MotoGP 21

Complex racer demands skill, training from dedicated fans.
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MotoGP 21
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that MotoGP 21 is a realistic motorcycle racing game available for download on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PCs. While there's no inappropriate content in the game, younger gamers or newcomers to racing may find it too difficult or complex. When riders crash, the riders aren't shown being injured or killed. Similarly, while players can play as male or female, and between the ages of 16 and 99, they can't alter their character's body, nor does it impact performance. As with real motorcycle racing, the game does have a lot of real-world branding: Not only does it have players riding motorcycles made by Honda, Ducati, and Suzuki, but the track has ads for Red Bull and other sponsors. Communication between online players isn't monitored, possibly exposing younger players to inappropriate content.
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What’s It About?
As with previous installments, MOTOGP 21 does not have a story. Instead, it has a detailed career mode. Not only do you engage in a series of races so that you can move up the standings and unlock new races, but you also have to deal with your sponsors, and even have to drive practice laps and qualifiers. Along with the career mode, the game also has online multiplayer laps -- in which you can pick the kind of bikes, the number of laps, and whether the track is chosen by the organizer or by the participants -- while one-off single-player events include time trials and multirace championships.
Is It Any Good?
While this realistic racing series has never really been for casual riders, the 2021 model is clearly not for novices, newbies, or people just looking for a fun Sunday drive. Like previous installments, MotoGP 21 is a motorcycle racing simulation that gives you total control of your bike, letting you customize everything from the tires to the number on your rider's back. It also boasts realistic controls and physics, even if you opt to turn on some or all of the assists. It also has all of the events of the 2021 season, over 20 real-world tracks, and over 120 professional riders.
The problem, for more casual fans, is that you have to be one of those pros to do well at this game. Even with all the assists turned on and the game set to "Easy" instead of "Normal" or "Hard," it's hard to just take a hairpin turn, let alone do well in a race. It also doesn't give you the option to just run a race for fun. The career, for example, isn't just a series of races. Instead, you -- like a real pro -- have to deal with sponsors and manage your team. Similarly, both the Grand Prix and Championship parts of the Quick Modes section require you to do practice laps and then a qualifying run before you even get to a race. But while this game may be frustrating for casual riders and unwelcoming for newcomers, serious bike racing fans, and veterans of this series, will appreciate all the details and complexity. Not only have they reworked the suspension system to be even more realistic, but you now have to worry about your brakes overheating. This even now includes the official Long Lap penalty rule to punish slowpokes. All of which make MotoGP 21 a very serious ride for hard-core racing fans only.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about advertising. As with real motorcycle racing, the riders and tracks in MotoGP 21 are covered in brand logos, and the riders drive bikes made by real motorcycle manufacturers. Do you think this adds to the game's realism, or is it just a cheap way of getting free advertising? Can it be both?
Every rider in MotoGP 21 is wearing a helmet and other protective gear. What does this tell you about the importance of always being prepared and wearing safety gear?
Game Details
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Milestone
- Release date: April 22, 2021
- Genre: Racing
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- ESRB rating: E for No Descriptions
- Last updated: April 21, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love racing
Themes & Topics
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