Niche quite cherished by fans of the discipline, the game of motocross is rare today, and MXGP 2 finally appears as the last of the Mohicans in this category. It is therefore with a certain curiosity, but also apprehension, that we embarked on this test, because between the average finish of games signed Milestone and the fact that no alternative is possible, we do not necessarily start very confident. Fortunately, from the first seconds, we are reassured with a loading screen full of copyright licenses. Clearly, the Italian developers have done the job in terms of official content. Aficionados will also be delighted to learn that all the riders, all the teams and all the circuits of the motocross world championship are included in the game, whether it's MX2 with 250cc motorcycles, or even of the premier category: MXGP and the powerful 450cc. With all the 2015 licenses, we therefore find bikes carefully modeled and with strictly identical liveries to those of last season, while the pilots wear equipment that is more real than life. On the other hand, do not really expect to see quality facial models since no face is present, it will be enough to recognize Nagl, Cairoli or Desalles by their outfit. Graphically, the Emotion FX graphics engine provides the essentials and is part of the eighth generation of consoles with a rather honest rendering. The bikes and riders are well modeled, while the ground textures are a bit underperforming. The real disaster only happens when you take a look at the crowd massed on the edges of the track, or at this hideous Monster Babe who parades to signal the last seconds before the start. What is she seriously cheum!
"I GOT MUD ON MY FACE, BIG DISGRACE !"
In terms of game modes, we find the classics of the genre with a solo available in several parts. The fast events that allow you to do what you want, the so-called "stadium" events that send you indoors in stadiums straight out of the fertile imagination of the brains at Milestone, the famous Motocross des Nations which opposes trios of drivers grouped by nationality for merciless events, and finally the traditional "Career" mode. The latter is a classic and asks you to climb the ladder of the discipline by embodying a young rookie who arrives in MX2. Creation of the pilot, with surname, first name, race number and nickname which will appear on the jersey, then we choose the face of the team manager and the communication manager of the team, as well as a sponsor who gives us objectives. Nothing too fancy, especially since we will never see the face of his avatar, well hidden under his outfit. Obviously, we will have to equip ourselves before throwing ourselves into the arena, and as always, each event brings in cash depending on your ranking and the sponsor's objectives. A savings that can then be reinvested in the customization aspect of the game. We can indeed undermine our pilot from A to Z thanks to all official accessories taken from the catalogs of the biggest brands. We will choose a helmet, a mask, a jersey, goggles and a neck protector from a wide selection of brands including Arai, Shoei, Alpinestars, Thor, UFO, Fox Racing and many others. Similarly, we can afford a whole bunch of 250cc or 450cc frames from brands like Honda, KTM, Kawasaki, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Suzuki and many more. Each frame can also be customized and prepared with all official accessories too. Renthal handlebars, Ohlins suspensions, Marchesini rims, Yoshimura pots, Brembo brakes, Metzeler tires, etc. Cosmetic improvements but not only, since exhaust pipes, suspensions, brakes and tires will drastically improve the statistics and performance of your bike.
A-GA-DOU MUD MUD...
In game, each race weekend is made up of a test session which allows you to adjust your bike. But on this point, few options are possible since you can only modify the suspension settings and the staging of the box (with three positions). The followers of the adjustable wrench may be disappointed on this one. The qualifying session is more classic since it allows you to determine your place on the starting line, the ideal being to be as inside as possible during the first turn. Finally, regarding the two races during which you have to face the pack, the behavior of the motorcycle is very uneven once in game. If the most total arcade is required with the easy settings, you will have to use the diagram of pro driving before finally having a feeling of quality. We then have separate front and rear brakes, and a clutch control, very practical to make the holeshot at the start or to relaunch like a ball out of a tight turn. Overall, the behavior of the bike is well transcribed when you stay on the ground, with a very nice little system since you can see the ruts widening lap after lap in certain turns. Convenient to lean on and pass even more quickly in curves.
It should also be noted that the grip and driving sensations are identical, regardless of the route taken. From sand to loose earth, you can't see any difference.
Where things go wrong is once in the air since our mount no longer seems to weigh a gram. By using the right stick which manages the weight of the pilot, you can instantly place the bike as you want and thus land already facing the next straight line, the throttle wide open. This aerial over-maneuverability also removes all the interest of Whips and other Scrubs which do not increase any speed and which absolutely do not limit altitude gain during jumps; it's just a question of being able to do a little freetsyle at the risk of ending up on the ground. It should also be noted that the grip and driving sensations are identical, regardless of the route taken. From sand to loose earth, you can't see any difference. In their sequence, the races are all similar: start in front and stay there, which is very easy once your bike is improved, or stay in the peloton and suffer the permanent assaults of a criminal and indestructible AI that knocks you down and knocks you down. drives over it without any care. As much to say to you that your pilot will not have the same resistance whereas one can land rear wheel on a competitor after a jump of 20 meters without that it does not move. A last word to mention the multiplayer which does not have dedicated servers. That's it, 80% of the races will not be finished due to loss of connection. Spit out Milestone!
