Let's talk MotoGP: Who hasn't spent afternoons playing MotoGP games?

For over twenty years, the MotoGP license has been a constant presence in our lives and fueled our passion. Nostalgia sometimes compels us to dust off a Memory Card and fire up our PlayStation 2 to relive the thrill of racing against Barros, Rossi, and Gibernau—a bygone era. This is the story of a franchise that holds a special place in all our hearts.

 

MotoGP games, a part of our childhood (or not?)

 

One-on-one, split screen with a friend (or your dad), Paul Ricard circuit, on MotoGP (2000)Eyes glued to the television, neither you nor your opponent is about to give an inch on the track. A quick glance back to visualize the gap before entering the Mistral straight and avoiding getting caught out at Signes. You're in good shape. Now all you need is a perfect line through the Beausset double right-hander, and you know it: being first through the twisty section helps, but leaves you vulnerable to being cut off in the Pont corner.

 

 

At the last moment, you change course, dive inside to defend; he's beaten. Those afternoons spent on those games were worth their weight in gold. Our retrospective begins hereNot at Castellet, but in 2000, on the first licensed game. MotoGP playable on a mainstream home console.

Unfortunately, talking about all his ancestors (of hang on à 500GP) would be too long. So, in 2000, MotoGP was released, without even specifying the year. Since it could only be played on a few tracks with a few riders, it remains a classic of the genre to this day. The arcade-style gameplay was incredibly addictive., especially in split-screen mode where battles raged.

The next opus was not released until 2002, by NamcoBut that's not all. In fact, the now-defunct American company THQ (publisher of the excellent MX vs. ATV Reflex) managed to secure the rights for five seasons. These games, released on Xbox and Game Boy Advance, remain vastly less popular than their Japanese counterparts (at least in France).

From 2002 to 2006, Namco reigns supreme over the industry, propelled by the success of the PlayStation 2.MotoGP 3 sees the arrival of numerous additional features, including challenging mini-games, fifteen circuits, numerous time trial challenges, imaginary circuits, outlandish motorcycles, four MotoGP legends, and unlockable images and videos… This game is a gem, and perhaps my favorite..

Many current enthusiasts got hooked on it during that era. This is precisely why it is important that DORNA (or any other organization) oversees what is produced and ensures the qualityIt's an excellent promotional tool that is too often underestimated by older, more traditional institutions.

In 2004, the game evolved and now included the lower categories. As good as the previous one (identical gameplay), have fun contemplating the 125cc grid, one of the best of all time. Between Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, Mika Kallio, Andrea Dovizioso ou Marco Simoncelli, you are spoiled for choice.

Sadly, This is the last game produced by Namco for this console.While we will indeed have a new MotoGP (2006) game on PSP, the experience isn't the same. Moreover, it was heavily criticized at the time.

While THQ released its latest game with nauseating physics in 2007 (Don't try them if you get seasick.), the Japanese studio Capcom took over the project until 2011. While the first (MotoGP '07) offered some hope, the radical change did not convince many people, including specialists. It's always difficult to follow a monster.

MotoGP '08, still under the Capcom banner and developed by Milestone, is the first to be released on all platforms (PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Windows and Wii), but once again, the count is incorrectThe artificial intelligence is undoubtedly one of the most idiotic ever created, and the addition of 125cc and 250cc bikes changes absolutely nothing. Faced with criticism, Capcom rushed out two games in four years (MotoGP 09/10 and MotoGP 10/11 by Monumental Games) before throwing in the towel. These two installments are without a doubt the worst in the entire series (in my opinion, but feel free to discuss it in the comments).

To revive the project in 2013, Milestone was on board. The Italian studio has extensive experience with motorcycles and held the Superbike license. Starting from scratch, the studio delivers a very good product for a comeback. The split-screen mode is still as enjoyable as ever, the home screen immerses you in the atmosphere, but the content is ultimately a little thin.

 

 

The problem with Milestone is clear. Future games will still adhere to a similar physics system, with only slight improvements.While a significant graphical upgrade was noticeable in 2015 (with the transition to PS4/Xbox One), it's nothing groundbreaking compared to our four-wheeled friends. Indeed, Formula 1 games are light years ahead.

In 2016, Milestone broke with tradition and released an unusual game: Valentino Rossi: The Game, offering a host of game modes, including drift, dirt track, and RC cars as additional content (?), as well as a retrospective of "The Doctor's" career. In hindsight, it was perhaps a game that was too ambitious, too much of a catch-all.However, some brilliant ideas (different unique liveries for the same motorcycle) deserved to be explored further.

MotoGP 2017 stands out with its gameplay and graphics overhaul, while retaining Milestone's signature style. The feel of the controller puts it at the top of the list, despite, once again, a glaring lack of content. The split-screen feature is subsequently removed. which is absolutely incomprehensible given how poor the game already is.

After two mediocre installments, Milestone redeemed itself in 2020 with more realistic physics and innovative graphics, along with a solid customization system (though inferior to what Forza offered in 2014). Providing entertainment during the first lockdown, this game was good, but, like the others, lacked content, particularly due to the overly short "historical" mode. Then came 2021, with an installment that was rather well-received by the community, but riddled with major flaws. often frustrating and repetitive despite the addition of long periodsSince then, it's always been difficult, with the use of theUnreal Engine 5 as a graphics engine, known to be difficult to utilize for racing games. Although it's true that MotoGP 24, with its integrated transfers, will make the career mode more realistic and immersive.

Today, we can lament the absence of a leading studio like Codemasters – under the Electronic Arts umbrella – with F1. MotoGP 26 has only just been released, but, on PC, The reviews are "average".Despite the addition of new mechanics, the game still suffers from slightly inferior graphics, particularly in the modeling of the pilots.

Have you spent hours playing MotoGP games? What do you think of them? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Milestone