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MONSTER

Monster Jam Showdown

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Monster Jam Showdown
Item: Monster Jam Showdown
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresSingle Player, Racing

AvailableAug 29, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5

DeveloperMilestone S.r.l

Overview

To deliver the feeling and excitement of mastering 1,500 horsepower mechanical machines, Monster Jam Showdown will feature arcade gameplay endowed with comprehensive and customisable driving aids.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Monster Jam Showdown nails addictive drift-driven fun with slick stunts, diverse modes, and accessible controls—perfect for casual and competitive players. But repetitive gameplay, clunky physics, and a lackluster campaign let it down. A thrilling ride with room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Monster Jam Showdown receives widespread praise for its engaging mechanics, variety, and accessibility. Critics highlight its enjoyable drift-heavy driving feel, with IGN noting the "wild range of stunts" and "great damage effects," while XboxEra describes the gameplay as "tight and surprisingly accessible." The dual-steering controls, praised by GamingBolt for their "realistic and impressive" physics, add a unique layer of depth, and GINX TV emphasizes the arcade-like driving mechanics that cater to all ages. Stunt-focused modes, such as the Tony Hawk-style combo system mentioned by IGN and GINX TV, are frequently lauded for their creativity and responsiveness. Additionally, the game’s variety of modes—ranging from racing and freestyle to head-to-head challenges—keeps the experience dynamic, as noted by GamersRD and GameSpew. The inclusion of customizable trucks and weather effects, along with the DualSense features highlighted by Push Square, further enhances the appeal for players seeking both casual and competitive play. Despite these positives, several critics point to notable flaws. Meristation and Impulsegamer both criticize the game’s repetitive nature and physics issues, with the latter noting that "outdoor courses can be challenging due to crowded tracks and collisions." Checkpoint Gaming points out that the campaign feels "aimless" and that unlocking content is "time-consuming," while IGN mentions that interactions with crush cars are "too harsh," discouraging players from engaging with certain mechanics. Additionally, some reviewers, like Impulsegamer, note a lack of diversity in course types, and Meristation highlights that the physics can feel "frustrating." These issues, while not detracting from the core fun, suggest that the game’s design could benefit from more structured progression and refined environmental interactions. Overall, the critics agree that Monster Jam Showdown delivers a fun and accessible experience with strong driving mechanics, creative stunts, and a variety of modes. While some frustrations arise from repetitive elements and physics inconsistencies, the game’s emphasis on accessibility, customization, and arcade-style action resonates across platforms. IGN, GamingBolt, and GINX TV all emphasize the balance between skill and ease of play, making it appealing to a broad audience. Though not without its flaws, the game’s strengths in control, variety, and engagement create a compelling package that aligns with the expectations of fans of monster truck racing and stunt-based gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Monster Jam Showdown dazzles with Unreal Engine 5’s "stunning environments," "exceptional visuals," and gritty truck details, but repetitive arenas and minor glitches can’t overshadow its technical brilliance—nostalgic flair meets modern polish, making it a visual standout despite flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Monster Jam Showdown, highlighting its technical and aesthetic strengths. IGN noted the "impressive detail in truck designs," emphasizing realistic touches like scuffed paint and damage effects that enhance the sense of authenticity. XboxEra commended the game’s "crisp, shiny" visuals and "great particle effects," while Checkpoint Gaming and Impulsegamer both lauded the use of Unreal Engine 5, citing "stunning environments," "superb lighting," and "exceptional visuals" that elevate the experience. GamersRD and GameSpew praised the "distinct biomes" and "unique locations" such as Death Valley and Alaska, with the latter describing the game as "visually appealing" and "attractive." GINX TV and Push Square specifically highlighted the engine’s capabilities, with the former noting "superb lighting, reflections, and weather effects" and the latter celebrating "stylish menus" and "top-class vehicle destruction effects." These reviews collectively underscore the game’s strong technical execution and immersive visual design, particularly on PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, some critics pointed to notable drawbacks. IGN and GamingBolt both criticized the "lack of variety in stadium and arena designs" and "tracks and stadiums," suggesting repetitive environments detract from the experience. GamersRD mentioned "occasional visual glitches in puddles," while Meristation noted "some visual artifacts," indicating minor technical issues that occasionally disrupt immersion. Additionally, while the game’s trucks and environments are detailed, the focus on realism and dynamic elements like dirt accumulation and part breakage (as highlighted by GamersRD) didn’t fully compensate for the limited diversity in settings. These critiques, though less frequent, highlight areas where the visual design could have been more innovative or polished. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly positive. The use of Unreal Engine 5 was a standout feature, with multiple critics (Checkpoint Gaming, Impulsegamer, GINX TV) emphasizing its role in delivering high-quality visuals, environmental depth, and realistic effects. While issues like repetitive track designs and minor glitches were mentioned, they were framed as secondary to the game’s broader strengths. The bright, flashy presentation and attention to detail in truck aesthetics (as noted by God is a Geek and Push Square) further reinforced the game’s appeal, aligning it with the nostalgic energy of early 2000s extreme sports titles. For most reviewers, the visual design of Monster Jam Showdown was a major selling point, with the positives far outweighing the negatives.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Monster Jam Showdown nails immersive, high-octane sound design with authentic truck roars, dynamic Spanish commentary, and energetic rock/metal tracks—but repetitive, generic music and identical vehicle audio drag down the experience, leaving critics craving more originality in an otherwise thrilling, if flawed, audio package.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Monster Jam Showdown receive mixed but generally positive feedback from critics, with several highlighting its immersive and authentic audio elements. GamersRD praises the game’s heavy rock and metal soundtrack, noting its energetic vibe and the inclusion of a Latin Spanish-dubbed narrator, which adds a unique cultural flavor. Impulsegamer commends the "strong audio" and "authentic monster truck sounds," emphasizing the solid music and engaging announcer that enhance the gameplay experience. God is a Geek also appreciates the in-game audio, particularly the realistic engine roars, crashes, and mud churning, which contribute to the game’s atmosphere. GINX TV’s mention of a "lively commentator" who reacts dynamically to player actions further underscores the game’s effort to create an exciting, interactive audio environment, even if the dialogue occasionally repeats. These reviews suggest that the game’s audio team successfully captures the intensity of monster truck racing, with a focus on environmental and action-based sound effects that feel authentic and lively. However, the music and sound design face criticism for repetition and lack of originality. GamingBolt and Meristation both point out that the soundtrack is "generic and repetitive," with a "lack of variety" in musical tracks, which could diminish the long-term appeal. GamingBolt also notes that "all trucks sound identical," implying a homogenization in the audio that fails to distinguish the vehicles, which might frustrate players seeking a more dynamic experience. God is a Geek’s complaint about the "lackluster" and "not memorable" soundtrack aligns with this, as they express a desire for a "fully licensed" music selection. While the game’s commentary and sound effects are lauded, the music’s predictability and limited scope are seen as significant drawbacks, with some critics feeling it doesn’t fully match the high-octane energy of the gameplay itself. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Monster Jam Showdown excels in its sound design for environmental and action-specific elements, such as engine sounds and crowd reactions, but falls short in its musical composition. The positive aspects—like the engaging announcer, authentic truck audio, and energetic rock/metal tracks—create a vibrant atmosphere, while the negatives, including repetitive music and a lack of variety, suggest room for improvement. GamersRD and Impulsegamer’s praise for the soundtrack’s intensity contrasts with GamingBolt and Meristation’s critiques, indicating that while the audio is functional and immersive, it doesn’t consistently deliver a memorable or diverse musical experience. The game’s audio strengths are clear, but its music and sound design could benefit from more originality and variation to elevate the overall experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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TL;DR

