FMX Riders

To cross the finishing line first is the burning desire of every racer, but sometimes winning just isn't enough – you need to snatch victory in style.

Zany motocross racer FMX Riders allows you to do just that.

Although your ultimate success is still judged by which step of the podium you happen to be standing on at the conclusion of each event, what manner of death-defying stunts you're able to pull off during the preceding race is what really determines your reputation.

It's this emphasis on tricks that sets FMX Riders apart from what could have been just another racer. If you ignore stunts entirely and instead decide to focus solely on your clean racing lines, there's a chance that you might be rewarded with a place in the top three.

Yet, the rewards for successful tricks are too great to pass up. Successfully completed manoeuvres add juice to your boost bar, which gives you a massive speed increase handy for overtaking competitors.

As is often the case with rewards, there's an element of risk. Stringing together tricks whilst in mid-air results in a larger amount of boost, but it takes longer to complete the sequence.

The default steering method makes use of the accelerometer, with automatic acceleration and a virtual brake button rounding out the interface. You can alter the sensitivity, but the initial setting is responsive and accurate.

There are also virtual controls that are suitably effective, although the screen does become crowded with all the buttons.

Stunts are accessed in two ways: on-screen buttons, which only materialise when you're in mid-air, or gestures. The tricks include all kinds of dangerous poses and stances, and by drawing a digit over your rider you can cause them to flip and spin, adding even more points to your tally.

At times the physics feel off and gaining air is difficult, though after some practise and getting familiar with the initially overwhelming controls things flow more naturally.

The balance between risk and reward is immaculately pitched. It's also a real challenge, and your first few races will unquestionably result in you sitting at the back of the pack.

As you learn each track and commit shortcuts and key jumping points to memory, your performance improves dramatically. It's refreshing to play a racing title that doesn't hand you victory on a plate, but makes you sweat for success.

There's an expansive Career mode that will keep you busy for some time, along with multiplayer via Game Center. In addition, there's also a Freestyle section where the aim is to score as many stunt points as possible in the allotted time limit. You can collect combo tokens which boost the points earned from each trick, and trying to improve on your personal best is a truly addictive pastime.

It's a shame that you can't compete with other players in the freestyle stunt mode, especially when you consider the focus on points-scoring.

The amount of content available in FMX Riders is considerable and if you can become accustomed to the occasionally unpredictable controls, this is a game that is sure to keep you contented for many weeks to come.