MXGP 24 faces significant challenges following its November 28 launch, marked by poor marketing and negative reception, including a low 23% score on Steam. The game suffers from subpar graphics, awkward gameplay, and physics issues, leading to a lackluster experience. Players encounter a rushed career mode and static terrain that fails to convey realistic racing sensations. Currently, the game falls short of expectations, leaving the community questioning whether the developers will address these shortcomings in future updates.
MXGP 24 Launch Struggles
Honestly, we had our doubts about the 2024 installment of the MXGP series. KT Racing, while known for their expertise in racing games, faced a monumental challenge in revamping this beloved franchise. They had to navigate a host of intricate features, including collision detection, weight distribution, rider dynamics, and the intricacies of terrain evolution, all of which are no small feats.
However, we didn’t anticipate such a rocky launch. Released on Thursday, November 28, for both PC and consoles, MXGP 24 is already encountering serious issues. With minimal marketing efforts and a slew of negative feedback flooding in from social media and Steam—where it currently holds a mere 23% score—the game’s launch is proving to be underwhelming. The absence of advance copies hinted at difficulties, and the reality aligns with those expectations.
The latest trailer did little to inspire confidence, and the recent confusion surrounding updates on the Steam page suggests that the development team was not adequately prepared for the release. For instance, Nacon has recently swapped the name of KT Racing for Artefacts Studio, which has raised eyebrows among the community. It’s been a challenging year for Kylotoon, especially following the complications with Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown.
Need for a Physics Overhaul
While one might argue that the studio’s lack of content—like missing official gear or game modes—could be excused as part of a first iteration, the glaring shortcomings in graphics are hard to overlook. The visuals are disappointingly subpar, failing to meet the standards of even the previous generation, and the physics leave much to be desired.
After diving into the game with controller in hand, it became abundantly clear that there’s a significant amount of work required. The overall experience feels shockingly cheap. The user interface is awkward and lifeless, while the career mode rushes players into gameplay before presenting them with barren menus. Once on the track, the visuals fall flat. Even MXGP 2021, which wasn’t a graphical marvel, feels more polished by comparison. However, it’s worth noting that the tracks themselves are captured quite faithfully.
In terms of gameplay, while it’s nice to have the option to relive the current official season or engage in a basic free training mode, the actual sensations when racing are severely lacking. The gameplay feels dull; the physics are completely off, leading to unnatural bouncing. Players won’t feel the impact of muddy terrain, as the track remains static throughout the race. Leaning into turns seems to have merely a visual effect, and the almost complete absence of crashes does not contribute to an immersive experience.
To sum it up, in its current state and at full price, MXGP 24 is a title best avoided. It falls drastically short of the expectations set forth in its marketing. As of now, there has been no official word from the publisher or developers regarding potential patches, but the community remains hopeful. The real question now is whether the team will take the necessary steps to rectify these issues or if they’ll simply gather feedback for next year’s edition.