MotoGP 18

Last year I made a statement about MotoGP. I said that the MotoGP series had a problem. It had stagnated as a series and wasn't making any real noticeable improvements. From the visuals to the gameplay, it just felt like the series was stuck in the mud, turning its wheels but going nowhere. MotoGP 18 has the chance to change that, being the first in the series on Unreal Engine 4.

MotoGP 18 is a game that hardcore fans will most likely enjoy. Its impressive handling mechanics and physics systems will surely support a lifetime of online play. The MotoGP ID addition, that tracks your progress across every mode in the game, also acts nicely for those who’d like to boast of their prowess in the track. Yet, despite its serviceable content offerings I can’t help but feel let down. Visually identical to its predecessor, the additions made in this outing are more like scrapings than noticeable steps forward. With Ride 3 just around the bend most casual fans might be better off ...

It's probably better to think of Milestone's latest release less in terms of a video game and more in terms of a product designed for MotoGP enthusiasts. It's stuffed to the brim with Moto Grand Prix-related details like racers, tracks, and commentary, and includes plenty of different options that riders can use to tweak their bikes and chase a podium finish. With that said, MotoGP 18 simply feels less thrilling than it should, mostly due to its underwhelming graphics, spartan presentation, and monotonous gameplay.

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MotoGP 18’s graphics are inconsistent. While everything looks crisp and fine in motion, stopping or crashing reveals the cracks in the graphics. The models are ugly, textures pop-in at random, racers and bikes will awkwardly ragdoll and clip through things, and obstacles are revealed to have no physical properties, meaning you can drive straight through a barrier as though it wasn’t even there. A lot of these choices feel somewhat lazy, or at least unfortunately overlooked.

MotoGP 08 is a complete enough package to satisfy every motorcycle aficionado, from the most casual to the most hardcore fan, there’s something for everyone. If however, you couldn’t care less about the actual (sometimes televised) sport, then you’ll find little beyond a diversion that’ll entertain for a couple of days at the most. It’s comprehensive and in-depth enough to appeal to the fans, but not nearly welcoming enough to convert non-believers. Try before you buy!