technical performance

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Replay Value

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TL;DR

Monster Jam Showdown offers decent replay value for fans with lots of content and multiplayer, but repetitive tracks, generic gameplay, and DLC reliance limit its long-term appeal. It’s fun for short sessions, but not a must-play for everyone.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

91%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the replay value of Monster Jam Showdown is mixed, with several positive aspects highlighted. IGN and GINX TV both praise the game’s extensive content, noting 130 events, a lengthy campaign, and a rich variety of game modes that provide a solid foundation for repeated play. Checkpoint Gaming and Push Square emphasize the diversity of races, challenges, and unlockable content, such as trucks and skins, which cater to different playstyles and keep the experience engaging for a time. Additionally, the inclusion of adjustable difficulty settings and accessibility options, as mentioned by God is a Geek, ensures the game remains approachable for players of all skill levels, while the multiplayer mode (especially split-screen) and online challenges, as noted by GameSpew and Push Square, add social and competitive layers that enhance longevity. These elements collectively suggest that the game offers enough variety and depth to justify multiple sessions, particularly for fans of the Monster Jam franchise. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that limit its replayability. XboxEra and Meristation criticize the repetitive nature of the gameplay, citing limited biomes and track configurations that fail to maintain interest over time. GamingBolt and Impulsegamer specifically highlight the Showdown mode’s uninspired progression and generic truck handling, which make the experience feel stagnant. GamersRD and Checkpoint Gaming also note that the lack of additional game modes beyond the core racing mechanics, coupled with the tedious unlocking process for content, could frustrate players seeking deeper engagement. Furthermore, the reliance on premium DLC to access certain trucks, as pointed out by Impulsegamer, creates a barrier for some and diminishes the sense of accomplishment tied to progression. These critiques suggest that while the game has initial appeal, its shortcomings in innovation and variety may deter long-term investment. The consensus among critics leans toward a balanced view: Monster Jam Showdown has moderate replay value that appeals primarily to dedicated fans rather than casual players. While the sheer volume of events, customizable trucks, and multiplayer features provide a foundation for repeated play (as noted by IGN, GINX TV, and Push Square), the repetitive track designs, lack of differentiation between vehicles, and underdeveloped modes like Showdown create a ceiling for sustained enjoyment. Critics like GamingBolt and Impulsegamer argue that the game’s flaws—such as generic music and convoluted menus—hinder its potential, whereas others like God is a Geek acknowledge its straightforward fun for short bursts. Ultimately, the game’s replayability hinges on player tolerance for its repetitive mechanics and reliance on DLC, with some praising its accessibility and content depth, while others feel it lacks the polish or innovation to justify extended play.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment among critics for Monster Jam Showdown leans heavily toward positivity, with many praising its engaging and accessible arcade-style racing experience. IGN highlights the game’s enjoyable focus on drift-heavy driving, stunts, and damage effects, while also noting its appeal to players of varying skill levels. GamersRD commends the distinct biomes, wide truck selection, and polished controls, calling it a standout in the monster truck genre. GameSpew goes as far as labeling it the best monster truck-based game available, emphasizing its great visuals, varied events, and approachable gameplay. GINX TV and God is a Geek both celebrate its ability to capture the "thrill and spectacle" of Monster Jam, with the latter appreciating its nostalgic yet modern appeal. Push Square and Checkpoint Gaming also acknowledge improvements over previous entries in the series, with the latter praising the game’s variety of content and visual fidelity. These reviews collectively paint a picture of a fun, visually impressive title that effectively leverages the Monster Jam license and modern engine capabilities. However, several critics point to notable shortcomings that temper the game’s overall appeal. IGN and XboxEra both note a lack of depth in immersion and event variety, with the latter criticizing the single-player campaign for its limited scope. GamingBolt and Meristation highlight issues with gameplay repetition and physics, respectively, while GINX TV mentions the absence of diverse locations at launch. Impulsegamer and Checkpoint Gaming critique the unlocking system and vehicle handling, suggesting these elements could hinder replayability. GamersRD and Meristation also point to the game’s limited modes, which might lead to a quick sense of monotony for some players. These concerns, while varied, consistently revolve around the game’s need for more content, refinement, and innovation to fully satisfy long-term engagement. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is that Monster Jam Showdown is a solid, budget-friendly arcade racer that delivers on its core promises. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it succeeds in capturing the essence of monster truck racing with its vibrant visuals, accessible mechanics, and nostalgic charm. Critics like IGN, GameSpew, and GINX TV acknowledge its potential for expansion through DLC or sequels, suggesting it’s a strong foundation despite its flaws. The game’s strengths in presentation and gameplay variety are frequently cited as redeeming qualities, even as its limitations in depth and repetition are noted. Overall, it’s seen as a worthwhile experience for fans and casual players alike, with a balance of fun and polish that makes it a compelling entry in the racing genre.

TL;DR

Monster Jam Showdown is a fun, visually stunning arcade racer that captures the excitement of monster truck action, but lacks depth, variety, and polish to keep players engaged long-term — a solid, budget-friendly entry for fans and casual gamers.

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Reviews

43 reviews found

GINX TV

PlayStation 5

Aug 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown successfully captures the thrill and spectacle of Monster Jam, offering a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages. While lacking in locations at launch, the game's variety of game modes and engaging gameplay make it worth playing. The impressive visuals and multiplayer options enhance the overall experience.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Aug 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown is considered the best monster truck-based game currently available, offering great visuals, varied events, and accessible gameplay.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Aug 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown is a fun and polished game with great potential, but lacks variety and depth in its single player campaign. The base gameplay is strong and enjoyable, leaving room for expansion in future DLC or sequels.

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GamersRD

PlayStation 5

Aug 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown showcases the arcade side of monster truck racing well, with distinct biomes, accessible controls, and a wide selection of trucks. However, the game's limited modes may make it feel repetitive quickly for some players. Visually, the game performs well with impressive effects.

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Aug 28, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A solid, budget arcade title that excels in utilizing the Monster Jam license and Unreal 5 engine, accessible for all players but falls short in some aspects like vehicle handling and replay value

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Aug 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown is praised as a solid racer with a variety of content and improvements over previous entries in the series.

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IGN

Xbox Series X

Aug 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown delivers an enjoyable monster truck racing experience with a focus on drift-heavy driving, stunts, and damage effects. While it may lack depth in certain aspects like immersion and event variety, it offers a good mix of content for players of different skill levels. The game's visuals and attention to detail in truck designs contribute to its appeal, despite some shortcomings in stadium and arena variety.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Aug 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown is described as an absolute joy for Monster Truck fans and a fun arcade racer for others. It combines nostalgic gaming vibes with modern spectacle, offering muddy good fun.

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Meristation

PlayStation 5

Oct 12, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown is a fun and effective racing game with a lot of content, but it suffers from a lack of variety and some physics issues that can lead to frustration.

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Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Aug 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Monster Jam Showdown impresses with its visuals and gameplay variety, but the unlocking system and campaign could be improved. Despite some drawbacks, the game is recommended for fans of Monster Jam and offers a solid experience overall.

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