After much success with Moto GP 1 & 2 on the Xbox, and turning that success into muck with Speed Kings, can Climax bounce back with this SX Superstar? In 3 words... woulda, shoulda, coulda. They "would" have a good title if they "could" have put more content for lasting appeal, as this "should" have been a better game. As is though, SX Superstar for the Xbox is ho-hum with some promising pluses, with many negatives.

Visually the game comes off as bland. The backdrop settings are drab and uninspiring, with poor lighting, weak texture detail, and dreary colors. All the venues look as if they have that; been there, done that, feel to them. Texture detail such as this looks more as if it were done on the Dreamcast then on the Xbox. The rider models are decent with a fair polygon count for moves and tricks. Riders also get dirty as the game progresses, which add some flair, if ever so little. Riders do tend to clip, disappear, and crash for no reason. Weather and atmosphere effects are present; yet don't hinder game play, which comes off more than eye candy than a purpose. Frame rate hurts this title the most as it often dips way below 30fps, especially when other riders are in the scene. While I may seem as coming off a bit harsh, this title does nothing new, fresh or exciting, nor stretches the limits of the Xbox's hardware. It's not that Climax hasn't been known for doing so much more. (I.E. Moto GP)

The game's sounds also come off hugely disappointing. First and most importantly, *no custom soundtracks*! Um, folks... we are in the 2nd, almost 3rd year of the system's lifespan and this is the norm for racing and extreme sports titles. Unforgivable. The music given isn't even new; it's music from other extreme sports games from a year ago! The sound FX on the other hand is quite nice, with very authentic engine sounds. The environmental sounds such as dirt and debris are present and sound realistic as well. No crowd or atmosphere sounds such as planes, birds, and etc. makes the backgrounds seem even more lifeless. The sounds are average at best, and once again... add nothing new.

The game does have a saving grace from the hall of shame... it plays pretty damn well. That's right, the ugly duckling has a purpose in life and it's in the solid gameplay. The physics are actually the best I've seen in a Supercross game when it comes to weight ratios. Finally bikes come down hard when landing, no float physics here boys. Sure there is plenty of air to be had, but much like real life, you've got to have a big jump to produce such air feats. This attention to detail is odd coming from a game that claims to be an arcade racer. The A.I. isn't terribly dumb either and will hang with you most of the race. No blow outs here, as it seems the A.I. is as only good as the main racer. You crash a lot, they crash a lot, you do well, and they do well. Get the point? Is this real? Nah, but it can stay fair and keeps the challenge level high. The only physical let down is the weather effects don't affect the game's control, where I guess the arcade racer idea comes in. All in all, it's a shame the game looks and sounds so poorly, as it is a blast to play.

Unfortunately the gaming gods givith, and they takith away, just like life. After redeeming themselves on the game play... there's nothing really to do with it. Sure you have your abundance of 20 levels of rip-roaring excitement to be had, there are even stunt modes to partake in, but the lasting appeal is weak with the lack of a user's bike and persona. You are stuck with the riders they feed you. No career modes no create a bike; no create a track, no Xbox live play, and no real options other than the norm. What do you get to win in the championship mode? Bucks to tune up your ride or buy better ones and to win a girlfriend... . that's right a girlfriend. Ladies, send your complaint cards to Climax for male chauvinists here please. Not only do you try to win a girl, but also your pick en's get better as you become a more elite rider. If you are a local boy, you get to choose from Clara Sue from the farm, win it all and it's Angelic from the Supermodel district... or is it red light? In any form it's a pointless and degrading option that just shows what games are doing oh so wrong these days. Do we have to appeal to the loser, immature, geek boys all the time... there are intelligent, married adults who play games too!

All in all, SX Superstar is a rental at best, even with the great game play, not much is there to play around with. Even at the 30-dollar price tag, I suggest you wait for the bargain bin if you really need another Supercross title.