Monster Trucks Nitro
Sidescrolling monster truck racing with nitrous-boosted flips.
Monster Trucks Nitro is a series of platform racing video games from Ubisoft RedLynx. The first title launched on December 19, 2008 for Flash, Windows, and Mac OS X, with an iOS version following on March 27, 2009. A sequel, Monster Trucks Nitro 2, came out on April 5, 2010, only for iOS. Players control a monster truck's throttle, brakes, and pitch as they move through levels. The original game earned mixed reviews, scoring 54% on GameRankings for the PC version. The sequel generally received higher marks, holding an 80/100 aggregate on Metacritic.
The series uses a sidescrolling racing format. Players manage acceleration and braking, and can adjust the truck's pitch while airborne. Some pitch control is also possible on the ground by accelerating or braking. The "Nitro" in the title refers to earning nitrous boosts by collecting bottles or performing flips in the air. Depending on the version, nitrous either fires immediately or charges until the player presses a button, providing a speed boost. Gameplay varies by platform. On iOS, both games use on-screen touch controls combined with tilting the device. The original game on Flash, Windows, and Mac OS X is played with a keyboard. The Flash version uses a 2D engine similar to RedLynx's original Trials game, unlike the 3D engine in other versions.
The original Monster Trucks Nitro launched on December 19, 2008 for Windows and Mac OS X, and on March 23, 2009 for iOS. An update on July 5, 2010 added a monster truck with an American flag paint scheme and extra races. A press release at that time stated the game had over 1.5 million downloads. Monster Trucks Nitro 2 was announced on March 26, 2010 and released for iOS on April 5, 2010. Another update on July 5, 2010 added an Adventure League mode and four new levels, bringing the total to 24.
The original game received mixed reviews. GameRankings reported a 54% score for the Windows version based on one review. PC Format gave it 54/100 in April 2009. Absolute Games' Michael Kalinchenko rated it 69%, noting it was initially enticing but lacked the rating system of Trials 2, and felt the price was high for the content. Macworld's Chris Holt gave the Mac version 3/5, praising its simplicity and challenge but calling it too short with few options. Pocket Gamer's Tracy Erickson rated the iOS version 5/10, saying the 3D graphics didn't overcome a lack of satisfying
- developer
- Ubisoft RedLynx
- first_release
- December 19, 2008
- platforms
- Flash, Windows, Mac OS X, iOS
- genre
- Platform racing
- sequel_release
- April 5, 2010 (iOS only)
- aggregate_score_original
- 54% (GameRankings, Windows)
- aggregate_score_sequel
- 80/100 (Metacritic)
Lore & Background
The Monster Trucks Nitro series was developed by Ubisoft RedLynx, known for the Trials series. The original game launched on December 19, 2008 for Flash, Windows, and Mac OS X, with an iOS version following on March 27, 2009. Players control a monster truck using throttle, brake, and pitch controls in a sidescrolling environment. Nitrous oxide, earned by collecting bottles or performing flips, provides a speed boost. The Flash version uses a 2D engine similar to RedLynx's original Trials game, while other versions use 3D graphics.
A sequel, Monster Trucks Nitro 2, was announced on March 26, 2010 and released exclusively for iOS on April 5, 2010. On July 5, 2010, an update for the original added a monster truck with an American flag paint scheme and additional races; the same date brought an Adventure League mode and four new levels to Nitro 2, bringing its total to 24 levels. The press release for the original's update noted over 1.5 million downloads.
Reader's Guide
The Monster Trucks Nitro series holds significance as an early mobile and browser-based racing franchise from Ubisoft RedLynx, bridging the studio's Trials expertise with monster truck themes. The original game received mixed reviews, with a 54% aggregate on GameRankings for Windows, while the sequel improved to an 80/100 on Metacritic. Critics praised the sequel's graphics and content but noted short levels. The series demonstrated the viability of physics-based sidescrolling racing on iOS, with touch and tilt controls. Its legacy includes influencing later mobile racing games and showcasing RedLynx's ability to adapt its 2D physics engine to a 3D environment. The series' focus on earning nitrous through stunts became a hallmark, and the sequel's higher scores suggest iterative improvement. Despite mixed initial reception, the franchise achieved over 1.5 million downloads by mid-2010, indicating commercial success.
Did You Know?
- The original Monster Trucks Nitro was released on December 19, 2008 for Flash, Windows, and Mac OS X, and on March 27, 2009 for iOS.
- The Flash version uses a 2D engine similar to RedLynx's original Trials game, while other versions use 3D graphics.
- Monster Trucks Nitro 2 received two perfect scores from AppSmile, Slide to Play, and AppSpy reviewers.
- An update on July 5, 2010 added a monster truck with an American flag paint scheme to the original game.
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