Monster Energy Supercross 5 review – Enough in the tank for a thrilling ride

Mastering Monster Energy Supercross 5’s challenging mechanics for ultimate racing domination and skill progression

Game Overview and Legacy

Monster Energy Supercross 5 maintains its demanding skill requirements while showcasing refined mechanics that demonstrate the series still possesses substantial untapped potential.

Milestone’s Monster Energy Supercross series has delivered varying quality outcomes since 2018, but this latest iteration represents a significant advancement with substantial mechanical improvements under the hood.

During the early 2000s, THQ established dominance in motocross gaming with releases like MX 2002 featuring Ricky Carmichael and the popular MX vs ATV Unleashed. Though not every title achieved classic status, the genre cultivated a dedicated enthusiast community that persists today. Since acquiring the license in 2018, racing specialists Milestone have steered the Monster Energy Supercross franchise forward.

Considering their parallel development of MXGP and MotoGP titles, does Monster Energy Supercross deserve recognition within Milestone’s portfolio? Or does it represent uninspired licensing exploitation? Initial impressions might suggest the latter, but Monster Energy Supercross 5 convincingly demonstrates the series retains ample horsepower for exhilarating racing adventures.

  • Price: $59.99 / £59.99
  • Developer: Milestone S.r.l
  • Release date: March 17, 2022
  • Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X
  • Mastering the Learning Curve

    When contrasted with conventional racing franchises like Need For Speed or Forza, Monster Energy Supercross has established its specialized position alongside MX/ATV counterparts. Emphasizing authentic simulation physics and considerable skill development, Milestone’s newest release initially appears designed to extract enjoyment from the experience. The game’s opening instructional segments prove worryingly minimal, abandoning gradual introduction principles in favor of immediate immersion into complex mechanics. While confronting challenging systems directly can sometimes accelerate adaptation, Supercross 5’s training modules suffer from insufficient explanation and inadequate guidance for novice participants.

    Early sessions may tempt abandonment during introductory phases, especially after navigating identical tutorial circuits from previous installments while questioning innovation implementation. However, remarkable transformation occurs as you delve further into Supercross 5’s systems. Once you learn to overlook the decidedly underwhelming soundtrack of generic rock compositions and perfect techniques for navigating whoops and corners, an exceptional racing experience emerges waiting for full-throttle exploitation.

    After establishing fundamental competency, Milestone presents numerous pathways for professional skill development. Solo Player options encompass standard exhibition matches familiar to series veterans, though Career Mode will likely consume the majority of gameplay hours.

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    Advanced Riding Techniques

    Regarding actual racing sensations? Despite Supercross 4 launching merely twelve months prior, Milestone’s 2022 accomplishment feels remarkably refined by comparison. Control responsiveness demonstrates substantial enhancement and sophistication, eliminating the irritating instability that plagued Supercross 4.

    Regardless of Skill Tree investment level or competition with stock configurations, leveraging the dual analog steering mechanism favors accuracy over brute force application. Slamming sticks completely toward intended directions will likely result in soil sampling consequences. Even facing inadequately explained tutorials, Supercross 5’s experimental gameplay methodology can evolve into successful performance chains through determination.

    Perfecting clutch timing techniques provides immense satisfaction independently, particularly when pursuing leading positions during Holeshot sequences. Navigating initial track apexes triggers competitive instincts to distance AI competitors dramatically. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback introduces tangible tension to every racing decision. Milestone effortlessly replicates soil displacement sensations through tires, employing R2 trigger resistance (throttle) to counter with authority via adaptive trigger mechanisms. The controller’s touchpad illumination alters hues according to speedometer positioning—an appreciated detail for attentive players.

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  • Supercross 5’s moment-to-moment racing presents continuous decision-making that collaboratively tests player limitations. Should you adopt conservative cornering approaches with reduced velocity? Or attempt aggressive drift maneuvers past competitors despite potential catastrophic crashes?

