MotoGP 14 Review (PS4)
Submitted on: Jul 28, 2014 by Robert Kollars
It is fair statement to say that Playstation 4 racing fans have had very little reason to be excited since the system’s release. With only one title that you would classify as racing (EA’s Need For Speed:Rivals) fans of the genre have been patiently waiting for the next title to drop.
Obviously MotoGP 14 isn’t a traditional racing series the masses follow in the United States, but Milestone is hoping to tap into the smaller market that does, and banking on the fact that a few new ones come along for the ride.
Gameplay
I would love to say that MotoGP ’14 grabbed my attention the moment it entered the disc tray, but in all honesty, it simply did not. It took a couple of hours for me to start to appreciate all that this somewhat obscure title had to offer.
First off, it’s rare that a racing title really requires more focus in the area of braking and control than speed and overtaking of competitors. Thankfully though, that is exactly what this Milestone title insists on doing, and this aspect is what separates it from most other racing titles. MotoGp ’14 offers a great combination of true physics, simulation, and fun, all wrapped in one package, and what a package it is.
Even on the lowest levels of difficulty, one still has the adhere to the laws of track and bike physics. You must also possess the ability to navigate the apex of each turn consistently well to be successful. The game requires you to constantly utilize the brake and accelerator at the proper times, and will punish you if you’re too aggressive either way.
MotoGP ‘14 allows the driver to use the left analog stick for weight distribution as they enter a turn, and does so in a fluid and realistic fashion. The ability to learn how to distribute your weight, hit the apex at the optimum angle, and feather the brake and accelerator is what will determine if you reach the podium or watch the trophy presentation from the pits.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention how smart and competent the AI was on the track. They will force you to overtake them, and are reluctant to give up their position, especially on a long straight away. The best part is the AI accomplishes all of this in a manner that doesn’t frustrate the user. The AI is completely coherent of your presence on the track and it races against you, rather than despite you.
Graphics/Presentation
Visually MotoGP ’14 is not going to win any awards, but that’s not to say it looks bad, it just isn’t something gamers will remember a few months after they quit playing it. It’s apparent that the developers were either working with a tight budget, a restricted development cycle, or both. At best the game looks like a combination of last gen and next gen graphics.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention how smart and competent the AI was on the track. They will force you to overtake them, and are reluctant to give up their position, especially on a long straight away. The best part is the AI accomplishes all of this in a manner that doesn’t frustrate the user. The AI is completely coherent of your presence on the track and it races against you, rather than despite you.
Graphics/Presentation
Visually MotoGP ’14 is not going to win any awards, but that’s not to say it looks bad, it just isn’t something gamers will remember a few months after they quit playing it. It’s apparent that the developers were either working with a tight budget, a restricted development cycle, or both. At best the game looks like a combination of last gen and next gen graphics.
The Bikes are detailed, the tracks look acceptable, but unfortunately the crowds could pass for last gen and come across extremely static, as does the entire race weekend. If we are being completely transparent though, once you start racing you hardly have time to notice the lack of high fidelity graphics. The game is pleasing enough aesthetically, and if you’re fine with the lack of true high fidelity graphics and the game just being aesthetically pleasing, than the overall graphics will be a non-issue for you.
During career mode you will get a live-action video of the locale that the weekend's race is currently taking place at. While it’s intriguing at first, I found myself utilizing the X button to pass by these videos after the novelty wore off. Basically the videos, generic voice-overs, basic UI, boring splash screens, and the lack of dynamic atmosphere add up to a graphic and presentation package that is summed up in one simple word: forgettable.
Career
If you are familiar with Codemaster's career modes in their racing titles, than you will feel right at home with the path that Milestone has chosen. You start out with the basic team and bike, and begin racing in lowest level, MotoGP 3. You have to work your way up through the ranks, help develop you bike through research and development, and gain social media attention as you do so. As you become more successful on the track, your opportunities with better teams and equipment will increase off the track, and you will need to choose what team(s) you think offers you the best chance at being successful.
Speaking of research and development, before each race you will be given the option to chose an area of focus in regards to your bike. You can choose the suspension, braking system, or engine package. As you finish each session, the information that you gather throughout the session will be relayed back to your R&D department in the form of data packs. Once enough data packs are collected, you will see improvements in the area of focus that was chosen.
