MotoGP 23: PS5 Review

Developed by Milestone
Released by
Platform: PS5

To say MotoGP 23 is tough is to sell it short.

This latest annual iteration of the bike racing simulation game is one that's clearly aimed at those who know their motorbikes and how to handle them rather than looking for punters who just want to pick up a beautifully created sim.

Milestone's development of the game has managed to cater for major fans of the genre, but its adherence to details and also progression levels may mean many feel alienated by this simulator that looks beautiful and makes use of the very best the next generation technology has to offer.

Fortunately the sim has a very impressive auto pilot that helps you corner and also helps you maintain your progress on the track, but the end result is you barely feel like you're doing any driving whatsoever. But as the difficulty level rises as the auto pilot and hand-holding lessens, the game begins to alienate any who are just looking to take a beautifully crafted bike out for a spin.

From mastering mechanics to basic track etiquette, there's more than enough here to keep players engaged, and while the crash sequences are almost comical in their rigidity, given how often you'll see them, the joke may wear thin very quickly.

Dynamic weather plays a part too, and handling the bike can completely change during career mode if a storm suddenly impacts the track - but it's a welcome touch of reality for the game.

Moto GP23's career mode makes the most of what's on offer, with a chance to rise the ranks and annoy other racers being presented - but the single player experience is one that takes a little time to dive into and also becomes something of an albatross for players looking to build on their skills. The steep learning curve proves somewhat of a difficulty throughout, and very often, MotoGP 23 feels like it holds players at arm's length, rather than just embracing them.