Pure Enjoyment
The game even models wind resistance; shirts ripple more as your speed increases.
With Pure, Baja: Edge of Control, and Motorstorm: Pacific Rift being released within weeks of each other, console owners may be overwhelmed with the deluge of off-road racing titles. Gamers looking for intuitive, arcade-inspired thrills, an accessible stunt system, and a plethora of content will find plenty of enjoyment in Pure. After playing through the game devotedly for a week, we found the title to be one of the top examples of the racing/trick genre since 2000’s SSX for the Playstation 2.
Gameplay is delightfully simple- players use the right trigger to accelerate, while the left trigger applies the brakes. Players perform stunts by pressing a face button along with a direction on the controller at the peak of their jump, accruing boost. Players may either apply the boost to rocket past rivals, or cache it, allowing for a more intricate trick set. The other additional gameplay faucet is preloading- players move the control stick down to store power, until they reach a hill’s apex. Then they quickly snap the stick up to release a bit of stored kinetic energy, extending the length and duration of the jump.
In multiplayer matches, it seems no one actually sits on their ATV.
Pure features three modes of gameplay: Sprint, Race, and Freestyle. Sprint’s emphasis in on speed, and thus contains a minimal amount of places to catch large amounts of air. Race mode balances speed with hilly terrain across three laps with fifteen competitors. Finally, Freestyle is reminiscent of one of Tony Hawk’s multiplayer modes- players have a set time to maximize their trick score. All modes are available online; we found little to no lag in fifteen player races. If fifteen racers can’t be found, competitive AI racers will be substituted.
Graphically, the developers at Black Rock Studios did an amazing job. The framerate is consistently steady, without a hint of screen tearing. The game creates a remarkable sense of speed as the player whips around corners, and across euphoric jumps. The game contains over forty tracks that are from twelve locations around the world, representing glaciers, forests, and desert. The game’s attention to detail is astounding: from the mud that collects on riders and ATVs, to the distinct patterns of flora, Pure amazes on multiple levels.
The game displays an amazing amount of geometry.
Typically, games this attractive cut corners elsewhere. When we first heard of the game’s ability to modify ATVs we were worried- we thought this would be a half-hearted effort that served little purpose beyond a retail box bullet. However, this section of the game is intricately detailed with real world parts, and a myriad of options. Often in racing games, developers stimulate tension by using a ‘rubber-band’ mode; racers following the leader have a higher top speed, thereby penalizing a skillful player. Luckily, Pure forgoes this trapping; while the AI can be difficult, it is nearly always fair.
Finding fault in Pure is difficult. One graphical flourish we weren’t enthusiastic about was the decision to darken the corners of the screen. While we presume this was an attempt to simulate a rider’s goggled perspective, to us it looked like our LCD was in need of repair. Load times were a bit long, but nowhere near the waits shown by Motorstorm.
Thumbs up? Looks more like a thumbs down for you, daredevil.
Overall, Pure is an example of game that is expertly crafted. It is clear that the game is a result of superior design decisions, adroit programming, and masterful artist talent. Racing fans and those seeking a quick adrenaline rush have a duty to experience this wonderful title.
Final Grade: A
Wow, sounds great.
I’m still amazed that this Disney game is getting such high scores.
Sound like pure fun. is there split screen multiplayer, and if so how is the framerate?
Great review. I d/led the demo, but never got around to playing it. Now, I will.
While the graphics sound nice, I was just listening to the 1up Show. Shane was going nuts on Motorstorm: PR’s graphics. Shadows, textures, the while 9.
Those pics are amazing. I haven’t found an extreme game I really liked since SSX tricky. Might give this a spin.
Racing going be fun in xbl while compeeteing and racing with other players
This sounds like an interesting game, but it has a lot to prove, seeing as all previous ATV games haven’t exactly lived up to expectations. Although this one does look a heck of a lot better than the other ones.
It’s on my buy list. I really enjoyed the demo, but theres so many games coming out right now.