Overall, the progression through career mode is pretty methodical, and it will require you to put in some time on the higher levels. There is a noticeable difference in the equipment the better teams provide, versus the one you start with. Signing a contract with one of the stronger teams definitely is definitely a rewarding experience on all levels. What the career mode lacks in presentation, it more than makes up for in depth, and one can easily find themselves allocating hours of seat-time without even noticing.
Online
During career mode you will get a live-action video of the locale that the weekend's race is currently taking place at. While it’s intriguing at first, I found myself utilizing the X button to pass by these videos after the novelty wore off. Basically the videos, generic voice-overs, basic UI, boring splash screens, and the lack of dynamic atmosphere add up to a graphic and presentation package that is summed up in one simple word: forgettable.
Career
If you are familiar with Codemaster's career modes in their racing titles, than you will feel right at home with the path that Milestone has chosen. You start out with the basic team and bike, and begin racing in lowest level, MotoGP 3. You have to work your way up through the ranks, help develop you bike through research and development, and gain social media attention as you do so. As you become more successful on the track, your opportunities with better teams and equipment will increase off the track, and you will need to choose what team(s) you think offers you the best chance at being successful.
Speaking of research and development, before each race you will be given the option to chose an area of focus in regards to your bike. You can choose the suspension, braking system, or engine package. As you finish each session, the information that you gather throughout the session will be relayed back to your R&D department in the form of data packs. Once enough data packs are collected, you will see improvements in the area of focus that was chosen.
Overall, the progression through career mode is pretty methodical, and it will require you to put in some time on the higher levels. There is a noticeable difference in the equipment the better teams provide, versus the one you start with. Signing a contract with one of the stronger teams definitely is definitely a rewarding experience on all levels. What the career mode lacks in presentation, it more than makes up for in depth, and one can easily find themselves allocating hours of seat-time without even noticing.
Online
If online racing is of interest to you, than Milestone has put together a nice package with you in mind. You will find the obligatory race now selection available(online Grand Prix), but they have also include the full race weekend, online championship, MotoGP sprint season, and split battle, which is a mode that pits you against other drivers to race a maximum number of laps, with the objective of having the best split times in each sector.
Overall, there is plenty of fun to be had online with MotoGP ’14, and the at least with my limited time with it, the experience was as smooth as racing offline.
Final Thoughts
While MotoGP ’14 may not be genre defining in any one aspect, one can’t overlook the combination of quality racing and fun that Milestone has delivered here. The AI is aggressive and smart, even on the lowest level, and there is depth to the game that will have users wanting more. If having only two wheels instead of four is a concern, don’t let it be. It may not be flashy, the presentation may be average at best, but the racing is what will keep you coming back for more.
Learning Curve – If you’re not familiar with MotoGP series or motorcycle games in general, it may take a bit to understand, and even more to feel in complete control – especially on the higher difficulty levels.
Graphics – The Bikes are detailed, but the tracks and crowd look like a hi-res version from last gen.
Sounds – Overall, the game does a decent, to good job of replicating what you would hear at the track.
Controls – Tight and responsive is the best way to describe them, and that is never a bad thing.
Online – The same smooth feeling as racing offline, and quite a few modes to keep multiplayer only users happy.
Score - 7.5 (Good)
Final Thoughts
While MotoGP ’14 may not be genre defining in any one aspect, one can’t overlook the combination of quality racing and fun that Milestone has delivered here. The AI is aggressive and smart, even on the lowest level, and there is depth to the game that will have users wanting more. If having only two wheels instead of four is a concern, don’t let it be. It may not be flashy, the presentation may be average at best, but the racing is what will keep you coming back for more.
Learning Curve – If you’re not familiar with MotoGP series or motorcycle games in general, it may take a bit to understand, and even more to feel in complete control – especially on the higher difficulty levels.
Graphics – The Bikes are detailed, but the tracks and crowd look like a hi-res version from last gen.
Sounds – Overall, the game does a decent, to good job of replicating what you would hear at the track.
Controls – Tight and responsive is the best way to describe them, and that is never a bad thing.
Online – The same smooth feeling as racing offline, and quite a few modes to keep multiplayer only users happy.
Score - 7.5 (Good)
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