object models resemble arcade-style titles. The controls are quite simple too. You accelerate and brake like any other racing game, without having to worry about steering because the camera is locked on the side profile of the motorcycle. Just like Trials Fusion on paper, this might sound a bit boring but actually playing it is a lot of fun.
The game rewards you for performing stunts and gives you speed boosts for stunts you safely execute. For example, if you can do a wheelie, air with no hands, and much more, you get some speed boost. Speed boost is crucial because there are many obstacles you have to traverse. Without the boost you can’t make many of the perilous jumps and end up crashing.
Before I talk about the minor issues I experienced, let me say that the customization in MX Nitro really stands out. You can change everything in your rider profile like your helmet, jacket, patterns and other attributes. The game can be as personal as you want it to be. I definitely appreciate that in any game.
All is not well though. What I found frustrating is that the game is unrelentingly difficult, even when set on easy difficulty. I kept on finishing last and playing through the levels became a chore. It took me an hour or so just to get past the first level! I don’t claim to be the best gamer out there but the difficult in MX Nitro is ridiculous. I usually assume that easy means a toddler can play and make progress in a game, but apparently this game has a much steeper learning curve. One mistake can cost you a win in the game. I don’t think even Trials Fusion was as punishing and this can lead to frustration.
Summary
All in all, MX Nitro is a fun game despite the fact that it is very challenging. Just keep at it in the beginning because the first hour can be incredibly frustrating. If you are planning on doing some thrilling Valentino Rossi-style cornering, this is not for you. Just like Trial Fusion, this is more of a platformer than a racing game. Keep that in mind when making the purchase.
Additional Information
MX Nitro features many modes and gameplay features. For example, just like TrackMania Turbo, you can play against other players’ ghosts. There are also over a dozen bosses in the game, yes bosses! The title is quite expansive and you’ll definitely be surprised by it just like I was.
Xian was a regular ICXM contributor between 2015–2017, publishing 162 articles across game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news. Their work focused on hands-on reviews, platform commentary, and breaking-news reporting during the Xbox One X launch year and Microsoft’s wider Play Anywhere / UWP gaming initiative.