For a disney game this one is sorta non traditional . Its one of the better atv games out there.
Bought it on Monday, and so far I’ve put about 15 hours into it. $50 well spent.
Haha, I though that same thing about the edges when I played the demo.
My buddy said it looked like my Tv was dying.
has nothing on motorstorm, man.
Looks like a great arcadey racing game, great for pick up and play.
All we need now is some Road Rash gameplay mechanics added in.
I’ve got my eye on this game. May have to get a copy.
No rubber band driving means it’s a lot better than average. Worth a try, perhaps.
Looks good, now we just need some added Road Rash gameplay!
I played the demo, pretty amazing game!
would buy. good review too guys!
those pics look great. I bought ATV vs. MX went it went on sale on Target, and while good, I feel it’s worth about the $22 I paid for it.
Sounds good. $60 good, I’m not so sure….
Great review. I’m glad to hear that it actually lives up to the fun of the demo, which really reminded me of the fun I had playing SSX Tricky.
Rented this tonight. I might have to get it once I see a sale. Great review, people.
The demo blew me away, I sort of enjoyed the PS2 ATV games but this was just amazingly fun.
interesting review, now i need to play the demo, to prove myself that this is a good game
Still need to try this out.
Great review. I played the demo about 20 times.
Had I not played the demo I would be skeptic of the score. I can see how this a great game not just for offroaders but anyone looking for a old school fun game.
I tried the demo and really liked it. Great review. I’m looking forward to playing the full version when I get some cash to pick it up.
game looks great
Loved the demo. Good review as well. My friends say it’s like SSX with ATVs. 😀
The demo made me reconsider this game even if Disney is publishing it.
when i first found out that disney was making it, i thought it would suck, but when i played the demo, i was impressed. it was pretty fun. 😀
Great review, Demo was sick. after playing it i want it.
Haven’t played a racing game I would enjoy in years… and this looks to be one I may like to play. Very interested in it from what I seen.
I didn’t even know it was made from Disney, the demo doesn’t have anything kiddie about it. I enjoyed it and will consider buying it after the price goes down a bit, right now for 60 bucks,PURE isn’t getting any love from me. I have to save some for the rest of this falls line up.
Looks interesting, but I’d rather get it for free!
I’ve been wondering how this game was.
SSX is a great comparison. The way it blends tricks with over the top jumps is amazing.
This could be the best thing Disney has made since Tron. I really want this game.
I think this game will surprise a lot of people from the quality to the Disney logo on the side.
Of course, some people might expect just another off road racer or be turned off by the logo. I hope not.
I liked the demo but not enough to buy it for 60 dollars. I was surprised that Disney was publishing the game as well.
Hmmm, maybe I’ll give that one a go.
After reading this i might go and buy the game.
Seems like a decent arcade racer with some nice visuals. Surprised to see it published by Disney Interactive, though. The last game I played that was published by them was Tron 2.0.
Looks hot, but not for $60. I think this will drop quickly in price, with all the other offroad games.
Looks cool but probably not for $60.
PURE Excitement!!! GREAT REVIEW!! MUST HAVE!!!
wow, an ‘A’. i did not see that coming. guess ill have to take another look at it.
this game looks amazing! i can’t wait to buy it.
Just played the demo great racing game.
This game look mad crazy. They added new tricks to the game and the game play looks to crazy and cant wait till the game comes out.
Pure wasn’t on my radar at all, so I was surprised to see such high praise for the game. I’m not normally into extreme sport racing games but I gave the demo a try and liked it very much!
I hope I win! seriously looks like an awesome game.
Game looks amazing I would love to win a copy of it.
Thx
I know how to make a comment!
this is a very cool game, you get fly very high into the air and do awesome stunts!
yeah i’m not even into racing games and i enjoyed the demo, i really dig this game, to bad i’m a freaking starving college kid.
I loved the demo, and will probably pick this up.
i hear this game is supposed ot rock face. i can’t wait to try it.
