It’s not often you get a game of irrefutable quality coming out of nowhere, but when you do you can’t help but smile. With a demo released on PSN and Xbox Live just a few days ago and its release date looming, it’s safe to say Pure is already developing quite the following with gamers everywhere.

The first thing you’ll notice about Pure is the almost uncanny resemblance to the exceptional SSX series in everything but the fact you now ride quad bikes instead of snowboards. It’s high wonder amongst gamers as to why a next-gen SSX has yet to surface on any level, so the fact Pure has come along to help soothe the withdrawal symptoms is quite a saving grace.

The first thing about Pure you will notice is the highly impressive visuals. Throughout the game you’ll be racing over all types of terrain over a multitude of locations all finely realised. There’s lush foliage, slick mud puddles and surprisingly detailed textures. As you race through the track the sun burns down on your character in a warm and triumphant glow, and everything glistens to near-perfection - everything looks incredibly well done.

Once you’ve got over the superb graphics, it’s time to play, and the gameplay doesn’t disappoint - even if it’s as similar to SSX as a sofa is to a couch. The racing starts with a roar as you’re joined by fifteen other racers. Once you set off the atmosphere fires up and you know you’re in for a treat.

The quad bikes handle exceptionally well, and are effortlessly simple to drive - you’ll be throwing your bike around the track with consummate ease in no time. The controls are mapped competently, with the left stick used to steer as well as ‘preload’ (preparing for a jump) and as a control for what tricks you are to pull. While initially this sounds like a bad idea, it works fine, and in a way simplifies things with less buttons to worry about, however some will disagree.

There’s a wide array of tricks to get to grips with, ranging from the merely possible to the downright ridiculous (in a good way). At the beginning of a race you will only be able to pull off a small array of tricks, which are quick and easy to do. Once you do a few of these, you will unlock the ability to perform tougher and more impressive tricks, until you’re able to do the completely insane ’special tricks’, which are off the wall, and utterly watchable. Of course these take a while so you need aim for big jumps in order to land them with your body intact. Regarding tricks however, you have to sacrifice using boost to pull them off, so what do you do? Perform a trick then use your accumulated boost? Or keep tricking for the better trick set? The choice is yours.

The tracks, however, suggest Pure’s greatest gift, with epic jumps, tight corners, steep hills and aggressive terrain. SSX has always been known for its killer jumps, mad crazy drops and excellent track design, and it seems that Pure, when it’s released, will be remembered for just the same factors.

Destined to be one of the sleeper hits of the year, Pure is definitely shaping up nicely. Developers Black Rock alongside publishers Disney Interactive are showing they are now a force to be reckoned with. We can only wait for the full release with baited breath. Pure will be released for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on September 16th and 26th (North America and Europe, respectively).