MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS: FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Wheelie difficult to dislike

Despite the presence of the word ‘monster’, this isn’t about ‘super cross’ grumpster Kratos. It is instead the official game of the 2017 AMA Supercross, the championship where people race one another across muddy tracks on motorised bicycles. Licensing is in full effect; needless to say you have the official tracks, as well as recognisable bikes, sponsors, and even component manufacturers. While you can make your own rider with a silly name, you can also play as one of the real-life racers with a non-silly name. 1

The default settings are a harsh-but-fair introduction to the game for those who need it (AI at its most incompetent, rewind enabled, physics more manageable, and so on). Pros can change any and all of this for both a less forgiving experience, and a multiplier for their winnings. Bike settings can also be tinkered with.

I find changing rider weight distribution to manual, and physics to realistic2 – while making it more likely that I fly off my bike in amusing ways – affords more control, and makes for an even more fun experience. It is fun, each race as much a battle against the track surface as it is against my opponents.

Unfortunately, the game struggles when things get busy on corners, and pop-up is present online even with nobody ahead of you. There are also minor bugs which slow or prevent loading. The core experience remains enjoyable, however, and the track editor is a bonus. It’s a bumpy ride, but one worth taking. Luke Kemp

FOOTNOTES1 Such as Broc Tickle. Even then, physics aren’t perfect. For example, hilarious as it is to watch, people literally riding bikes on top on one another isn’t terribly realistic.