Monster Energy Supercross 5 preview

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I was given access to Monster Energy Supercross 5 as part of a limited preview ahead of its release date. These are my first impressions.

Bikes on A Tribe Called Cars? Yes, because I love two-wheeled racing and was really into BMX, trials and mountain biking when growing up. Which is why I am making a video about Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame 5.

No relation to the Jackson 5, the latest version of the supercross racer has a release date of the 17^th of March 2022. The preview build I have access to is limited to just quick race, future academy for learning the basics and local split-screen. Plus all tracks.

That means I cannot show you the career mode, editors, free roaming or online multiplayer. Pretty key elements, admittedly, but you are getting to see the game in action. Digital pre-orders are open now for those with a PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One and PC.

What’s new in Monster Energy Supercross 5?

Developer Milestone (the people behind a number of other bike games including the excellent Ride 4) says it has improved rider animations and that seems to be the case. While it is still a bit slapstick, it did seem easier to get into a rhythm across lumps, bumps and jumps.

The default difficulty settings help with landings, balance and cornering. Switch everything off and it is quite easy to go arse-over-tit (that is the official term) unless you keep the weight back using both joysticks. I would say the physics system is mostly consistent but has a few quirks.

One is that leaning forward or back with either joystick or both together does not register much of a movement on the ground and there is little or no difference, so it seems, between using one or both joysticks, which is un-intuitive.

Even in the air things seem vaguer than I would like but then it is possible to lean back and skim across moguls and tuck your shoulder into banked corners like a pro, both of which are satisfying.

You do, however, have a lot of control over performing whips or tabletops by pressing the joystick in opposite horizontal directions. So while there is not a proper stunt system in place, it is possible to add some flair – or taunt those behind you.

Despite the AI getting lapped in one race, it usually keeps you on your toes. It also replicates the chaos of supercross created by a wall of flesh, suspension, rubber and advertising all trying to get a good line for corners.

Get in shape

Another new addition to Monster Energy Supercross 5 is the Rider Shape System. Basically, riders can get injured and perform worse. Recovery is not done in a hospital with surgery and a lengthy course of physio though – instead you merely have to complete training or specific tasks.

As for the supercross circuits, expect all the official offerings from Houston, Indianapolis, Orlando and Salt Lake City. Course layouts vary nicely, ranging from wide speed fests to more technical, brake-heavy challenges.

Milestone has implemented all the official riders and bikes of the 2021 season, too, including 450SX, 250 East and 250 West. Two-stroke bikes are a thing and so is a compound where you can roam around as you please.

Switching to the two first-person views, with and without a helmet, Monster Energy Supercross 5 feels most natural and exciting. It is fun carving up the dirt and learning to carry speed without rag-dolling everywhere. Though not initially thrilling, the experience grows on you.

With all the trimmings of the full game – career mode, online multiplayer and the track editor – I can see bike fans having a good laugh. Especially now that, for the first time, two-player split-screen multiplayer is a thing.

What about each version?

Monster Energy Supercross 5 will be available in two versions. The first is the standard edition, which includes the full game plus the Ice Blizzard and Fire Storm customisation packs.

The second is the special edition, which adds a season pass comprised Credits Multiplayer, Legends Pack Volume 1 and 2, US Open Track, Neon Pack and the Allegiance Pack. Hopefully we get more details of this stuff as we head towards the 17^th of March release date.

You also get to play the game three days earlier and those aforementioned customisation packs.