There are two certainties – the landing has to be perfect, and the ground is hard. Miss the former and the latter will make you pay.

Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX, an Activision 02 and Gray Matter release, brings the world of BMX trick riding to the PC with the same aplomb that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 rendered. In fact, this game uses the same game engine as the Tony Hawk product.

The graphics are sterling, the tricks are very well animated, and the game is a definite challenge.

Hit the ramp and grab major air to pull off a fakie superman, or grind the edge in the half-pipe to score points. The more tricks you pull consecutively, the more likely you are to trigger the special meter, which shows you are in the zone and able to pull off bigger tricks.

There are eight riders to choose from in the game, bringing some of the top names in the world of BMX to the screen. Of course there is Hoffman, but there is also Mike Escamilla, Cory Nastazio, Joe Kowalski, Rick Thorne, Dennis McCoy, Kevin Robinson, and Simon Tabron. Each rider has a bag full of tricks – some that at unique to that rider. Roll in eight courses (most of which can only be unlocked in career mode), and three customizable bikes, and you have a game that is ripe with options and high-flying fun.

Game options include single player, career mode, two-player mode (go head-to-head) and free ride. There is also a park editor that allows players to create unique environments with its three-dimensional design mode.

The graphics are very well done. The courses are crisp and the riders (viewed from a third-person perspective) really convey the feel of the sport. Miss the landing and you will hear the ‘oomph’ from the riders as well as a little spatter of blood as exposed flesh meets hard wood, concrete or metal.

The sound is replete with a pulse-pounding soundtrack that is geared to have your heart pounding and instilling you with the fearlessness to attempt some of the bigger tricks.

Players can customize the controls, and while the game works well with the keyboard controls, a game pad really allows for better play.

This game really has only one difficulty level – which will either weed out the newbies from the veterans in this style of gaming, or encourage the newcomer to get better with controls.

Multiplayer options include a game of ‘Horse’ in a one-on-one best trick format. Remember that only one rider at a time is able to run a course, hence the multiplayer games are limited. In the multiplayer game, you can tag obstacles by performing solid tricks off them. You opponent can steal that tag with a better trick.

Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX is a terrific simulation. It requires great reflexes, knowledge of the courses you are running, and quick decision-making – especially when the clock is ticking down on your attempt, and you are behind in points.

This program is rated for Everyone. A 3D-accelerator card is required to play this program.

Install: Easy
The game installs quickly, and requires almost 600 megs of hard-drive space.

Gameplay: 8.5
Once you are in run, be prepared for non-stop action.

Graphics: 8.5
The animation is sterling; the environmental graphics are very well done.

Sound: 7.5.
The musical soundtrack is excellent, though there are not a lot of other sound effects incorporated here that are worth noting.

Difficulty: 8.5
You really have to be on your toes, ignore the scenery and concentrate on hitting the jumps right and lining up the wheels for landing.

Concept: 8.
This program really captures the sport well. Yes, it looks a lot like the Tony Hawk’s title, but why re-invent the wheel when you already have the framework there.

Multiplayer: 7
This game is a little short on multiplayer options, but considering the format of the sport, that was to be expected.

Overall: 8
A very well-designed program that is challenging and entertaining. The crashes will make you cringe, while the aerials will thrill.