The controversial BMX XXX shows a lot of skin, but it’s the gameplay that isn’t fully fleshed out. For the uninitiated, BMX XXX merges the world of freestyle bicycle stunts with potty humor, foul language, and sex—for no apparent reason. While gamers titter over jokes about pimps, diarrhea, and words like “titter,” they’re also challenged to pull backflips and tailwhips throughout eight levels, including a mall and a launch pad. Since its last BMX game, developer Z-Axis has added flatland tricks, balance meters, some multiplayer modes, and ghost riding; they’re all welcome additions. Otherwise, the changes are mostly cosmetic with goals involving hookers and constipation instead of just high scores and trick plateaus. Do well, and you’ll unlock bonus stripper videos (edited on the PS2 but not on the Xbox). Like Mirra 2, BMX XXX features frustrating level goals as well as a camera that, in all four settings, makes it hard to line up your re-entry on a vert ramp. Say what you want about big-breasted babes and poo jokes—if tricks aren’t enjoyable to pull off, it’s not a fun game. Hollywood writers scribbled the script, but you’ll hear the same tired lines (“Didn’t I see you on World’s Worst Bikers?”) over and over again. And yes, even the vulgarity gets old. Thankfully, the high-energy licensed soundtrack comes through, even if the sharp visuals are plagued by occasional slowdown and collision problems. Acclaim and Z-Axis set out to create the American Pie of gaming, and they’ve succeeded on the crude humor front—but with a high frustration factor and graphical glitches, BMX XXX fails to completely satisfy.
