Xtreme Dirt Bike

We're so used to bike racing games having either an 'extreme' or 'hardcore' prefix that we're starting to wonder if they might get more attention if they decided to play against form with 'fluffy' or 'sedate'.

Let's face it, as titles go, Xtreme Dirt Bike just doesn't stand out from the crowd, and it should, because it's one of the best bike racers we've played on mobile.

Actually, Xtreme Dirt Bike isn't just a racing game, as each of its seven tracks offer you four different challenges to compete in.

Firstly, there's a straightforward race where you compete against seven other bikers. Then there's a Time Trial where you compete for the fastest lap time against the ghost of another biker.

Road Rage puts you back on the track with the seven other players but instead of racing them, you try to kick them off their bikes (players of the old arcade game Road Rash should feel instantly at home with this one).

Finally a fourth challenge called Duel is unlocked once you've been placed in the top three in the previous challenges on that track. In this you simply have to race a boss character and beat him, although because they're much speedier than normal opponents, a few swift groin kicks, as well as some spot-on riding, are called for too.

Control of your bike in each of these races is near perfect. Sliding slightly off the track doesn't normally cause a crash but failing to see a rock in the middle of it will send your rider flying. Pulling off a throttle-revving wheelie gives you an extra boost of speed at any point but hold it for too long and you'll fall. Boosts need to be timed right to make it across ravines and gaps - and while you fly through the air, hitting various buttons pulls off impressive looking stunts that are exchanged for cash.

In addition, by using the '7' or '9' buttons you can turn tighter than by using regular steering. And, of course, there's that attack button which lets you lash out at opponents close enough to you on either side.

Kicking them is your default attack, but items such as chains and bats litter the track and give you more reach and power. Focusing on attacking other riders at the expense of failing to see an approaching ravine and promptly falling off the edge of it isn't always the best tactic, but it's so much fun it's hard to resist the temptation.

In between races, there's the option to spend your hard-won money on upgrades for your bike and new tracks and vehicles (as well as dirt bikes there's a quad bike to unlock). These upgrades are numerous and can improve engine, gear box, brakes and tyre performance to give greater top speed, acceleration and handling.

Races become much faster as a result, and in turn harder, although there are plenty of other elements that keep each race fresh. These include the tracks themselves, which range from your typical hilly dirt track in Arizona to icy mountains in Siberia.

The difficulty levels as you progress start to get challenging, although they seldom require more than a few attempts. We could criticise the game for being fairly quick to complete but that's in part because it is so playable, and in any case races can be replayed to gain higher medals and more cash.

Visually, it looks very pretty with all sorts of touches that go towards adding to the overall realism such as a setting sun in the distance, or falling snow. There's occasional slow-down when a lot of racers are on the screen but it doesn't affect the overall experience too much.

It might not have the most original of titles then, but at least you're left in no doubt about what you're getting. Xtreme Dirt Bike's frenetically paced races and use of metal chains to unseat other racers are most definitely on the extreme side. In that context, fluffy doesn't seem so much fun after all.