MotoGP 24

MotoGP 24 is the latest installment in the official MotoGP racing series, developed by Milestone s.r.l. The game delivers an immersive motorcycle racing experience with refined gameplay, realistic physics, and a steep learning curve that rewards persistence. Players can compete in contemporary MotoGP events, enjoying enhanced details, improved mechanics, and a variety of multiplayer options, including online and split-screen modes. With its polished presentation and deep simulation elements, MotoGP 24 aims to provide both newcomers and veterans with an authentic and thrilling track racing experience.

MotoGP 24: A Refined but Incremental Step Forward in the Franchise

Introduction

MotoGP 24, developed by Milestone, is the latest installment in the long-running MotoGP series, which has been a staple in the motorcycle racing genre since its inception in 2000. This year’s entry promises to deliver the most authentic MotoGP experience yet, with a focus on refining the gameplay, introducing new features like the Riders Market and MotoGP Stewards, and enhancing the overall accessibility of the game. However, the question remains: does MotoGP 24 do enough to justify its existence as a full-priced release, or is it merely an incremental update over its predecessor?

Development History & Context

Milestone, founded in Milan in 1996, has been the official developer of the MotoGP series since 2013. The studio has a rich history in racing games, with titles like MXGP, Monster Energy Supercross, and the RIDE series under its belt. MotoGP 24 is built on Unreal Engine 4, which the series has used since 2018, and it continues to leverage the PhysX physics engine for realistic bike handling and collisions.

The development of MotoGP 24 was guided by feedback from the community, with Milestone aiming to address some of the long-standing criticisms of the series. The introduction of the Riders Market and MotoGP Stewards are direct responses to fan requests, while the adaptive difficulty system and refined physics aim to make the game more accessible to newcomers without alienating veteran players.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

MotoGP 24 does not feature a traditional narrative in the sense of a scripted story. Instead, it focuses on creating a dynamic and immersive career mode that simulates the real-world MotoGP experience. The career mode is the heart of the game, offering players the chance to rise through the ranks from Moto3 to MotoGP, with the new Riders Market adding a layer of unpredictability and realism.

The thematic focus of MotoGP 24 is on authenticity and immersion. The game strives to replicate the highs and lows of a professional motorcycle racing career, from the thrill of victory to the frustration of a poorly timed crash. The inclusion of features like the MotoGP Stewards, which penalize both the player and AI for rule infractions, further enhances the sense of realism and fairness.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

The core gameplay loop of MotoGP 24 revolves around racing, tuning, and progression. Players participate in races across various tracks, earning points and unlocking new bikes, upgrades, and customization options. The career mode is the primary focus, but the game also offers Grand Prix, Championship, Time Trial, and multiplayer modes.

Bike Handling and Physics

MotoGP 24 features refined bike handling and physics, with Milestone claiming to have worked closely with real riders and technicians to achieve a more realistic experience. The bikes are more stable and less prone to understeer, allowing players to push the limits more confidently. The braking system has been adjusted to require more finesse, with the rear of the bike lifting during hard braking, adding a layer of complexity to cornering.

The game also introduces a new electronic tuning system that improves power delivery on corner entries and exits, helping to control rear wheel slip and wheelies. This system, combined with the adaptive difficulty, makes the game more accessible to newcomers while still offering a challenge to experienced players.

Adaptive AI and Difficulty

One of the standout features of MotoGP 24 is the adaptive AI system, which adjusts the difficulty of the AI opponents based on the player’s performance. This system is designed to keep races competitive and engaging, preventing the AI from either dominating the player or falling too far behind. The adaptive AI is a welcome addition, as it helps to create a more dynamic and unpredictable racing experience.

Riders Market and Career Mode

The Riders Market is one of the most significant new features in MotoGP 24. This system allows riders to transfer between teams during the offseason, adding a layer of unpredictability and realism to the career mode. Players can receive offers from other teams based on their performance, reputation, and relationships with other riders. The Riders Market also affects the AI, with riders moving up and down the ranks based on their in-game performance.

The career mode itself is more dynamic than ever, with Turning Points and Rivalries adding narrative depth to the experience. Players can engage in social media interactions with other riders, which can affect their reputation and relationships. The career mode also features a guided setup option, allowing players to communicate with their engineer to fine-tune their bike without needing to delve into the more complex tuning menus.

MotoGP Stewards

The MotoGP Stewards system is another new addition to MotoGP 24. This system monitors the race for rule infractions, penalizing both the player and AI for actions like cutting corners or causing collisions. The stewards can issue warnings, long lap penalties, time penalties, and even let-pass orders for unfair overtakes. While the system is a step forward in terms of realism, some players have noted that the AI can be overly aggressive or inconsistent in its enforcement of the rules.

Multiplayer and LiveGP Championships

MotoGP 24 features a robust multiplayer mode, with support for online races and split-screen play. The game also introduces the LiveGP Championships, a new multiplayer mode that allows players to compete in monthly championships against other players. The LiveGP Championships feature a ranking system with four tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum), and players can earn points to climb the leaderboard and unlock rewards.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Visuals and Presentation

MotoGP 24 features improved lighting and visual effects, with more realistic rider outfits, bike textures, and reflections. The game runs at a consistent 60 FPS on current-gen consoles and PC, with motion blur and HDR support enhancing the visual experience. The tracks are faithfully recreated, with dynamic weather and lighting adding to the immersion.

However, some of the NPC faces and static objects can look dated, and the game’s visuals are not a significant leap over its predecessor. The presentation is slick and polished, with menus that are easy to navigate and a HUD that provides essential information without being intrusive.

Sound Design

The sound design in MotoGP 24 is a mixed bag. The bikes sound aggressive and loud, with varying exhaust tones that add to the sense of speed and power. However, some players have noted that the sound quality can be inconsistent, with the bikes sounding less impressive when isolated. The game features a soundtrack, but it is limited to a single song, which can become repetitive over time.

Reception & Legacy

MotoGP 24 has received generally favorable reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 76 based on 13 reviews. Critics have praised the game’s refined gameplay, adaptive AI, and the new Riders Market and MotoGP Stewards features. However, some have noted that the game feels more like an incremental update than a significant leap forward, with limited new content outside of the career mode.

The game’s reception among players has been more mixed, with a user score of 5.7 on Metacritic. Some players have praised the game’s accessibility and the new features, while others have criticized the lack of innovation and the occasional inconsistencies in the AI and physics.

Conclusion

MotoGP 24 is a refined and polished entry in the series, with improved bike handling, adaptive AI, and new features like the Riders Market and MotoGP Stewards. The game offers a more accessible and dynamic experience than its predecessors, making it a great entry point for newcomers to the series. However, the lack of significant new content outside of the career mode and the incremental nature of the updates may leave some veteran players feeling underwhelmed.

Overall, MotoGP 24 is a solid addition to the franchise, offering a realistic and engaging motorcycle racing experience. While it may not be a revolutionary leap forward, it is a worthy successor to MotoGP 23 and a testament to Milestone’s commitment to refining and improving the series year after year.

Final Verdict: 8/10 – A refined and accessible entry in the MotoGP series, with improved gameplay and new features that enhance the overall experience, though it may feel incremental to veteran players.