This game looks great, i will have to try it out!
game looks really cool, i should get it from gamefly
This actually looks pretty fun. I don’t think i would pay $60 for it, but i would certainly put plenty of hours into it eventually. There’s just so much to play 🙂
That review was ‘pure’ genius, LOL. Great game.
this sounds awesome,,luved old mx style games,,ur review tech is 5* too..
The game sounds freaking amazing, plus great review!
It really looks and sounds like it is cool.
I heard good things about this game on the CAGcast. Looks fun.
Great review!
This game is sick
That third screenshot is amazing.
Ok, I broke down and bought it today after this and three other glorious reviews. Here’s my short review:
This game kicks ass.
It’s alot of fun, and I got to get back to it now. Thanks for the info!
Wow, maybe I should give this game a chance. It’s not really getting out their to consumers. =p
This actually looks pretty cool, I may have to buy it.
This actually looks pretty good.
You’ve just convinced me to download the demo and give this a shot. If it’s like SSX…I should like this.
im generally not interested in these types of games, but this one looks great
This game looks insane.
awesome man
dirty
Looks like a great game. I can’t wait to play it. It’s Probably the biggest jumps I’ve ever seen in a game, plus tricks on top of that. What a rush!
this game looks sick! would love to play it
I love the graphics yo. Forshizzle. Haha I just pooped my pants…
This is a pretty sweet game in the fact that the racing aspect looks great. I hope it is pulled off better than other 360 games that try to be racing.
Played the demo and it really looks and plays great. Love those air tricks and the speed when you hit the button! Really cool game!
I love arcadey, over-the-top games like this. If you want realism, why don’t you just ride an actual ATV? Me, I want to jump 50 feet in the air and do a superman off the back end of my vehicle.
The demo was pretty damn fun, I don’t really play racing games due to the wild spinouts and horrible controls but this one handled very well. Very impressed for a Disney game. It’s on our list for the kids this X-mas.
Looks awesome.
Suprised to find mysefl playing the demo several times. Very fun, and will be picking this up!
loved the demo
I was completely blown away by the demo. After playing a lot of these extreme off-road games, I’m a bit tired of them. This one really went for arcade and succeeded. I think its way undererated.
The demo is awesome. Going to pick up this game for sure.
I don’t understand why the game has faucets though. Looks sweet!
Played the demo and it was surprisingly fun.
I was skeptical about all the hype, but the demo was great! I am psyched about this game!
Nice Review. I think I’m going to dl the demo later and try it out.
Game looks good. Would love to add it to my collection 🙂
Loved the demo, looking forward to playing the full game some time.
So all in all, do you think this would be better as a rental for a week, a purchase, or wait until it can be found used?
It’s a decent review, but I’d like to see a final opinion as to what value you place on the product.
I’m usually into FPS type games, but Pure looks pretty sweet.
I played the demo. ITs pretty awesome. Its like Excite Truck on ATVS
I played the demo on PS3, and it was pretty good. Just wondering if there are any differences between xbox vs. 360?
I downloaded the demo without knowing what it was, and when I saw it was offroad racing I almost deleted it without giving it a try. Luckily I decided to give it a shot, and loved it – VERY reminiscent of SSX. Excellent review, I’m definitely picking this one up at some point.
I downloaded the demo. The game is really fun, it reminds me of burnout mixed with SSX.
Nice review. I just tried the demo as well. It’s pretty tempting, I haven’t really played an ATV game since ATV Offroad 2 on my PS2.
I’m definately going to download the demo. Looks like a great game. More than likely I’ll pick it up. Aw! My wallet hurts already! 🙂
Hmm… demo time
Just saw the totally rad show review it, gonna download the demo soon.
Might be the first time in a long time that a racing game has gotten my attention.
Looks pretty, might actually give it a shot.
very groovy baby~~
Wow. Who would not like the game. The graphics look great. Can’t wait
i played the demo and it reminded me a lot of ssx….which is a good thing.
I just downloded the demo last night, haven’t tried it but I’ve heard it’s a blast.
