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AlecChristensen's Downhill Domination (PS2)
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| [February 8, 2008 07:23:39 PM]
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GAMEPLAY
My second gameplay experience was another enjoyable and engaging event. This time I tried connecting with several of my friends and the game in the multiplayer version. This proved successful. Although I have only one other control, going head to head with a person who enjoys the game as much as I do in several rounds was hysterical. There is something that is just that much funnier about beating another biker senseless and knowing that it is your friend, who in turn is laughing even harder.
After some initial frustration with the loss of the Zen that I had felt previously with the game, once I was able to relax I was able to return to my previous ability level. Playing longer and attempting to collectively beat a two player arcade mode did even better to get me and my friend on the same page with the game. After some time, we began to beat each level one after the other finishing alternately first and second place. It was another entertaining and captivating experience.
DESIGN
This game does a very good job, as all games strive to do, at suckering me into thinking that I am the character in the game. When I enter the magic circle of this game, which is already easy enough to do, I master the abilities of the biker and I am able to follow the curves of the level with my movements. All the freedom that the game allows you, in choosing your pat, or your trick, or attack, or speed, you are given many options as you are in real life. This synchronizes your thoughts and feeling with those that the game intends to inspire, creating an incredibly enjoyable game experience.
These elements that convince you of being your character are truly artistic techniques that come through on every level of the game. They are tools that transcend people's differences and appeal to the very fundamental desires of every person. Furthermore, they help connect us to others via the language of the game.
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| [February 8, 2008 07:08:17 PM]
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SUMMARY
This is a truly captivating rendition of downhill bike riding. You play the role one of several bikers that represent various characters of different nationalities and walks of life. Once you choose the character that best suits you, you follow a career of downhill bike races in a series of of locations, competing for 1st place as well as tricks and cash flow as the ultimate motivation. This is also a multiplayer game, where you may go head to head against your friends in this truly enjoyable game.
GAMEPLAY
I am revisiting this game after years of neglect and having forgotten its true entertainment value. Even so, it was an incredibly refreshing experience that reminds me of why I loved it so much in the first place. When I play this game, I feel very connected with the spirit of the race. Coming out of the starting gates, I am quickly put in the position of my rider as he careens down the hill on his flimsy bike enduring harsh physical attack from my fellow racers. I chose this big Kahuna Hawaiian stereotype, and somehow this made me feel even more engaged in the game. I am given a wide scope of control over my character's actions, and I may jump, pedal, attack, and do tricks all while focusing on the ultimate goal; getting down the hill in one piece in first place.
I completed the first group of races, each of which took place in various beautiful and crazy course locations. Starting in the mountains of Italy, in a new place I begin with the "Freeride" type race, which allows me to roam over a series of preset courses that end up feeling very open and broad as I explore new secrets and possible paths. The freeride is also the longest ride, often taking you to the bottom of a mountain map, such is the case in Hawaii where you ride all the way gown to the beach from a volcano top. After quickly getting into the groove of the game, I easily am able to score first place and I crave more difficulty and technicality.
My wish is granted with the next two race types present at every geographical location. There is the TD (Technical Drive) where you must navigate through many obstacles to reach the finish line. There is also the MX, the short lived incredibly exciting motocross version of downhill biking. After progressing through many of these level groups, I after a while became satisfied by my biking abilities and quit just before attempting a snowy russian mining/army mountain.
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AlecChristensen's Downhill Domination (PS2)
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Current Status: Playing
GameLog started on: Thursday 7 February, 2008
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