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0 Lights out and away we go! MOTOGP 26 is the newest instalment in the well-established MOTOGP series. Developed and published by Milestone S.r.l., it aims to bring ‘A new generation of riding physics’. You can buy this latest addition on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC now for between £50 and £ 60.
How different is MOTOGP 26 from its predecessor? Let’s take a look together.
Gameplay
I have played the MOTOGP games since 2013, with a current goal being to 100% all years from 2013 onwards. Therefore, I have seen a variety of changes that have been implemented throughout these years. There have been changes that have been both good and bad, so it will be interesting to see how 26 is different from its predecessors.
The game mode I have put the most hours into is the career mode. It offers the full intensity of the 2026 championship in all its authenticity. You can decide to use a driver from the 2026 calendar, or you can begin your own journey. Beginning my own journey is something I have always done, and this certainly has not changed for 2026. Here, I have started building my fame by working my way through MOTOGP3, then onto MOTOGP2, before finally ending in MOTOGP. There are a variety of factors that you need to be aware of to help you get to the top.
This year, we see the introduction of interactive press conferences. It is something I am already well-versed in, as a player of the F1 series. Here, you can actively engage with journalists, set goals and also set rivalries. By completing goals and winning rivalries, you can continue to improve. As you work your way up through the classes, contract negotiations will be key. Here you can set expectations that, if you succeed, will help you to improve.
They’d have to catch me first, I am like a whippet!
Throughout the years, players have seen changes in the way the bike itself drives. As stated by Milestone S.r.l, this new instalment has refined its physics. They describe their physics as ‘being more closely tied to how players move and position the rider on the bike’. This, in turn, is supposed to create a more responsive riding experience. While the physics have seemed to improve, one change I have not liked is the breaking. It feels like the smallest touch of the brake makes your wheel lock, and you come flying off. It may be that I need some practice; the 25 breaking seemed to work so well, I do not know why it needed to change.
For fun outside of career mode, ‘Raceoff’ is back after its successful revival in 2025. The ‘Raceoff’ is a spin on the different racing disciplines in the Valentino Rossi Game, also known as MOTOGP16: Valentino Rossi. In the Valentino Rossi game, they introduced rally racing, drift and flat track. ‘Race off’ does this in a similar vein, however, with minibikes, production bikes, motards and flattracks. This offers some variety, whilst also trying a different kind of challenge. It is not easy, especially on the motards. As I found out from being on the wall often…
Another addition to MOTOGP 26 is in multiplayer, which has expended considerabilty. In 2025, multiplayer would only allow for a grid of 2-12 players. The expansion allows for a full grid of 22 players. Which really means more carnage in the online world. One of the coolest additions in the MOTOGP 26 is the helmet design contest. The individual who creates the original helmet design will be awarded with their winning helmet being worn by an official GP driver on an official race weekend. This is a great opportunity, one in which I wish I were able to do, but unfortunately, I do not have an artistic bone in my body.
Graphics & Audio:
One thing that the MOTOGP series has done phenomenally is rider animations. This is something that does not seem to get enough credit. As the series has gone on, we have seen constant improvements to the animations of the riders. To see how their legs tuck in and how they move their body weight when approaching tight corners. There is not a dramatic graphical leap from the 2025 version; however, I feel that with the series, it is always a constant improvement on the final details that truly make the animations shine.
Most notably, there has been an overhaul in the audio department. This is particularly relevant in the MOTOGP2 category. Both MOTOGP2 and MOTOGP3 have newly recorded engine sounds, which are more realistic to their real-life sounds.
Longevity
With any game that has a yearly cycle, there does come a point where playability begins to wear thin. However, I have always found that with the MOTOGP games, I continue to have fun well into the cycle. I think it completely depends on how much free time you have. As someone who works full-time, playing games is a luxury; I often find myself playing these types of yearly cycle games way into the cycle. However, I can imagine that if someone prioritises playing games, how quickly this can become repetitive. If you are a fan of MOTOGP, I don’t think it will be too much of a problem, like it hasn’t been for me in all these years.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I am quietly impressed with how the series continues to improve. While I think that the breaking system has changed, and not for the better, there is plenty to admire. This is definitely a game I see myself playing for a while, and I am excited to continue playing past this review. Based on everything I have spoken about within this review, I will be awarding MOTOGP 26 with the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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