If you’re on the hunt for an impractically large, American truck that doesn’t run on conventional fuel and looks ridiculous, are you going to go with a stainless steel Tesla triangle that wants to eat your fingers, or would you opt for an 11-foot tall, methanol-powered brute that can do literal backflips? I know which one I’d choose. If my friends and family are going to dunk on me for driving a truck that looks deeply unserious, it’s going to be because it’s dressed like a spooky pirate.
If you’re into larger-than-life, unconventional vehicles, then Monster Jam Showdown might be the perfect game for you. Developer Milestone has crafted an experience that embraces the world of five-ton monster trucks shaped like dogs and dinosaurs. Despite its modest scope, Monster Jam Showdown delivers an enjoyable drift-heavy driving experience, a variety of stunts, and impressive damage effects.
Unlike the open world approach of previous games like Steel Titans, Monster Jam Showdown focuses on curated events rather than free exploration. The game may give the appearance of open worlds with races and events scattered about, but in reality, it’s more structured. Some players may miss the freedom of roaming around expansive environments, as the map screens in Showdown feel a bit unnecessary and time-consuming.
One of the highlights of Monster Jam Showdown is its driving feel. The sensation of slinging these massive trucks into drifts and navigating tight corners with rear-wheel steering adds an extra layer of excitement to the racing experience. The game caters to both players who prefer an authentic driving experience without assists and those who enjoy some level of assistance to ease their way around the tracks.
Crush Hour
While the regular driving in Monster Jam Showdown maintains a degree of reality, the stunt controls offer a more fantastical experience. Players have complete control over the truck’s rotation in the air, allowing for impressive stunts and combos. The game’s stunt arenas provide a fun and engaging challenge, although some interactions with crush cars may feel a bit harsh.
For players of all ages, Showdown offers multiple difficulty levels, making it accessible to a wide audience, including young players who simply want to watch iconic trucks like Grave Digger in action.
Big Truck Hunter
With 40 trucks to choose from, many making their video game debut, Monster Jam Showdown offers a diverse lineup of vehicles. Each truck has its own unique details and characteristics, adding to the overall realism of the game. Players can unlock bonus liveries and buffs to enhance their trucks and improve their performance during events.
While the game may lack some depth in terms of immersion into the world of monster truck competition, it makes up for it with a wide selection of trucks and customization options. The attention to detail, such as scuffed paint and damage effects, adds to the authenticity of the racing experience.
Despite some missed opportunities for further customization and exploration, Monster Jam Showdown excels in delivering fast-paced racing action with a variety of events and challenges. While the game may feel repetitive at times, it remains a thrilling and enjoyable experience for fans of monster trucks and arcade-style racing games.