It’s that time of the year once again, where Milestone asks you to take your place on the grid for this year’s instalment of their long-running MotoGP series. But, as is the way with every game in the series, the question remains: have they changed things enough to warrant you shelling out for a new version? MotoGP 24 was the most polished and mechanically tight the series has been to date. And so, MotoGP 25 has a mountain to climb so that it doesn’t fall into that ‘another annual update’ category.
Pole Position
Right off the bat, the racing in MotoGP 25 is perfect. The handling has never felt so good. The feel as you try to hit the perfect apex while three other riders muscling in on the corner is nothing short of exhilarating.
There is a real sense of aggression from the AI this time out, that, when coupled with the already excellent feel of speed, makes everything feel like it’s on a knife edge and that one small mistake could lead to a high-side or running into the kitty litter.
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The game also lets you pick from two different riding styles, Pro and Arcade. Pro is your most sim-focused style. The system forces you to consider your rider’s weight placement, and when not to turn on the power coming in and out of corners.
Arcade smooths out the experience and makes it more streamlined. It’s a far more inclusive choice, that, to its eternal credit, captures all of the thrills and some of the satisfaction from the more sim-oriented Pro riding model.
Power Curve
That said, by no means will you be Mario Karting your way around the tracks here. Even in its Arcade mode, MotoGP 25 still features a steep learning curve for newcomers. But, again, the game has a number of assists to help you until you get an understanding of how bike and rider work together. Great thought went into opening the game up to beginners, and it paid off massively.
One of the biggest changes returning fans will spot right away is the overhaul to the AI. As mentioned above, it’s more aggressive, but it’s measured. Gone is that rubber-banding feel you would get in past games. Plus, they will change how they are racing to combat your style, which is one of the most interesting and emergent tweaks.
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You can even set MotoGP 25‘s adaptive AI to your own taste. I feel that having it at 100% forced me to race cleaner, but also mix up how I would take corners from time to time. It’s a very cool new feature that, above all else, keeps the level of challenge in line with your current skill but will grow with you at the same time.
Track Modes
On the modes side, there are all your returning standard race options. From single races to full-fat weekends, including practice sessions. World Championship mode sees you filling the boots of your favourite rider and racing across the full season calendar. Your only goal is to be crowned Champion, and bagging a manufacturer’s title for the team would also be nice.
The core mode of MotoGP 25 is the career mode, where you pick where to start your rise to the top. You can begin in MotoGP, or rise through the ranks of Moto2 or Moto3. R&D plays a huge part in this mode. You are constantly evolving your bike as you work with your team.
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There is also an interesting reputation system your on-track actions will follow you back to your motorhome. Well, they will affect your socials, at least. You and other riders can call each other out publicly for on-track actions, or show your respect for clean riding.
It’s an interesting mode to help build relationships with the grid, but it’s all a bit flat and static. But it is a move in the right direction for the mode, 100%. Do well and strike off challenges, and the more gear and team deals you’ll find yourself with, letting you climb that ladder.
The killer with this side of the mode is there is zero voice acting – it’s all text-driven, which means it ultimately feels like a management sim over a gripping and thrilling side of the racing world, where an extra 10mph from a new part could mean the difference between a 5th or 8th finish that weekend.
Racing Ladder
The game also has a few other racing disciplines this time out beyond MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3, as you can now try Motard, Flat Track and Minibikes. Each brings its own challenges and feel, and is really a bright addition as it teaches you how bikes change and control beyond the MotoGP monsters, and that flatline speed isn’t always the key to victory.
There is once again an extremely deep customisation system to be found in the game, where you can make your mark on everything from your bike, leathers, helmet, gloves, and boots. And though only a fraction of players will get the most from it, it’s an outstanding feature.
Visual Centrepiece
MotoGP 25 looks good. Bikes and riders are highly detailed, as you would expect. The tracks are just OK, however they do come to life in the rain a bit more. Sound is standard for a MotoGP game; a so-so soundtrack that is sparingly used, with the bikes themselves mostly acting as the score.
Voice acting is also OK, but extremely repetitive. You’ll hear the same commentary over and over, leaving you wonder where the many quality voices of the sport are.
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Overall, MotoGP 25 is an outstanding racer that has grown in more ways than one over its pervious entry. From the race craft on show, to the new disciplines, to the adaptive AI, it’s a big step forward for the series. Fans may feel a little let down on the overall presentation, especially the music and commentary. But these are not new issues, as Milestone always have a weird relationship with this area in their games.
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