Grind it, baby! No need to be so shy, go for that nosepick! Whoa, before we get angry letters from distraught adults, everything described above is perfectly valid in the world of BMX freestyle.

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Maximum Remix, an Acclaim and Z-Axis release for the PlayStation console, is a fast-paced excursion through the world of BMX bike riding, complete with time limits, a bevy of tricks at your disposal, and some courses that will challenge you to soar to new heights as you pull off gravity-defying feats on the BMX bicycle.

If you have indulged in the PC version of this program, you will find the PS game almost identical. Of course, this is the Maximum Remix version, which means that the game comes not only with the game disk, but an additional disk with 13 pulse-pounding songs (featured in the soundtrack of the program).

As for the game, there are 10 stunt professionals featured here, each one has particular skills and abilities, which will help you, reach the individual goals of the game. Many of the advanced tracks, and bikes, are locked out until you are able to accomplish the preliminary goals of the game. For example, you start at the Carnival where you have four objectives, which include jumping obstacles, accomplishing two grinds on separate apparatus, and scoring a certain amount of points. Accomplishing these goals allows you to advance to the next level. There are 15 challenge-based levels in all.

You don’t have to accomplish everything in one timed run. You can knock off the challenges as you work through a level. You will be required to ride on dirt, the street and grab a little vert action. There are 19 default levels – three in your hometown, four in Greenville, and four at Woodward before you step up to the Pro Tour.

Speed and air are your two biggest allies in this game. In some skill challenges, you are required to go for distance. You can only accomplish that if you have enough speed, and you time the jump almost exactly.

The graphics of the program are solid – not as good as the PC version, but still a lot of fun. The game includes force feedback in the controls so that every time you bite it, you will get a vibrating reminder of that. The controls are quite simple to use. You combine the function keys with the D-pad to pull off amazing aerobatics. Multiple key stabs will result in more complicated maneuvers. Spend some time in the Free Ride, and you will get all the basics needed to succeed early in the program.

The sound, using music from such bands as Cypress Hill and Rancid, powers the game along.

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX Maximum Remix is a terrific PlayStation title. It is complicated, features solid graphics, high-flying player-controlled action and outstanding soundtrack.

This program is rated for Everyone.

Install: N/A.

Gameplay: 8.
You battle a clock on a course that is full of opportunity. If there is a problem with the game board, it lies in point-of-view. You really can’t look up to see where certain apparatus may be located to accomplish challenges.

Graphics: 8.
The polygonals are a little sharp-edged, but otherwise the animations are sharp and the environmental graphics are well designed.

Sound: 9.
While the action effects may be submerged behind the music, it is the music that powers this program.

Difficulty: 8.
Like its PC counterpart, this is a progressive game in which players advance abilities a little at a time.

Concept: 8.
Because this program is virtually identical to its PC cousin, that impacts the scoring in this category. However, including the bonus CD of the songs is a wonderful touch.

Multiplayer: 5
The game will support multiplayer action, but only in terms of single runs and points scored.

Overall: 8.
This is the type of game that combines both some thought, as well as good control of the game pad. It is enjoyable, and looks pretty good. This is a high-flying winner.