MotoGP 25, PS5 Review
On the back of the amazing Netflix show “Drive to Survive”, I developed a serious interest in top tier track racing. Then as a result that, I pivoted and became curious about the Superbike riders of Moto GP. When I had a “review-code” pop into my inbox to have a play with the latest outing in the MotoGP series, suffice is to say, I got a wee smile on my dial.
But, first things first. I’m not a “Road-Bike” type dude in real life. I rode Motocross and Enduro bikes for many years, as detailed in my MXGP review from a few years back. (Same developer too btw, Italian based, Milestone Games). So, I know little about big street bikes. This review relies solely on my recent passing interest in the Moto GP series. I don’t have a great working knowledge of the world of GP bikes.
These Italians, know their bikes!
With that all said, my initial impressions of MotoGP 25 are good. Milestone have got this shared design language that seems to run through all their “Euro Motorsport” titles. Similar menus, U.I design and key game mode options. MotoGP actually feels like the GP bike version of the MXGP series, which I love.
And thankfully MotoGP is not like the USA centric, Monster Energy Super Cross titles, which I reviewed earlier this year. They are not my cup of tea.
MotoGP runs smooth on the PS5, with circuits having good detail and the bikes and riders looking like the real deal. Especially the motion of the rider, as he lays into the front brakes, lifting the rear and his inside leg to balance. The left foot popping the gear lever, as he lines up the apex. The game looked so real!
I did find the “speed motion blur” a bit strong on default and had to turn that down. Granted, these bikes are seriously fast, but with so much blur the whole game looked like it had a smear of Vaseline over it.
Gravel rash will ensue!
I’m not gonna lie, I found this a really hard game to improve at. There are no shortages of rider assists in the options, and the “rewind” option saved many a race for me. But Milestone have created what is ostensibly a “Super Bike Sim”. Which for a MotoGP lover, would be a dream come true. But for me, at some point I found my progress was stalling, as my frustrations with the tricky cornering controls increased.
I had a play in career mode, and with the more arcaidee modes and fun was found. I actually really enjoyed the short, twitchy course style of the “Super Motard” game mode, but that’s my MXGP slant coming through, I guess.
MotoGP is a really well-made game. Runs smooth, looks great and for MotoGP fans I can see nothing that would put you off.
In fact, if you crash out on the couch every Saturday, to catch the MotoGP Championship, and own a PS5, then this game purchase is a no brainer. As long as you are happy to climb the games steep learning curve,- and go from a weekend warrior, to a hardened track-day monster.
