svosen

Rented this game over the weekend to play with my brother. Even though Hastings doesn't include instruction manuals (not even copies) with their games anymore, the game was enjoyable from the start. Took some time to figure out the finer control aspects...

One thing all the reviews mentioned was an incredible sense of speed in the game. I can't honestly say I noticed that so much, but the sense of height is incredible! When you fall off a cliff and are in free fall, the feeling is amazing. There were a couple of times that I actually felt that familiar little tingle in my torso that one usually gets when enduring a quick fall (like on a roller coaster).

The graphics are very impressive, considering all that's happening and the speed at which the players move through the levels. The frame rate is supposed to be at ~60 at all times (according to reviews), but it did have a hiccup occasionally - only when about five or six bikers were all on the screen at one time going through a graphically busy area. In about 30 hours of play or more, I think this happened four times. Not bad.

Controls are nice. Reviewers lambasted the trick system, but I'm not much for tricks anyhow, so that didn't bother me. The bikes are easy to control, which adds a lot to the enjoyment of the game.

Another sore spot for reviewers was the music. They said it wasn't impressive, which it wasn't, really. Again, I wasn't bothered by it at all. I usually turn the music volume way down in these games anyhow, so it's not a big deal for me.

One major plus for the game is the complexity and SIZE of the levels (especially the Free Ride courses). Wow. They are HUGE. Very cool.

The opponent AI is pretty decent. It never really bothered me, so it must have been alright. The AI riders are good but not impossible to beat.

Once the price falls a little, I'll definitely pick this one up and finish it (started some of the career modes).

My biggest gripe with the game (and others like it) is the level unlock setup. When I buy these games, I want to be able to access ALL levels immediately. It blows to have to play the game through one or more career modes to unlock the levels. I don't mind having to unlock better riders and/or bikes, but the levels should all be open at the start.

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"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." -- Ephesians 4:2

Linkin Park 47

That game looks awesome!!! This is on my rent list! Maybe I will buy it as well. Out ot 10 what would you rate it?

Prime

I got a demo of the game from PS Underground, i enjoyed it. Fast paced.

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\"Computer games don\'t affect kids; I mean if Pac-Man affected us as kids, we\'d all be running around in darkened rooms, munching magic pills and listening to repetitive electronic music.\" -Kristian Wilson, Nintendo, Inc, 1989

svosen

I would give it a 7.5 - 8.0 out of ten.

That sounds a little low, I suppose, but I like to reserve anything above 8 for truly outstanding games.


As examples:

Cool Boarders 3 (PSone): 7.0

NBA 2k2: 7.0

MOH: Frontline: 8.0

Test Drive (PS2): 7.0

MGS2: 7.5 - 8.0

Headhunter: 7.0

GTA 3: 7.5

GTA: VC: 8.0

Red Faction: 6.5

No One Lives Forever: 5.0


That should give you some idea of what the 7.5 - 8.0 means for Downhill Domination.

I end up rating most of the games I buy about the same, because I really research them before I buy (try very hard not to buy games that I would rate below 7.5ish).

It's definitely worth checking out, anyhow. I was appalled, however, at the cost of a rental ($6.00). Wow!

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"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." -- Ephesians 4:2

Voice

i get the demo in the mail as well....and i played it on free ride a whole bunch. I really like it, it reminds me of The X-games that were on PS1....but better...

I really like downhill mountain bike racing...and this brings the insanity of it close to home.

i'd give it a 8 out of 10....the only problem i had...and this was with a demo so they might have tweaked it a little...when going through switchbacks it's REALLY easy to use too much braking and tip over off your bike and crash....

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BOOYAHKASHA!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.bungie.net/Stats/PlayerStats.aspx?player=Turbonegro2012

nice shirt

i also got the demo. twice. neither copy works in my ps2.

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svosen

I rarely used the brakes, except on some of the really tight switch backs in the technical downhill courses (very narrow areas).

Maybe they improved the control enough after the demo to negate the need for braking too much. Not very realistic, but fun...

__________________
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"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." -- Ephesians 4:2

Linkin Park 47

Your rating system is pretty fair. And you know it has to be good if MGS2 got an 8