Downhill Mayhem is a fast-paced 3D mountain bike racing game where players race down steep mountain roads using their driving abilities, stunt shows and competitive tactics. The game has stunning races against AI opponents, a Boost system from awesome stunts and violent crashes on the downhill sections.
Speed, Skill and Downhill Mayhem Fighting
Downhill Mayhem's basic attraction is in the combination of three features that are typical for racing sports games:
High Speed Racing
You can stop pedalling, because the pull of the hill will push you ahead. Your job is to control your speed sensibly, braking hard before the hairpin curves, sliding around obstacles and using the straightaways to pick up speed. The physics require you to feel inertia and the right timing to brake or accelerate.
Performing Stunts
The unique aspect is that you're not just trying to survive, but also to "shine." Jumps from wooden ramps are opportunities to perform aerial stunts like No Hander (Z), Superman (X), or Heel Clicker (C). Each successful stunt fills your Boost (Nitro) bar. The more tricks you perform in a single jump, the more energy you gain. However, be careful! Failed landings will cause you to fall and lose valuable time.
Combat
This feature sets Downhill Mayhem apart from other racing games. You can press E to punch or F to kick competing racers when they get too close. The goal? To knock them off their bikes and take the lead. The game particularly encourages boldness: a kick that hits an opponent in mid-air will earn you a valuable reward called Air Strike. And don't forget, the AI opponents will also play dirty against you if they get the chance.
Feature Summary
| Feature | Detailed Description |
|---|
| Genre | 3D Mountain Bike Racing, Arcade Action Style |
| Number of Opponents | 5 AI racers with intelligent gameplay and the ability to "give and take" |
| Main Mechanism | Accelerate, perform aerial tricks to recharge Boosts, attack opponents |
| Routes | Classic, Timberline, Rockgarden and a randomly generated Daily track each day |
| Difficulty | Chill, Mayhem, Brutal - increasing challenge |
| Controls | WASD/Arrow Keys; Shift (Boost); Z/X/C (Tricks); E/F (Attack) |
| Special Features | Ghost Mode (review old runs), CRT filter for classic style |
Tips For Conquest
Brake At The Right Time
Don't brake suddenly in the middle of a corner. Brake before entering corners for better entry angles and speed control.
Utilize Boost
Don't waste your full energy bar. Use Shift to accelerate on long straights, uphill sections, or sprints to the finish line.
Continuous Tricks
Concentrate on doing many aerial jumps in a combo. This will recharge Boost faster than individual jumps.
Drafting
Stay close to your opponent to reduce drag, then use Boost to overtake them.
Calculated Attacks
Only attack when you are sure you can manage the handlebars. If you miss a punch, you can go off the course.
Master difficult slopes, do incredible acrobatics and outclass all rivals to become the finest racer in Downhill Mayhem.
