Red Bull X-Fighters

Red Bull symbolises two things for me. First, it's obviously an energy drink with doubtful potency and terrible taste. I remember back in school when there was a popular myth going around that two cans would be the equivalent of speed. It wasn't quite like that and we soon realised that you'd get the same "buzz" from drinking anything containing as much sugar.

But it's not just an energy drink, it's also a disgusting vodka drink. Loud, obnoxious yokels at the local bars traded in their tray of shots for Red Bull Vodka somewhere around ten years ago (I hear some still drink the awful concoction). That's what Red Bull is to me, sugar water and drunken yokels.

But there is more to Red Bull. Zapping between channels during the years I've come to realise that Red Bull is the premier funder of extreme sports. And motocross is apparently something they want to associate their brand with. Cue this poorly disguised commercial on Xbox Live.

Now you're probably thinking that I'm not going to give this game a fair shake. A reviewer should always go into a job with no pre-existing notions, but that's hardly true if I'm honest.

Behind the menu there is a guy on a bike hanging in mid-air shaking his legs. He probably refers to himself and everyone around him as "dude", and he thinks what he's doing is "rad". Behind him you can see the Red Bull logo and the crowd is going wild. I quickly make my way through a simple tutorial and get started on the main game. I sort some missions in Mexico City and make my way to Egypt.

The design is boring and stiff. I travel around the world and unlock new bikes and jumpsuits without the slightest sense of being involved. The reason for this is the rather half-assed gameplay. I have previously played infinitely better games in the same genre.

There are several reasons why you shouldn't spend your money on Red Bull on wheels. First of all, it's not a great deal of fun. Without solid mechanics, it's just no fun learning tricks. Secondly, there are titles such as Joe Danger and Trials HD out there to compete with in the digital space. Two games in the very same genre that are seriously awesome. There is no reason to look closer at Red Bull X-Fighters, but every reason to check out Joe Danger and Trials HD if you have the appetite for a bit of motocross. And if you for some reason are a big fan of Red Bull there are far better games to play while you're getting your sugar rush on.