The world of motorsports is vast, but it has gone largely unrepresented on the latest generation of hardware (Both consoles and PC’s), as developers and publishers have taken their time to launch. That is until now, as MotoGP 14 has burst onto scene. {Of course it is still available on last gen devices and other PC Configs too}
To start with Milestone, MotoGP’s Italian developer has given us more two-wheeled titles than anyone else in the business. It was the studio behind the SBK series, but since reconnecting with the MotoGP licence in 2013, Milestone has stuck to what it does best – and that’s delivering its classy style of semi-simulation riding physics beneath dated graphics.
Thankfully, MotoGP 14 is a marked improvement while it’s never going to challenge the likes of Forza or Gran Turismo, what Milestone has achieved on its tighter budget is worthy of praise.
Gameplay
My familiarity with racing has largely been with four wheels on the ground, so as soon as I hopped onto a bike in the early tutorial, I was very aware of being out of my depth. Though the principle of finding and following the ideal racing line remain the same, the process of doing so on a ludicrously powerful motorbike was something quite different for my brain to process.
Without the downforces and weight of a Formula One or a touring car, the power of the bike’s engine needs to be meted out much more carefully unless you want the front to rise up (you don’t). Riding a curb too heavily will at the very least lose you time and grip, if not make you lose control completely and see your rider thrown off, and ending up on the curbs is particularly easy to do if you don’t get your braking, turning point, rider angle and throttle control absolutely right.
The game does an admirable job of trying to make this all accessible, with Standard, Semi-Pro and Pro levels of physics simulation alongside a bevy of assists that you can tweak. It can assist with braking and leaning into corners, handle the dual braking systems as one, show the racing line and automatically tuck the rider’s body in to minimise drag. The only problem being that my first instinct with a racing game is to turn most of these off…
My only real disappointments coming in a lack of polish and refinement for the game’s overall presentation. Between the nicely detailed racers and bikes, lovely lighting and wet weather effects, the game can sometimes look really good, but it’s let down by the track scenery.
Conclusion
The only disappointing thing about the game we felt was the replay value. If some more challenges were peppered it would always have been better.
Add the graphical overhaul, refined handling and experimental modes together and you end up with a very competitive racer. If ever there was a game made by MotoGP fans for MotoGP fans, this is definitely it!
