MXGP2

Editor's Notes

Digital PS4 version reviewed.

Introduction

'MXGP 2' is, as the name would suggest, the sequel to 2014's 'MXGP,' the first game to be based off the FIM Motocross World Championship. While the MXGP world championship might not be the most well-known in North America, as that honor goes to the AMA Motocross Championship, it's still a huge accomplishment and a valuable license to have for a game. Featuring over 15 real tracks and dozens of licensed athletes, 'MXGP 2' is developer Milestone's most feature complete take on motorcycle racing yet.

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

The biggest difference between 'MXGP 2' and other racing games is that motocross races are formatted uniquely. Unlike a NASCAR race, which is a test of endurance over hundreds of laps, motocross is more about consistency. Races are generally short, but each track is ran twice during a championship. The winner being whoever earned the most points in the two competitions, which means that someone who didn't win either individual contest can actually come away the victor.

Since the margin of error is so slim, it adds a lot of tension to each race. This same drama definitely transfers over to a virtual version. During one of my early races, where I was still learning the idiosyncrasies of staying on my bike, I had used all six of my rewinds (similar to 'Forza' players can rewind time when they make a mistake so their whole race isn't ruined) early on. After winning the first race and leading every lap of the second, I ended up crashing on the last turn. Since I had no get out of jail free cards, I ended up coming in fourth place that race and ended up coming in second overall.

It's a good thing that 'MXGP 2' allows new players to use the rewind feature since I experienced a pretty sizable learning curve while playing. Part of this can be attributed to the game only having a series of short video tutorials, which touch on some advanced tactics, but not enough to where I felt like I knew them by the time I finished watching. I was left wishing that there were some playable tutorials that would go over these advanced maneuvers (such as changing your rider's weight with the right stick) since they determine the difference between a good and bad finish.

Eventually, with enough practice (and plenty of 10th place finishes), I came to grips with the controls to where I was consistently finding success. I inevitably hit some hiccups, as sometimes I'd hit my rear brake when I should've hit my front brake, but I found the learning curve quite fun to overcome. It's worth noting that a lot of this complexity is completely optional, as the menus allow the brakes to be used together if wanted and physics can be made more forgiving.

After finding some success in one-off races, I spent the majority of my time was spent in 'MXGP 2's career mode. I got to create my own racer (and even customize his racing gear), and compete in the MX2 class (which features less powerful bikes). I found the mode to be bare bones, as there's barely anything to do but compete in race after race. That's fine, but it definitely lacks the nuance and depth that makes modern career modes great.

Eventually, my rider did well enough to where a more reputable racing team wanted to sign him. I gladly signed on to this new opportunity, but sadly it also switched my class from MX2 to the premier MXGP class. Since this was done mid-season (and you can't compete in both which really makes no sense), I ended up not placing in either class despite winning every race I was in. That's a strange quirk, and I doubt I'll race another full season just to see my character win a virtual championship.

Other notable modes include a country-based tournament called FIM MXON (which isn't great since your success is dependent upon your CPU teammate's performance) and Real Events. The latter essentially allows players to relive moments from the previous seasons, and it was a cool introduction to the MXGP since the only racer I was super familiar with was the now retired Ryan Villopoto. I found that getting to reenact real moments (such as crashing early in a race and coming back to win) is both challenging and informative.

While motocross is 'MXGP 2's main draw, Milestone has also included 4 made-up supercross (indoor) tracks. It's a cool addition in theory, but they feel second-rate compared to the 15+ licensed tracks (especially as they're generically named "Football Arena") that make up the rest of the game. I had no motivation to race on a fictional football field when I could be racing at Glen Helen or Talavera de la Reina instead.