When Monster Energy Supercross was released for PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC last year, the Switch version was undoubtedly the worst.
It wasn’t because it was the worst looking of the bunch – that was to be expected –it was because it was missing a huge amount of content. Thankfully, with Monster Energy Supercross 2, developer Milestone hasn’t made the same mistake.
In terms of content and features, Monster Energy Supercross 2 on Switch is exactly the same as the PS4, Xbox One and PC versions of the game. That means that it has a full career, now padded out with a weekly agenda which allows for side activities. It has online multiplayer, so you can race with other players from around the world. And it also has the track editor, which allows you to create layouts as simple or as complex as you like, and even upload them for others to use. This time, Switch players really aren’t missing out on anything.
So, to save myself from repeating my own words, if you want to find out the real nitty gritty about Monster Energy Supercross 2‘s new career and other features, read my review of the Xbox One version. Here, I want to concentrate on what sets the Switch version apart from the others.
Obviously, the main difference between the Switch version and others are the visuals. The Switch understandably can’t keep up with the type of visual splendour that the Xbox One X pumps to your screen. As a result, Monster Energy Supercross 2 on Switch looks flat in comparison. The mud looks less muddy, you lose details like your rider’s shirt flapping as they race around the track, and everything looks brighter. Basically, Monster Energy Supercross 2 looks pretty lifeless and flat on Switch. Though it’s certainly not an eyesore.
A lot of detail may have been lost in translation, but Monster Energy Supercross 2 still looks crisp and visually appealing on Switch – just not as realistic. And it performs well, too. There might be a framerate dip here and there, especially when playing in docked mode, but it rarely gets in the way of the racing action. And here it’s better than ever.
The handling is responsive and the physics behave just as you’d expect them to, resulting in what is undoubtedly the most authentic supercross experience currently available on Switch. It doesn’t exactly match the experience offered by PS4, Xbox One and PC – you don’t quite get the same feel of your bike slipping or struggling when travelling through deep mud or moving on inclines – but it’s solid nonetheless.
Loading times are perhaps Monster Energy Supercross 2‘s one and only Achilles’ heel on Switch. Sometimes they can go on for just a bit too long, souring you on the racing action that’s about to come up. Those opting for more than basic one-shot events in career mode might be slightly less aggrieved by them though, eking out more racing action between each long load.
Not everyone is into supercross, I know, but anyone that wants a racing game that rewards skill and determination will enjoy jumping into Monster Energy Supercross 2. If you’ve never played a supercross game before you might be a little bewildered at first, but thanks to a wealth of assists including the new flow aid, there’s no finer way to learn the ropes.
Monster Energy Supercross 2 really does right the wrongs committed by its predecessor’s Switch outing. It has now got an ample amount of content and plays better than ever, making it not only the best supercross game available on Switch, but also the best serious racing game available full stop. If only the career was a little bit better and the load times a bit shorter, then it would be essential for all racing fans.
Monster Energy Supercross 2 is available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC. This is a review of the Switch version.
