MX vs. ATV Alive has been released ahead of the scheduled 12 May release date in Australia, now available in selected stores nationwide.

This new title features enhanced physics, intense bar-to-bar action, and an in-game digital store that allows players to customize their game experience with a myriad of downloadable items, bikes, tracks and more.

MX vs. ATV Alive is available for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, featuring James Stewart’s personal motocross compound that has been meticulously recreated.

According to game developer THQ Inc, MX vs. ATV Alive is the most realistic incarnation of the franchise, due in large part to upgrades made to the game’s physics engine.

The newly added bar-to-bar functionality allows for more bone-jarring, intense collisions between riders.

A leveling system enables players to evolve and upgrade their rider via an experience system which awards points for position, jumps, passes, and other variables.

Along with including more than 50 professional riders, other franchise features have returned including track deformation and the Rider Reflex control system.

“MX vs. ATV Alive features action-packed gameplay, tons of new features, and finely tuned, intuitive controls which we are certain will appeal not only to our hardcore fans but also newcomers to the franchise,” said David Schwartz, general manager of THQ Digital Studios Phoenix.

Downloadable content is also a large feature of the new Alive game in the MX vs. ATV series. The game’s innovation doesn’t end with its development, as MX vs. ATV Alive also features a new digital download strategy.

“Our ‘a la carte’ online distribution method gives players the flexibility to expand their gaming experience their way,” said Michael Lustenberger, vice president, Global Brand Management – Online/Digital.

Players will be able to download free digital items and purchase new content, including vehicles featuring real-life racing brands such as Yamaha, Suzuki, and KTM.

MotoOnline.com.au members have the opportunity to win copies of the game during each and every round remaining in our MX Nationals Fantasy League series (see iMoto Community Forum for details).

Once again this year, MotoOnline.com.au will be hosting Australia’s number one online competitions for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 systems, scheduled to commence next month.