MotoGP 18 is the works of Milestone and is currently out right now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with a Switch variant to release on June 28th. If you’re wondering what this year’s motorcycle sim is all about, hopefully, this review will help you make an informed decision on whether to pick it up or not.

[Disclosure: The following review was made possible by a review key]

On startup, I was greeted by several notices telling me about MotoGP 18 and whether I wanted to run through a tutorial. In the tutorial, mechanics such as turning, braking, and so on was taught, which if you happen to be new to the series it will help inform you on how the two-wheel vehicle operates. If you are a veteran there’s not too much you will need to draw from the tutorial — in other words, you can press the “skip” button if you don’t need it.

After the tutorial, you’ll be lead to the main menu screen where you can select various modes such as Career, Quick Modes, Multiplayer, MotoGP eSports Championship, MotoGP ID, Rider Customization, Options, and Downloadable Contents (DLC). From here you can adjust settings, create your own rider, pursue the top spot via the career mode, or have fun with randoms and friends online on the blacktops.

Moreover, the act of changing controls and assigning keys/controls is very easy. The only thing I have a problem with is when using a controller and not being able to bind the accelerate-and-brake to the left/right thumbstick unlike in older MotoGP games, but that’s the only minor gripe I have in that department.

In addition to the above, I’d have to say the controls are very responsive. I never had a problem with anything like braking, taking a peek behind me, accelerating, or pressing other buttons to overtake any counterparts on the track.

As for sound, MotoGP 18 has very clear motorcycle sound effects, especially when the gears change or like the rpm sounds. Obviously, There’s a difference in sound when comparing MotoGP 17 to MotoGP 18, but I feel that in this department (the sound) is up for debate which version sounds better. But all in all, the sound isn’t something that detracts from the game in any shape or form.

Furthermore, MotoGP sports a new game engine, which happens to be the popular Unreal Engine 4. However, the engine switch has brought forth a catch. Instead of running at 60fps on consoles (PS4 and Xbox One) like MotoGP 17, this iteration only runs at 30fps, which is a big downer for me.

Speaking of a new engine, the graphics of this year’s game has improved over the last iteration. Ground reflection when wet is a thing, and lighting looks darker but visually the game compared to last year’s title is crisper. Although the game isn’t the prettiest game on the games market, it is a much better-looking game when MotoGP 17 steps into the picture.

Taking a look over to gameplay mechanics, MotoGP 18 has a lot of toggles and aid-assistants for newcomers to get a feel for the game/series, while at the same time offering more options for hardcore gearheads to hunker down and change various stuff like electronics, gear settings, brakes, suspension, and so on to get the most out of their bike(s).

In other words, I feel like the gameplay mechanics are for gamers who like racing sims and motorcycles to master all 19 tracks, but not for those who aren’t all that fond of said genre of games.

If you’re wondering if this game has split-screen or couch-co-op you’ll be disappointed to know that this game arrives without said feature. Also, load times can be a little long at times, which is something you should keep in mind.

I do need to bring up that the 2017 MotoGP eSport Championship will return for the year 2018 in that Milestone is expanding on this feature in a big way. There is an expansion on the qualifiers, which turns into a live semifinal event featuring 12 gamers in Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli before the Grand Final at Valencia, where the BMW M240i Coupe stands as the big prize.

Joining this year’s eSports scene comes the Moto GP ID profile, offering an overview of your career performances for you and others to look at, so if you want to brag or inform others about your stats, now you know where to go.

Lastly, this game isn’t for people who aren’t into motorcycles, but I’d say that MotoGP 18 is for those who have an interest in racing titles. With that said, if you own MotoGP 17, it’s best to hold off on picking this iteration up unless you are really hard up for another Milestone game. This means MotoGP 18 is not a must buy on day one, but a game that you should try if you ever stumble across a nice deal or get the chance to demo it.

MotoGP 18 is currently available to pick up for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, while the Switch version is slated for a June 28th release.