Have you ever lost a round of a game just because you landed a few degrees off? I have, more times than I'd like to admit. Mad Skills Motocross 2 has a strange kind of pull: the rules come down to a handful of keys, yet every single jump is a small puzzle of balance and throttle timing. There's nothing to download. Open a tab and you're racing.
Quick Facts About Mad Skills Motocross 2
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Genre | Side-scrolling dirt bike racing |
| How to play | Right in your browser, no download |
| Opponent | One rival rider per race |
| Developer | Turborilla (Sweden) |
| Highlights | Ramp jumps, flips, bike upgrades |
How Does A Race Go?
- You line up at the start and hold the throttle the moment the race begins.
- On gentle slopes, keep a steady pace. When a ramp appears, get ready.
- While airborne, adjust the bike's angle to match the ground ahead.
- Once you touch down, hit the gas again and charge for the finish line.
It sounds simple, but the third step is where every race is really decided.
Three Keys, Three Personalities
Throttle: The Friend Who Lets You Down
Holding the gas is the fastest way up a hill, and also the fastest way to flip over. What I've learned is that short, steady bursts of throttle are far more stable than pinning it.
Tilt: The Skill Most Worth Practicing
The A and D keys (or the left and right arrows) let you frontflip, backflip, and, more importantly, fix your landing angle. Flips look cool, but only attempt them when you have enough height.
Brake: Don't Underestimate It
Besides slowing you down, the brake can bring the front wheel down while you're in the air.
Mistakes I Keep Making
- Holding full throttle all the way to the end of a jump
- Flipping without enough height
- Watching my own bike and forgetting to look at the ground ahead
- Upgrading speed first and handling later
If you catch yourself making all four, congratulations, you play just like me.
Why Has This Game Lasted So Long?
The mobile version launched on February 20, 2014, and after the 2.0 update added Versus mode, a leveling system, and Pro Career, the player count passed 15 million. In my view, the secret is the bike physics: when you lose, it's your own mistake and never the game cheating, so you always want to try again.
FAQ
Does Mad Skills Motocross 2 cost anything to play?
No. The web version is free and runs right in your browser.
What should I upgrade first?
I'd suggest handling first, speed second.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes, but a keyboard still feels more precise.
Why do I keep flipping over when I land?
Usually your bike's angle isn't parallel to the ground when the wheels touch down, or you're still holding too much throttle.
Want More Speed?
Once you're comfortable with the jumps, you can switch things up with another motorcycle game. I'd suggest trying Motorcycle Keyboard +1 Speed, where the keyboard becomes your tool for pushing speed even higher. It's a sensible pick for keeping your reflexes sharp after your rounds of Mad Skills Motocross 2.