    Whether achieving success or experiencing failure, Milestone ensures determination receives compensation through the returning Rewind function. Press R1 to review previous actions, selecting optimal resume points. Three Rewind opportunities initiate each race, replenishable through trick executions including Whips, Scrubs, Drifts, and occasional flips for adventurous participants. Successful landings don’t follow predictable patterns however, since every course features unique Whoops (elevated terrain sections) and jump variations. Both elements demand proper weight distribution using both analog sticks to optimize aerial potential and landing stability.

    Career Progression Systems

    The career progression framework introduces no revolutionary concepts to racing genres or sports simulations generally, though Milestone’s efficient implementation proves welcome while establishing championship trajectories. Career Mode facilitates sponsorship acquisition opportunities, high-speed navigation of indoor and outdoor circuits, and customizable rider enhancements. Personalization options unfortunately remain relatively limited, offering minimal preset selections for racer creation. Supercross 5’s Skill Tree component features competent preparation with diverse upgrades, despite somewhat premature accessibility to premium enhancements. While competing against elite global racers, you’ll preserve Rider Condition via Training exercises or utilize post-race earnings for accelerated injury recovery.

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  • Rider Condition fundamentally represents physical wellness and influences athlete performance capabilities rather than motorcycle functionality. Training sessions function as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater-inspired race complements, permitting Compound exploration from Supercross 5’s Free Roam option. You receive precisely 120 seconds to collect individual letters spelling ‘SHAPE’, accumulate trick points, and execute specific aerial maneuvers. Substantial potential exists for Free Roam expansion, accessible individually or cooperatively, to incorporate additional environments and concealed areas. The initial forest/resort-style landscape proves functional though uninspired. Future updates hopefully will transport players to more dynamic locations.

    Technical Excellence and Presentation

    Enhancing these implementations is the title’s acoustic design, featuring extensive adjustment possibilities within settings menus for audio enthusiasts pursuing perfect configurations. The distinctive engine resonance dominates the auditory landscape, while impact sounds from debris contacting tires or rider create corresponding reverberations. Venues erupt with spectator excitement as crowd ambiance fuels victory determination. Unfortunately, the included musical selections fail to match this intensity, with every licensed track provoking discomfort during playback.

    Supercross 5’s racing methodology initially creates accessibility barriers. Certain participants may prefer rapid session engagements before transitioning elsewhere. From this perspective, Supercross 5 emphasizes repetitive practice. Definitely market exists for simulations prioritizing authenticity above arcade entertainment. Milestone expects substantial commitment to comprehend Supercross 5’s complexities, potentially discouraging newcomers exploring unfamiliar territory.

    Final Verdict and Player Strategy

    Monster Energy Supercross 5 unquestionably represents Milestone’s superior franchise entry following multiple years of declining quality.

    Where Supercross 5 lacks superficial mode variety, it compensates with exhilarating core racing mechanics. Determination and composure prove essential for ascending the demanding skill hierarchy, though the journey delivers immense satisfaction. Predicting whether subsequent releases will provide sufficient innovation to sustain franchise momentum remains uncertain, though currently we’re enthusiastically pursuing victory and recognition.

    Advanced Player Tips for Immediate Improvement

    For riders seeking competitive advantages, focus on progressive throttle application rather than binary on/off inputs. Master the 70/30 weight distribution rule for whoops sections—70% rear weight for stability, 30% forward for landing control. Utilize the rewind feature strategically to analyze cornering lines rather than just correcting crashes. Practice clutch control during jumps to maintain optimal RPMs for smoother landings and faster acceleration out of corners.

    Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

    New players frequently over-brake before jumps, killing momentum and causing awkward landings. Avoid holding full throttle through corners—modulate between 50-75% for better control. Don’t ignore rider conditioning in career mode, as fatigue significantly impacts performance during longer events. Resist the temptation to always use full steering input—subtle stick movements provide better control through technical sections.

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