Today’s a mixed bag of dirt, coins, and nostalgia. On one side, Motocross Madness (PC, 1998) invited players to shred through muddy tracks and wild stunts that gave Aussie PC cafés something to shout about. On the other, New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS, 2012) hit Nintendo handhelds with a coin-collecting frenzy, doubling down on side-scrolling tradition while testing just how far Mario’s golden obsession could go.
Motocross Madness (PC) 1998
At A Glance
Motocross Madness tore onto my beige beast of a PC in 1998, offering a wild blend of stunt-focused motorbike action and open-track exploration. The game combined realistic physics with arcade-style thrills, letting Aussie players launch over ramps, navigate treacherous trails, and pull off hair-raising tricks. Its playful yet challenging design made it a standout for racing fans and casual gamers alike, providing a virtual taste of motocross adrenaline from the comfort of home.
Gameplay Gist
Players could choose from multiple bikes and tracks, executing flips, wheelies, and combos while racing against AI or the clock. Motocross Madness emphasised both speed and skill, rewarding precise landings and daring stunts. The open environments allowed exploration beyond the main courses, while multiplayer modes offered competitive races that kept the local gaming community engaged.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
- Developed by Rainbow Studios, who later became known for the MX vs. ATV series.
- Utilised a unique physics engine that balanced realism with arcade fun.
- The game’s soundtrack included upbeat tracks that mirrored the high-energy motocross atmosphere.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Physics engine that allowed exaggerated yet believable stunts
- Open-world track exploration beyond standard races
- Stunt scoring system that rewarded creativity and risk
- Multiplayer racing for competitive stunt challenges
Any Controversies?
Some critics argued that Motocross Madness was too punishing for casual players, with crashes often negating carefully executed stunts. Overall, the feedback remained positive due to its thrilling gameplay and replayability.
Kinda Similar
Excitebike, Trials HD, MX vs. ATV Unleashed
Where To Play It Today
Search for Motocross Madness on eBay Australia
New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) 2012
At A Glance
New Super Mario Bros. 2 sprinted onto Australian 3DS systems in 2012, delivering a fresh take on the classic side-scrolling formula. With bright, colourful visuals and familiar yet polished platforming mechanics, it celebrated the joy of coin-collecting in Mario’s world. Aussie players enjoyed the blend of nostalgia and novelty, from tricky jumps to secret passages, all wrapped in a portable package perfect for gaming on the go.
Gameplay Gist
Players guided Mario or Luigi through vibrant levels filled with enemies, hazards, and abundant coins. New Super Mario Bros. 2 emphasised speed, precision, and chain-collecting coins to rack up high scores. Power-ups like the Gold Flower and Mega Mushroom added inventive twists, while the coin rush mechanics encouraged replaying stages for maximum collection. Multiplayer modes offered cooperative and competitive fun, keeping both casual and dedicated players engaged.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
- Developed by Nintendo EAD Tokyo, the team behind many classic Mario titles.
- The game was designed around coin collection as a core mechanic, pushing players to replay levels repeatedly.
- Introduced new power-ups that expanded the traditional Mario toolkit without disrupting classic gameplay.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Gold Flower power-up transforms blocks and enemies into coins
- Mega Mushroom for large-scale destruction and coin hoards
- Time-limited coin rush challenges encourage high replayability
- Secrets and hidden exits in nearly every level
Any Controversies?
Some purists debated that the focus on coin collection made the game less about traditional platforming. However, the majority praised New Super Mario Bros. 2 for its creativity and portable appeal.
Kinda Similar
Super Mario 3D Land, New Super Mario Bros., Yoshi’s New Island
Where To Play It Today
Search for New Super Mario Bros. 2 on eBay Australia
