I recently jumped into Monster Jam Showdown, eager to relive the childhood excitement of roaring engines and oversized trucks crushing everything in their path. Developed by Milestone, the game certainly delivers on the surface—eye-catching trucks, diverse arenas, and the high-energy vibe you’d expect from a monster truck experience. However, the deeper I dug into the game, the more I noticed the cracks in its shiny exterior.

Visuals and Presentation: A Spectacle with a Catch

Visually, Monster Jam Showdown is impressive. The trucks are meticulously detailed, showcasing iconic designs like Grave Digger and El Toro Loco with a level of polish that makes them feel larger-than-life. The environments range from snowy terrains and dense forests to rocky deserts, providing a nice change of scenery that keeps the game feeling fresh, at least at first glance. The Unreal Engine does a great job of blending realism with a slightly cartoonish aesthetic that suits the game’s playful nature.

However, despite the eye candy, the game suffers from an overall lack of polish in its presentation. Menus are basic, the UI feels underdeveloped, and the lack of a cohesive career mode leaves the game feeling like a series of disconnected events. There’s no real sense of progression or narrative drive to keep you invested, which is a missed opportunity in a genre that thrives on the thrill of climbing the ranks.

Gameplay: Fun but Frustratingly Flawed

Gameplay is where Monster Jam Showdown both shines and stumbles. The core racing mechanics are solid enough; the trucks handle with a satisfying weight, and the dual-stick control system, which lets you steer both front and back wheels independently, adds a layer of complexity that feels rewarding once mastered. Races are fast-paced, and the game does a good job of capturing the chaotic fun of smashing through obstacles and opponents.

That said, the physics can be hit-or-miss. The trucks sometimes behave in ways that defy logic, especially during the stunt modes where you’re tasked with performing flips, spins, and jumps. While it’s clear that the game leans into its arcade roots, the inconsistent physics often make these events feel more frustrating than fun. Trucks can get stuck, flip awkwardly, or completely ignore the laws of momentum, pulling you out of the immersion.

Another downside is the repetitiveness of the events. While there are multiple modes, including head-to-head races, trick competitions, and time trials, they often feel like variations of the same basic formula. After a while, the novelty wears thin, and you’re left craving more diverse challenges to keep things interesting.

Audio and Atmosphere: Big Noise, Little Substance

The audio design does its best to pump up the adrenaline with roaring engines, loud crashes, and an energetic soundtrack that fits the over-the-top nature of the game. The announcer’s voice adds some hype, but it quickly becomes repetitive, lacking the personality that could have made each event feel distinct. There’s a lot of “yeah, bro!” energy, which is fun at first but wears thin as you progress.

Multiplayer and Extras: Missed Opportunities

Monster Jam Showdown offers both online multiplayer and split-screen modes, which are great for quick, fun sessions with friends. However, there’s a noticeable lack of depth outside of the main racing modes. The game’s garage feature, for example, allows you to showcase your favorite trucks, but the customization options are limited, and there’s no way to interact with your vehicles beyond simple display choices. A more detailed garage or a mode that let you explore and learn about each truck would have been a welcome addition.

One of the most significant letdowns is the absence of a career mode or any meaningful progression system. You can complete challenges and unlock new trucks, but there’s no narrative or overarching goal to tie it all together. It feels like the game stops short of becoming something truly engaging. The developers have promised future updates with more content, but as it stands, the game feels like it’s missing that extra layer of depth that would make it a must-play.

Final Verdict: Fun but Flawed

Monster Jam Showdown is a fun, visually appealing racer that nails the spectacle of monster truck events but falls short in delivering a fully rounded experience. It’s perfect for casual, short-burst gameplay—especially with friends—but lacks the polish and depth that would keep you coming back for more. If you’re a fan of monster trucks and don’t mind some arcade-style chaos, it’s worth a try. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.

Rating: 6.5/10