PIPE by BMX Streets

Graphics — 3.5/5

Pipe by BMX Streets system requirements are quite low: 598 MB of disk space and 4 GB RAM. That's why don't expect it to look like a masterpiece. The surroundings are bland and bleak: grey sky, grey concrete, grass and a lonely tree, decaying somewhere in the distance.

The ramp arena and stunt physics are the game's central focus. And they do feel pretty realistic. Speed acceleration, jumps, falls, flips — they do make you believe that you're a BMX genius. At least for a brief, sweet moment. The only strange anomaly is that sometimes you enter an elusive slow-motion mode. Probably it's been implemented as a movie effect. But, to be honest, it's not that enjoyable.

The only soundtrack you get is the squeaky and screechy sound of the bicycle chain. Perhaps it does feel way too Spartan. But maybe this acoustic & visual austerity is quite the brutal right thing a true champion needs to stay focused?

Gameplay — 4/5

You get two arenas: one located on seemingly a golf course, the other in the middle of the ocean. Ramps, half pipes, benches and so forth are scattered all over them. As you mount the bike, you can practice and refine various stunts:

• Bar Turn.
• Decade.
• Invert.
• Moto Whip.
• Tabletop.
• Turndown.
• Toboggan.
• Alleypoop and other.

Sadly such tricks as Footjam tailwhip and Superman aren't available so far.

At the moment there are no rewards to conquer or rivals to vanquish. And which is worse no new maps, upgrades, cosmetics or advanced bike models to unlock. Despite excellent physics and considerable arena sizes, the game quickly loses its flavour. Unless you're a BMX maniac and rehearsing the stunts over and over is enough for you. Let's wait for the Pipe by BMX Streets update.

Controls — 2.5/5

You cannot play this game without a gamepad. It is mandatory to have plus performing stunts is virtually impossible without the micro-control precision.

Replay Value — 4/5

Sadly, there's not much to do here, except going for that half pipe one more time. The game will stop being Pipe by BMX Streets demo when they add more arenas: parks, trails, flatland, urban zone etc. Online competition, unlockable trophies and bike tuning would be delicious treats as well.

Conclusion

Pipe by BMX Streets game has enormous potential. So far it looks and sounds very ascetic. It offers only two maps, features no bike customization and contains no reward system. At the same time, it's amazing how much you can do when improvising new tricks. Our Pipe by BMX Streets review suggests you try it, if experimenting with backflips has been on your bucket list, but you don't fancy getting bruised.