After some time away, I’m back to the controller and eager to share why Monster Energy Supercross 5 – The Official Videogame is poised to be a leading racing title this year (with all due respect to Gran Turismo 7).
I previously reviewed its predecessor, Monster Energy Supercross 4. For additional context on the advancements in this iteration, I encourage you to read that review, as there are a number of notable improvements.
Monster Energy Supercross 5, developed by the Italian studio Milestone, joins their extensive catalog of racing games. Milestone’s portfolio includes titles such as MXGP, Hot Wheels Unleashed, and Ride.
The graphics in this installment of Supercross exhibit further enhancements compared to its predecessor. I was genuinely impressed by the visual fidelity achieved in the fourth iteration, yet this version surpasses it. Upon launching the game, the graphical improvements were immediately apparent. Milestone has clearly dedicated significant effort to enhancing the visual realism of their racing titles, evident in the dynamic track deformation with each lap, the mud spray effects, and the realistic cloth physics. While some minor color blending may occur on older generation hardware, it does not detract significantly from the overall gaming experience. The studio has successfully exceeded expectations in terms of visual presentation.
Regarding game mechanics, Supercross 5 maintains a focus on realism, similar to Supercross 4. The learning curve remains, although the “Future Academy” provides a significantly improved on-boarding experience (more on this later). Mastering the controls and understanding motocross dynamics is crucial. With sufficient practice, Supercross 5 offers an exceptional racing experience. Multiplayer competition elevates the entertainment value, mirroring the appeal of its predecessor. Realistic rider behaviors, such as clearing dirt from goggles and the ability to be jostled off course during close racing, enhance the immersion. As a former enduro driver, I appreciate these subtle yet impactful details.
I consulted my brother, Marcus, an experienced motocross rider with Junior SM accolades, for his perspective on the game. He summarized his impressions: “The graphics are well-rendered, and the gameplay aligns with expectations. Steering response feels slightly sluggish, depending on the selected difficulty level. Crash physics and errors are representative of real-world riding. The acceleration feels slightly exaggerated uphill compared to flat terrain. However, the realistic dismounts from poorly executed jumps are well-implemented. I would like to see the ability to fall when laying the bike down in corners, but that would increase the game’s overall difficulty. The beginner level’s adaptive timing for whoops and jumps, along with simplified steering, is beneficial, as the game presents a challenge even on the easiest setting.“
One of the most compelling additions to Supercross 5 is the enhanced suite of game features, notably the new Future Academy mode. This mode serves as an expanded tutorial, guiding players through the fundamentals of the game and the intricacies of supercross. This educational approach enhances the understanding of the sport and improves the overall gaming experience, allowing newcomers to acclimate more effectively.
Another notable aspect is the continued inclusion of a wide selection of official riders. As with Supercross 4, Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen are playable characters. This year’s roster also includes Fredrik Norén, a celebrated Swedish motocross competitor, a welcome addition for fans.
In conclusion, Monster Energy Supercross 5 represents Milestone’s most compelling racing game to date, in my opinion. While it presents a steeper learning curve compared to some other racing titles, the new Future Academy feature mitigates this challenge, particularly for newcomers. The game delivers realistic gameplay and outstanding visual fidelity. While minor imperfections exist, they do not significantly impact the overall experience and are likely to be addressed in future updates. I am thoroughly impressed with this title and recommend it to racing enthusiasts, especially those with an interest in supercross.
Koch Media provided a review code for this evaluation. Content providers do not influence our editorial process. We maintain an independent perspective, prioritizing our readers’ and consumers’ interests.
