MXGP 2020 Review: A Motocross Experience Without Brakes

MXGP 2020, developed and published by Milestone, is the official video game of the Pro Motocross Championship. Milestone has been crafting Motocross games since 2014’s MXGP, a game which spawned a number of yearly sequels and successors leading up to this year’s installment. While the series’ focus on mud and motorbikes has remained consistent, MXGP 2020 introduces a number of new mechanics and enhancements to create an authentic Motocross experience. Unfortunately, this focus on believable motorbiking hinders the game’s accessibility and variety.

While MXGP 2020 might look like a traditional racing game on the surface, the game offers gameplay that simulates the feeling of riding a motorbike. Players are tasked with controlling both the bike and the rider, with shifting the rider’s weight being an essential part of the game’s learning curve. Leaning forward helps accelerate, while leaning left or right is the only way to effectively navigate the sharp turns present throughout the game’s 20 tracks. Controlling the rider’s movement is a novel mechanic that makes MXGP 2020 stand apart from other racing games of the genre.

MXGP 2020‘s many customization options also blur the line between traditional racing game and full-on Motocross simulator. There are dozens of ways to customize each bike, both fashionably and functionally, allowing hardcore players to create uniquely efficient hardware. Everything from a bike’s suspension to its wheelbase can be adjusted, allowing it to suit different terrain or favor agility over stability. Preset bikes can be swapped out quickly to fit any occasion, and new customization options can be purchased using credits earned through races.

MXGP 2020′s main experience is Career Mode, which allows players to participate in a simulated version of the 2020 Pro Motocross Championship. This mode takes place over a series of seventeen races, each divided into qualifying races and official ones. Outside of Career Mode, MXGP 2020 also offers a number of other gameplay modes which add a decent amount of variety. Quick Modes, such as Time Attack and Grand Prix, offer standalone races outside of Career Mode’s overarching standings and leaderboards. The game’s Track Editor allows players to build your own customized racing track, though as of now there is only one track template available. Online multiplayer allows twelve players to compete for the title of fastest motocross rider. While these modes are all distinct, compared to other racing titles all 20 of MXGP 2020’s available courses are visually and functionally similar which results in a strong feeling of repetition after a few hours of play.

MXGP 2020‘s Playground is by far the most unique experience that the game has to offer. This mode allows players to freely tear through the beautiful Norwegian wilderness, providing a great change of scenery from the muddy and visually repetitive courses. The open swath of Norway is dotted with natural landscapes like mountains and lakes, as well as a number of different races to join at the player’s leisure. The change in both scenery and gameplay is a welcome addition to a game that would otherwise feel a bit confining.

The biggest detriment to MXGP 2020 is its lack of a formal tutorial, which greatly decreases the game’s accessibility to new players. Upon first loading the game the player is given a few customization options before automatically beginning their first race, and MXGP 2020‘s unique control scheme is never properly explained. Being forced to learn unintuitive controls during an actual race is frustrating and a bit confusing, which is a common issue in other simulation games which put emphasis on authenticity over accessibility.. An optional Rewind feature allows players to undo critical mistakes, but this shortcut is no substitute for a well-designed tutorial.

MGXP 2020 takes great pains to deliver an authentic and realistic Motocross experience, with controls and customization options that simulate a real motorbike race. Milestone is also set to release additional free content in 2021, including additional Track Editor maps and the ability to traverse the Playground with others online, which will add to the overall experience. Unfortunately the game’s narrow focus does result in repetitive gameplay, and the unique controls are not supported by sufficiently detailed tutorials. While MGXP 2020 will appeal to hardcore Motocross fans, and fans of simulated racing in general, the game is rather inaccessible for new players.

MXGP 2020 is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Screen Rant was provided with a digital PS4 download code for the purpose of this review.

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