Review by Jon Donnis
Stunt X Mania (SXM) is a VR motocross game built around one simple idea, learn to ride, learn the tricks and then see how far you can push yourself. Rather than making freestyle motocross feel like a collection of instant button presses, SXM puts more emphasis on actually controlling the bike and earning those spectacular moments.
The controls are one of the game's strongest aspects. Shifting and braking feel intuitive, while the motorcycle has a convincing sense of weight and movement. There is also a manual gear system for players who want greater control over their bike. It takes some practice to become comfortable with the clutch and gears, particularly when you are also trying to concentrate on landing a stunt, but thankfully there is a simplified option for anyone who wants a simpler experience.
The riding itself is enjoyable enough that the objectives are not always necessary. Free Roam provides a useful space to practise without timers or targets, and simply tearing around the dirt tracks can be good fun. The combination of speed, uneven terrain and aerial manoeuvres gives the game plenty of excitement.
SXM also gets its stunt system right. There are 12 authentic FMX tricks to learn, including Superman, Tsunami, Cliff Hanger, Heel Clicker, Lazy Boy, One-Hand Heart Attack, 9 o'clock Nac and MC Metz. You can begin with wheelies and endos before working towards the more demanding tricks and eventually attempting to chain manoeuvres together in mid-air.
That progression gives the game some longevity. The more advanced stunts are not simply handed to you, so improving your technique has a tangible purpose. Career Mode adds further structure through points and timers, while Challenges Mode provides specific objectives designed to test particular aspects of your riding.
Customisation is another welcome addition. Players can change their rider's clothing and helmet, as well as modify parts of the bike including the engine and exhaust. It is not the main reason to play SXM, but it gives you some opportunity to make the rider and machine feel more personal.
The presentation is less impressive. The graphics do the job, but they are functional rather than spectacular. With the game placing so much emphasis on the physical experience of riding, the visual presentation can feel secondary.
Unfortunately, motion sickness was a much bigger problem for me. I found SXM particularly uncomfortable in VR and struggled to play for more than around 20 minutes at a time. The problem was most noticeable on tracks with lots of bumps and grooves, where the constant virtual bouncing became unpleasant. This will obviously depend on the individual player, but for anyone susceptible to VR motion sickness, it is an important drawback.
The steep learning curve may also put some players off. While the basic riding controls are approachable, mastering the more complicated tricks requires patience and repeated practice. That will appeal to players who enjoy having something to master, but it can be frustrating if you are expecting immediate success.
There is also no multiplayer at present. That feels like a missed opportunity for a game based around stunts, scores and riding ability. Co-op sessions and competitive multiplayer lobbies are planned, but until those arrive, SXM remains a strictly solo experience.
The music helps maintain the game's energetic atmosphere, with electronic and synthwave tracks accompanying the action, while the dynamic sound effects add to the impact of riding and performing tricks.
Stunt X Mania (SXM) therefore has a solid core. The motorcycle controls are satisfying, the stunt system gives you plenty to learn and the automatic option prevents the manual transmission from becoming a barrier for less experienced players. There is also enough variety between Career Mode, Challenges and Free Roam to give you different reasons to keep riding.
Its biggest weakness is the VR experience itself. For me, the motion sickness was severe enough to significantly limit how long I could play, and the lack of multiplayer currently leaves the game feeling like it is missing an important feature.
If you are comfortable with VR movement and enjoy the idea of gradually mastering freestyle motocross, Stunt X Mania is worth a look. If motion sickness is already a problem for you, however, this is one I would approach very cautiously.
For now, I score Stunt X Mania (SXM) 7 out of 10.
Out Now on MetaQuest