Looks good, might download the demo. Sounds like ATV offroad fury to me….
I am actually very interested in this game now. I thought it would be nothing special, but it seems to be worth getting.
Glad it’s more arcade style than simulation.
The demo reminds me of Excite Truck, only more exciting. Seems like an awesome game.
This looks awesome! Can’t wait to try it out…
This is a throwback arcade racer with new aged graphics. I’m looking forward to this!
I’ll be downloading the demo for this tonight, for sure. Looks like a great game though.
I LOVED the demo for this. Was really surprised to learn it was developed by Disney.
I don’t normally have any interest in this type of game, but this one looks like it’s worth a shot!
demo was pretty fun and reviews have been positive so far so im definitely interested in picking this up
This game looks friggin sweet. I am all into this one.
I heard good things from most of the podcasts at 1UP.com.
everybody seems to think this is like ssx, so that definitely gets my attention.
There’s a demo?
Wow, an ATV event that’s in the SSX peer group. All these off-road games seem to lack the basic principle of FUN. Glad to see this might change my outlook on ATVers.
I loved the demo. It had “GOTY” written all over it and hopefully I’ll get to play the full game soon!
The demo for this game is amazing. It reminds of of ssx tricky on ATV’s. The scenery is what makes the game for me. Man is it beautiful.
I loved the demo for this game, and I really hope I can pick it up soon.
Really does look like a good ATV game. Hoping to get it.
Man That Game Looks Amazing I would die for a copy of that man.
This game is awesome, it reminds of playing SSX or something similar. Very over-the-top but incredibly fun in a videogame way.
Graphics look neat.
Hot damn, the game looks good. I got the Motorstorm beta, looks ok, no better than the first.
Looks like a lot of fun. Will be looking forward to playing it.
Wow, its been a while since ive seen a game like this. Cant wait for it to release! Graphics look incredible!
This games look awesome, wish it was for PC so i could play it… Still a awesome game
I enjoyed the demo, and I’ll definitely think about getting it in the future.
I loved the demo. It satisfied my SSX fix for racing with wild stunts.
I thought the demo was pretty awesome. I’m actually playing it again right now. I like the graphic style and the gameplay is great and fun as hell.
The demo was amazing and I’m sure the full game is even better! Great review.
If the demo is any indication, this game is awesome! I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
if the demo was sick, i think this game will be twice as good.
Amazing off road racing game. Trick system plays great. Visuals are something to be experienced. Would urge everyone to pick up the demo and try it out yourself at no cost.
Been a while since I’ve wanted to play an ATV racing game. Looks like a nice mix of MotorStorm, MX vs. ATV and Excite Bike.
I enjoyed the demo to this game, and usually I don’t enjoy racing type games. I thought your review is spot on.
Enjoyed the demo and looking forward to the game…nice review.
Yeah. The graphics and mechanics in this game look stunning.
Havn’t checked out the demo yet, but I have been looking up on this title and it looks sick! Great Review!!!
Demo is sick. This game will certainly be added to the collection somewhere. Nice review!
The graphics look fantastic. Not generally a genre I buy but I may go for this.
Played the Xbox 360 demo, it was awesome!
Might buy it, thanks for the backbone on the Rating 🙂
I wasn’t expecting much of this game, but after playing the demo, I am interested in playing the full version.
Wow! Can’t wait to try this out! Sounds awesome!
ATV Offroad was my first PS2 game, and I am itching to get back to some offroad racing. Loved the demo.
Pure goodness! Woot… check out my phat loot!
This game looks great! the demo was awesome. So much fun. Definitely picking this one up in the future
I’m usually not into this kind of game, but this looks really cool.
I am an offroad junkie, and any racing game in this genre is worth trying. There have been some huge disappointments like “4×4 EVO” for the Xbox1 and IMO “Mx vs ATV” also for Xbox1. But Motorstorm and Pure are top-notch!! I downloaded the demo and absolutely hooked. Within a couple of minutes i was doing some gnarly tricks and racing like a pro. The flow of the game is so smooth and the physics are very wildly enjoyable. Definitely try the demo. Its worth the download and really worth the $$$ for the full game.
