I still remember when I reviewed the first Monster Energy Supercross game back in 2018. Somehow, we’re still getting a new game in the franchise every single year, and that makes me question if that’s really necessary. I am sure the licensing deal basically dictates that Milestone is required to drop a brand-new Monster Energy Supercross on a yearly basis, but that results in games that are very difficult to differentiate from one another. After reviewing Monster Energy Supercross 4 last year, I had no idea what to expect from Monster Energy Supercross 5. It just dropped. It showed up from out of nowhere, and for the most part, yep, it’s almost the same thing as last year’s game, with just a few additions here and there.

Technically speaking, this game looks identical to last year’s yearly iteration. Decent-looking and detailed tracks, coupled with atrocious character models. It looks… alright. It runs well at a constant 60fps, but this is far from what a next-gen machine can handle. The sound design is also the same as before, and the list of modes is identical. You have a lengthy career mode, online multiplayer, single races, and the same track creator featured in previous Monster Energy Supercross titles. This is not this version’s main selling point. In fact, there aren’t many, but if I had to point out something positive about it, that has to be its more accessible nature when compared to its predecessors.

Most of those motocross/supercross racing games I’ve tackled in the past weren’t exactly newcomer-friendly. Those physics are hard to get used to, as you need to pay attention to your rider’s balance alongside the direction you’re turning your bike. Monster Energy Supercross 5 now includes even easier difficulty settings and more customizable physics to allow newcomers to have as much fun with it as series veterans. Lower difficulties allow for more forgiving collisions, longer rewinding periods, and of course, dumber AI opponents. Once you learn how to play the game proper, however, things will simply turn into yet another Monster Energy Supercross. Therefore, the only real novelty featured in this version will only be truly enjoyed by newcomers, not series veterans.

Monster Energy Supercross 5 is still a good racing game, just like its predecessor. I welcome the addition of a few new assists and difficulty settings that make the game slightly more appealing and accessible towards newcomers. With that being said, all of those additions could have been added in its predecessor, via a patch. I just sincerely don’t think this franchise needs to have a yearly release, as there is very little that differentiates this title from 2021’s iteration. If you are a newbie and you want to give a motocross game a go, sure thing, Monster Energy Supercross 5 is a great entry point. If you’re not a newcomer, just keep playing last year’s game. You will barely notice any difference anyway.

 

Graphics: 7.0 Not a lot has changed from last year’s iteration. It looks decent and detailed enough, but I am sure Milestone can do better than this.	Gameplay: 7.5 A handful of new assists and easier difficulty settings make Monster Energy Supercross 5 more accessible for newcomers to the genre.
Sound: 7.5 It still features above-average alt-metal bangers being played during races, less enthusiastic indie tunes while on menus, and average-at-best voice commentary before the start of each race.	Fun Factor: 7.0 It is a bit easier and more accessible for newcomers, but at the end of the day, it’s way too similar to its predecessors. It doesn’t exactly justify its existence as a full-fledged sequel.
Final Verdict: 7.0

Monster Energy Supercross: The Official Videogame 5 is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X ,and PC.

Reviewed on Xbox Series S.

A copy of Monster Energy Supercross: The Official Videogame 5 was provided by the publisher.