by Vinson Chen

Created on: July 23, 2010

Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX is a game based on Bicycle Motocross and was made by Runecraft in 2001. It was released for multiple gaming consoles including the Game Boy Color, PlayStation One, Dreamcast, and Game Boy Advance. It is loosely based off of the Tony Hawk's series except now instead of a skateboard, the gamer rides freely with a trick bike. Unfortunately, "freely" hardly defines the way Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX for the Game Boy Advance runs. The gamer is locked into a very awkward side-scrolling type game. It features some layaway to move forward and backwards, but the game focuses on moving from side to side. This restriction completely differs from the way the game works on the non-portable consoles. It is a horrible way to try to run tricks with its limitations. X-game type video games need to be free flowing, but Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX completely lacks that.

The only freedom the gamer is given is the freedom to choose between eight pro BMX riders to ride as and a small multitude of maps to bike on. The game actually features well known bikers such as Mat Hoffman (obviously), Mike Escamilla, Cory Nastazio, Joe Kowalski, Rick Thorne, Dennis McCoy, Kevin Robinson, and Simon Tabron. Each of these riders specializes in one or two components which include acceleration, air, landing, and fakie. However, with the Game Boy Advance's limited abilities, each of them really seems to have the same ability in each of the categories. It is really hard to tell them apart in biking ability and even graphical design. 

The biking arenas may have unique layouts between all of them, but the restricted gameplay ruins all of that. There may be loads of different ramps and verts to bike upon, but with a such an awkward way of moving, the gamer is unable to enjoy all of the readily available platforms. 

Also, there is a solid variety of gaming modes for both 1 player and 2 players. In 1 player, the gamer can enjoy a career, a tournament, a free ride, or even a time trial. In 2 players, the gamer can compete in games of Trick Attack, Horse, and Graffiti. Unfortunately, once again, the limited movement in the game makes actually enjoying the gaming rather difficult. 

This game is best avoided for the Game Boy Advance. Sticking to the PC or PlayStation One version would be the best bet to enjoying some quality BMX riding.

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