From what I played in the demo (which I played extensively mind you), It really is a great game. Reminded me a lot of all the hours I’ve put into Skate and SSX3.
Demo was good, usually means the game will be too.
nice review
i loved the demo of this game i cant wait to get to play the full version but in these rough economic times i dont know when i could get a hold of a copy. if only i could win a copy.
awesome
Im not usually into racers but the demo suprised me. Looking forward to picking this one up
I loved the demo, i’d get it if I wasn’t so darn poor 🙁
Great review. I’m usually not a fan of the genre but I’m definitely going to have to check this one out…
I’m excited to play PURE and hopefully someone gives me a copy. Great review though and the screenshots you guys took look amazing.
Everything looks very exciting,thanks for the very informative review.
downloaded the demo and it was crazy the graphics are on point fun gameplay good controlling hottest game like that in a while worth the money
ill give it an 8.9/10
Loved the demo. Can’t wait to get the game!
This game sounds pretty sweet, I havent played a good racing game in while, Mx vs Atv was a big let down.
Wombat and ship were pimping it lately on CAG.
This looks great!
I loved the demo. The graphics and tricks in this game are amazing.
This game looks awesome!
The demo was pretty damn fun I must admit. I usually don’t get into racing games but this looks good.
i don’t play many racing games but i found the demo to be very enjoyable.
I’m not big into racing games but I really got into Burnout Paradise. I have yet to try the demo for this but I’ve heard really good things.
CheapyD says it gave his wife motion sickness!
I would get this game, but there are far too many interesting games coming out this year that take higher priority for me, including Fable 2, Gears of War 2, Mirror’s Edge, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, and Prince of Persia. I’d love to get it for free though. >_>
This game looks great! It does seem hard to choose a new ATV game with all these new choices now…
I’ve played the demo for this game it’s amazing. I really liked this review it was really well thought out, and to the point.
Okay controls, but I prefer a more arcade like-feel for my racer. I’d stick with my Mario Cart Wii for now.
This game is fantastic! Can’t believe it’s Disney!
I played the demo, and I really had a good time with it. It reminded me of a really floaty SSX.
You guys sure do give a lot of As, don’t you? 😛
This game looks pretty awesome! I hope I win!
played the demo its alot of fun
Actually, this site is pretty fair. They give a lot of bad scores (check out the Star wars games).
I’m really excited about PURE. I had so much fun with the demo!
nice thx
I love the demo.I can’t wait to get this game!!!!
This has become a bit of a sleeper hit for me…fell in love with the demo, and will definitely get Pure, one way or another.
Great review, btw
I was very interested in this title after I saw a making of featurette, and after playing the demo and seeing all the glowing reviews my interest has only been compounded. The only question I have is… where’s Mickey Mouse and Pluto?
Pure looks great. Getting pretty good reviews. Really surprised it’s a Disney title.
Hope to check this game out soon, looks like fun.
Awesome review, looks like a fun game
I’ve been thinking about Pure. I remember loving the first MX vs ATV game on the PS2, but I’d want a demo before I buy this one.
Played the demo for 360 and it was awesome. I def wasn’t expecting it to be that good and now would love to play the full version.
Cool game! Sounds awesome!
I loved the demo!
Looks cool!
This game looks great. Going to download the demo and check it out tonight!
Way better than any ATV Offroad Fury
The demo for the game was awesome! creative idea!
That looks like an awesome game, good review too.Thanks
I have a friend that works at Rainbow Studios. I was wondering what they thought of the competition. Plays great, I plan on scrounging for it!
The demo was fun, reminded me of the EA big games from the last gen systems
looks great, love HD racing games.
Some time ago, I did need to buy a building for my business but I didn’t earn enough money and could not purchase anything. Thank God my dude suggested to try to take the mortgage loans at reliable bank. So, I did that and used to be satisfied with my secured loan.