Monster Trucks Nitro 2

[Floriana Grundy]

Thegame is played by controlling the throttle, brake and pitch of a monster truck as they proceed through a level. The original Nitro received mixed reviews from critics. The PC version holds a 54% score at aggregate website GameRankings. Monster Trucks Nitro 2 received higher scores in general, and currently has an aggregate score of 80/100 at Metacritic.

The Monster Trucks Nitro series is played as a sidescrolling racing game. Players have control over the monster truck's acceleration and brakes and have can also control the vehicle's pitch while in the air. A limited amount of pitch control is given to the player while on a surface, augmented by accelerating or braking.[1] The Nitro part of the series' title comes from the game's focus on earning nitrous by either collecting bottles or performing flips while in the air. Depending on the game version the nitrous either fires immediately or charges, waiting for the player to press the nitrous button. In either case it provides a speed boost for the truck.[1]

Gameplay varies slightly depending on the platform and game played. On iOS devices both Monster Trucks Nitro and its sequel are played using on-screen touch controls in combination with tilting the device. The original Monster Trucks Nitro is played using the keyboard on the Flash, Windows and Mac OS X platforms. The Flash version is also unique in that it does not use a 3D engine, but rather a 2D version similar to RedLynx's original Trials game.[1]

The original Monster Trucks Nitro game was released on December 19, 2008 for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.[2] It was released for iOS devices on March 23, 2009.[3] On July 5, 2010 an update was released which added additional content. A new monster truck with a paint scheme resembling the American flag was added, along with additional races.[4][5] In the press release that announced the update Ubisoft RedLynx stated that the game had received over 1.5 million downloads.[4] Monster Trucks Nitro 2 was announced on March 26, 2010.[6] It was released for the iOS platform on April 5, 2010.[7] On July 5, 2010 a new Adventure League mode and four additional levels were added to Nitro 2, bringing the total number of levels to 24.[5]

The original Monster Trucks Nitro received mixed reviews from critics. Aggregate website GameRankings reports a score of 54% for the Windows version with only one review.[8] In the April 2009 issue of PC Format the Windows version of the game received a score of 54/100.[10] Absolute Game's Michael Kalinchenko gave the Windows version a 69%.[11] Kalinchenko explained that while the game can be enticing initially it lacks the rating system that its sister game, Trials 2 has. He felt that the price was high when compared to the amount of content given.[11] Macworld's Chris Holt rated the Mac OS version a 3/5. He praised the simplicity and challenge of the game, yet felt it was too short and had too little gameplay options.[12] Pocket Gamer's Tracy Erickson gave the iOS version a 5/10. Erickson explained that the detailed 3D graphics were not enough to overcome the "lack of satisfying gameplay".[13] AppSpy's Damian Chiappara gave the iOS version of game a 3/5. Chiappara noted that Nitro had satisfying Trials-styled gameplay, and also explained the players can use iTunes during gameplay. He gave poor marks for the lack of selectable trucks.[14] Ben Griffin of Know Your Mobile gave the same version a 4/5. He called the game "hugely rewarding" and further stated that it "easily delivers compelling and instant thrills."[15]

Monster Trucks Nitro 2 received higher scoring reviews. It holds an aggregate score of 80/100 at Metacritic.[9] It received two perfect scores: from AppSmile's reviewer,[16] Slide to Play's Andrew Podolsky,[17] and Andrew Nesvadba of AppSpy.[18] The lowest score of a 60% approval rating came from the March 2011 issue of GamePro.[19] and Pocket Gamer's Damien McFerren.[13] The majority of reviews had a 70% or higher approval rating.[9] GamePro's reviewer stated that though the levels felt short they were "well-suited to the design of [the] game."[19] Rip Empson of PC World called Monster Trucks Nitro 2 "a welcome improvement from its predecessor".[20] Touch Arcade reviewer Jared Nelson gave the game a 3.5/5. Nelson stated that the game "has impressive graphics, loads of content to play through, and an over the top fun factor".[7]

We recently changed how we do our reviews. Read about the new process here, then check out the new scoring guidelines and revised scoring rubric.

RedLynx took advantage of the Mac App Store craze with their own title, Monster Trucks Nitro. The game plays a lot like its older brother, Trials HD, just replace the motorcycle with monster trucks and "bigger" obstacles, and you have a decent idea where this game is coming from.

Gameplay

Trials HD vets will feel right at home with most of the elements within Monster Trucks Nitro. However, in this guy's opinion, Trials is probably a tad more difficult. The object of each level is to navigate obstacles to reach the finish line in a certain amount of time. The better you do, the higher your medal standing (Gold/Silver/Bronze).

Monster Trucks Nitro features a control scheme so simple that even a caveman could do it. You use the directional buttons on your keyboard to steer your vehicle, and the ctrl button is used as a nitro boost of sorts. That's literally it as far as controls. The rest of your time is spent going up and over obstacles, and playing the ever-growing cerebral tracks that the RedLynx crew throws your way.

The gameplay is great for the levels RedLynx throws at you, and as a nice little time waster it's hard to beat a game like Monster Trucks Nitro.

Presentation

Monster Trucks Nitro hits you with presentation that is one part monster truck rally, one part '90s PC gaming, and then is topped off with an old-timey southwestern theme. The menus are simplistic but work, just don't expect to be completely engrossed in Nitro anytime soon.

You have different resolution options to boot up the game with, and I'm happy to report my i7 iMac ran the 2560 x 1440 graphics smoothly. If you aren't stupid with your settings, the game will run smoothly for you.

Otherwise, you have a couple different camera angles, but they're all from the same general side -- so don't expect much flexibility in how you view the game.

Attend the pre-event autograph pit party to meet the drivers and see the trucks up close with appearances from Psyco Pat, Anger Management, Mississippi Nightmare and others! The pit party for the first show will be from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. and the pit party for the second show will be from 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Come early, meet the drivers, get autographs, and take photos with the drivers and their Monsters. Plus, get the opportunity to ride in a real monster truck during the pit party and intermission!

Plus, you can see the trucks up close at the pre-event Pit Party. Upgrade your ticket for the Pre-Show Party to see the monsters up close, meet the drivers and take pictures. Plus, you can get the ride of your life on-board a real Monster Truck during The Pit Party, at intermission or after the show.

In addition to the most competitive monster trucks on the planet, fans will get the opportunity to meet the drivers and see these incredible machines up close and personal on the Monster Truck Nitro Tour.: Monster Truck Nitro Tour

AMP Live Events is the nation's largest independently owned motorsports production company. We produce over 100 shows a year nationwide for fairs, festivals, rodeos and race tracks. The monster truck nitro tour has been producing high end monster truck events throughout the U.S. and Canada for over 30 years. Monster Truck shows, Monster Truck Ride Trucks, Freestyle Moto-x-jumping shows, Bull Riding shows, Drone Racing shows and more. No event to small or too big, we do them all and pack the grandstands!

"We got four really top-line monster trucks coming, plus we're going to be doing local tough trucks," Cameron Migues with the Monster Truck Nitro Tour said. "A lot of local people bringing out their own vehicles to see what they can do to hold up against our track."

Boss Gator, USA-1, Bear Foot and Lone Wolf, as well as Warrior will be some of the monster trucks spectators can expect. There will be a truck featuring many seats for ride opportunities. They will compete in racing, wheelie contests, and then rock the house with amazing freestyle action.

Before the shows, there will also be opportunities to meet the drivers and see the trucks up-close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party. The first will be from noon to 1 p.m. and the second from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

3a8082e126