THQ has issued a pair of game patches for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of MX vs. ATV Untamed. As part of the updates, both versions have received “tweaked physics to improve expectations when landing and taking hard hits” and a “slight adjustment made to better balance the playability through the various events in the X-Cross series.” Each version has received platform-specific improvements too. On the PS3 front, DualShock 3 rumble support has been activated, a must for an off-road racer like this. The Xbox 360 already had rumble in place, so instead of that the 360 version has had its load times tuned down by a substantial 30-40%. Pretty nice updates, but sadly I still don’t think either can make what is an average-at-best racing game worth going back to…

THQ today shipped MX vs. ATV Untamed out to retailers nationwide. Untamed actually just so happens to be the franchise’s largest multi-platform release ever, with versions for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP and DS all hitting store shelves this week, with mobile devices across all major carriers also getting a version and a Wii edition coming along early next year. MX vs. ATV Untamed has been rated “E” for Everyone and retails for $59.99 on PS3 and 360, $39.99 on PS2 and PSP, and $29.99 on DS.

“MX vs ATV Untamed has extremely broad consumer appeal, making it a must-have for core gamers, off-road racing fans and casual gamers,” said Dave Miller, director of global brand management, THQ. “Its vast open worlds, all-new event types and innovative career modes translate into the deepest off-road gaming experience to date and will help build on the franchise’s position as the world’s best selling off-road brand.”

“MX vs ATV Untamed is a tribute to Rainbow Studios’ ability to innovate with each new title and continuously develop triple-A, million-unit selling properties in a very competitive genre,” said Jack Sorenson, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. “Their Rhythm Racing physics engine has proved adaptable across all platforms and contributed to everything from huge, beautiful next-gen open worlds to one-of-a-kind Wii racing functionality to extremely entertaining handheld game-play.”

With MX vs ATV Untamed, Rainbow Studio is taking the world’s top selling off-road racing franchise to new heights, promising open-world outdoor environments, an in-depth X-Cross career mode, an all-new EnduroCross mode, online play, and the return of the series’ “Rhythm Racing” physics engine featuring numerous improvements taking advantage of the next-gen consoles for smoother control and an even more realistic off-road racing experience.

“The MX vs ATV franchise is the entrenched off-road leader and has evolved into one of the top racing properties,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. “The expansion to the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system, and innovative game-play made possible with the franchise’s debut on Wii and Nintendo DS, position MX vs ATV Untamed to significantly grow our global share of the racing market.”

“We’ve taken the core MX vs ATV racing experience and tailored game-play to match the strengths of each individual gaming machine,” said Jack Sorenson, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. “The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, Wii and PlayStation 2 system versions, the PSP system version, and the DS version will all deliver unique experiences that capture the franchise’s strengths and maximize the fun gamers have on their system of choice.”

MX vs ATV Untamed is on tap for a release in January 2008. We’ll report back as soon as we know more.