Motocross video games have long held a special place in the hearts of racing fans. The intense action, the physics-defying jumps, and the roar of dirt bikes flying across muddy tracks have built a dedicated community over the years. Yet recently, the genre has hit a bit of a slump. The once-popular Monster Energy Supercross series hasn’t been immune to this, and while Milestone’s decision to take a one-year break was bold, it doesn’t seem to have delivered the big revival fans were expecting.
A Visual Leap with Unreal Engine 5
The most immediate improvement in Supercross 25 is its visual presentation. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts stunning graphics, detailed track environments, and lifelike lighting. Every element on screen—from the glistening mud on the tires to the muscle movements of the rider—feels more refined than ever.
Milestone scanned real-life riders and bikes into the game engine, making this possibly the most realistic Supercross racing experience to date. The leap in visual fidelity from the 2023 version is impressive and hard to miss, especially if you’ve followed the series for a while.
Weather Effects and Physics: Realism Comes with a Price
One of the standout features in Supercross 25 is the dynamic weather system. Rain, in particular, has a noticeable impact on the gameplay. Wet tracks make landing harder and reduce bike traction, which adds a layer of realism but also increases the difficulty curve.
The game also doubles down on realistic bike physics. Controlling your rider and bike demands precision—landing a jump at the wrong angle or shifting your weight improperly can result in a crash. While this realism is admirable, it can also be frustrating for players who prefer a more arcade-style experience.
Steep Learning Curve and Limited Accessibility
The truth is, Supercross 25 isn’t made for everyone. Even on the easiest difficulty setting, the game offers little forgiveness. It expects players to master precise timing, bike control, and course awareness early on. A small mistake—like a slightly wrong turn or awkward landing—can throw you off completely and ruin your race.
While the Supercross Academy training mode helps introduce you to the basics, it doesn’t make the overall experience much more accessible for beginners. This high barrier to entry may push casual players away and limit the game’s reach to only hardcore motocross fans.
Campaign Mode: Build Your Rider’s Legacy
In the offline campaign, you start with a low-tier bike and a rookie rider. Winning races gradually brings sponsorship offers from major motorcycle companies, allowing you to upgrade your equipment and expand your reputation.
Interestingly, social media presence plays a role in your career progression. If you knock a rival off balance during a race, they might complain online—and your response to their post influences your public image. These interactions give the campaign a modern, interactive feel that adds some depth to your character development.
Rhythm Attack: A Burst of Pure Adrenaline
For players looking for quick, action-packed gameplay, the Rhythm Attack mode offers a refreshing change. These one-on-one races are all about perfect timing and flashy jumps. Lasting under 30 seconds, they deliver fast thrills and a break from the longer, more intense races.
Though short, Rhythm Attack races are visually exciting and could easily become a favorite for those who crave speed and competition without the commitment of full-length events.
Other Offline Modes: Time Attack and Championship
In addition to the campaign and Rhythm Attack, Supercross 25 also includes Time Attack and Championship modes. Time Attack lets you perfect your run on each track and aim for the fastest lap, while Championship mode allows you to create your own racing season by selecting specific tracks.
These modes provide some replayability, especially for players who enjoy mastering their skills and testing different strategies on familiar tracks.
Multiplayer Experience: Online and Split Screen
The multiplayer component of Supercross 25 includes both an Online Hub and a Split Screen mode. While the online experience can vary depending on connectivity and matchmaking, the Split Screen mode works smoothly and offers a solid local co-op experience—something that’s increasingly rare in modern racing games.
It’s a great way to enjoy the game with friends on the same console, and the challenge of competing head-to-head adds even more tension and excitement.
Bike and Rider Customization: Limited but Decent
Customization in Supercross 25 is functional but underwhelming compared to other modern racing games. You can modify key parts of your bike like the exhaust, suspension, and engine, and choose the look of your rider. However, there’s a noticeable lack of deeper personalization options that fans might expect from a current-gen title.
Given how far vehicle customization has come in other franchises, it’s surprising that Milestone still limits options in this series. This is an area that could use serious improvement in future releases.
Accessibility Features: A Step in the Right Direction
One of the game’s stronger points is its accessibility settings. You can customize your difficulty level, adjust control sensitivity, and tweak other gameplay elements to match your play style. While the game still feels hard no matter what you change, these options are a nice touch and help more players enjoy the experience in their own way.
The game also includes a Photo Mode, letting you capture stunning screenshots mid-race—perfect for those who want to show off their tricks, crashes, or scenic views.
Final Verdict: A Game for the Hardcore Fans Only
Supercross 25 is not quite the comeback we had hoped for. After a full year of rest and development, it’s disappointing that the game hasn’t evolved more significantly. While the graphics and realism are impressive, the lack of accessibility, limited customization, and steep learning curve hold the game back from broader appeal.
If you’re a true fan of motocross, this game might still be worth your time—especially considering how few solid alternatives exist. But if you’re just looking for a fun, fast-paced motorbike racing game, Supercross 25 likely won’t meet your expectations.
