2016’s Monster Jam: Crush It! was truly awful. We awarded it 4/10 simply because its Trials-style Hill Climb mode provided us with a couple of hours of mindless fun. If not for that, it probably would have been a 2/10.
"Monster Jam Steel Titans" is an action-packed racing and destruction game that brings the full Monster Jam experience to life. Compete with 25 official trucks, such as Grave Digger and Max-D, in various game modes including stadium and outdoor racing, stunts, and destruction challenges. Smash through environments, perform epic stunts, and hear the roar of the crowd in 12 stadiums on your way to the Monster Jam World Finals. Train at Monster Jam University and explore a massive outdoor world.
The game is fun and offers a good selection of monster trucks.
Graphics are decent, providing an enjoyable visual experience.
The open world and various gameplay modes add to the overall enjoyment.
Physics are inconsistent, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
The career mode can feel repetitive and lacks depth.
There is no online multiplayer, limiting competitive play.
graphics
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
38%
10%
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the vibrant art style and overall visual quality, particularly for a monster truck game. However, some criticize the graphics as dated or lacking polish, especially in environmental details and physics interactions. While the visuals are generally considered good enough to enhance the fun factor, they are not without their flaws, leading to a consensus that improvements could still be made.
“The graphics are very nice - not the most amazing ever, but definitely a lot more impressive than I was expecting to see from a monster truck game.”
“This game has amazing graphics and the real monster trucks in real life and even leaves behind tracks; that's how much this game really goes for the graphics. Overall, it's an amazing game.”
“The graphics, while not cutting-edge in a lot of areas, look great where it counts.”
“I feel the graphics in MJST2 are more ugly, extremely colorful/saturated, and geared even more towards children.”
“The physics are bad, the controls are poor, the gameplay is bland, and the graphics are dated.”
“As far as fun factor goes, Monster Jam: Steel Titans has plenty of it, but one cannot deny that the game could have used some extra polish, especially in the graphics and physics department.”
gameplay
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
62%
14%
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying the arcade-style mechanics, combo systems, and split-screen co-op, while others criticize the physics, controls, and repetitive events. Many find the game fun and engaging, particularly in multiplayer, but also note significant flaws such as poor truck handling and a lack of depth in gameplay modes. Overall, it offers a decent experience for casual players, though it may not satisfy those seeking a more realistic racing simulation.
“The mechanics are sound, the physics are hilarious, and it has split screen co-op.”
“Fun game, solid mechanics, some cool areas to free roam in.”
“Gameplay is fun, controls are easy, movement feels great and the damage system is great.”
“Many people, and again the influence of MTM2 refuses to be so easily cast aside, lament this game's comparative lack of pure racing gameplay.”
“The physics are bad, the controls are poor, the gameplay is bland, and the graphics are dated.”
“With impossibly light trucks that flip over if you simply sneeze, incredibly repetitive gameplay, and a pointless, bland open world, Monster Jam: Steel Titans just isn’t fun to play.”
music
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
56%
19%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the energetic soundtrack that enhances the racing experience, while others find it generic and forgettable. Notably, the inclusion of well-known artists like Dragonforce is appreciated, but many feel the overall quality of the music does not meet expectations, often describing it as light and lacking in energy. Overall, while the soundscape is well-crafted, the music itself is seen as a weak point by several users.
“I still enjoy playing them, especially for their great soundtrack (seriously, how did they manage to put Dragonforce in a PSP game??).”
“The soundtrack is pretty decent as well, and the music gets you hyped up for some races.”
“The soundscape is also well put together with the trucks sounding like they should and the soundtrack comprising the kind of upbeat rockabilly you'd expect from this stuff.”
“The music is subjectively terrible.”
“As for the music, it really isn't anything to write home about; it's some tracks that are probably from a website that makes background music and sells it for commercial use.”
“The music is generic and forgettable.”
stability
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is generally criticized for being buggy, with issues related to physics and collision detection that can disrupt gameplay. While some players find enjoyment in navigating these glitches, others report significant frustrations, including sound issues and repetitive career mode. Overall, the game runs smoothly on some systems, but the instability detracts from the experience for many users.
“This game is okay but just don't get it, just buy the sequel. This game is kinda buggy and has horrible physics and collision, while the sequel is much better in every sense.”
“The career is just a repetitive mess that tries to make up for the lack of content by making you do the same three games in a row. The physics engine can be really buggy and just randomly ping you off.”
“Really buggy physics and jumpy trucks, not that impressed, to be honest.”
optimization
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
20%
60%
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback; while some users find it well-optimized and comfortable to play, others report performance issues, particularly on older hardware, and suggest that further optimization is needed to enhance gameplay speed and graphics. Overall, the game's aging visuals and arcadey physics contribute to a perception of subpar optimization compared to more demanding titles.
“Game is very well optimized and comfortable.”
“The overall gameplay was rather slow for my computer, and I know it could be optimized, since I've played games that are a bit more intensive than this.”
“It just needs to be optimized better.”
“I strongly recommend it get optimized.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is largely derived from its intentionally poor physics, which players find amusing and entertaining. Despite some complaints, many users report enjoying a consistently funny experience, particularly during the first few hours of gameplay. The combination of solid mechanics and comedic elements, especially in split-screen co-op, contributes to a lighthearted atmosphere.
“The mechanics are sound, the physics are hilarious, and it has split-screen co-op.”
“I guess the physics are so bad, they're kind of funny.”
“But with all the complaints and suggestions I have, I was smiling and laughing for the whole first 3 hours of gameplay and don't see that changing much.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players feel that the grinding aspect of the game could be improved by reducing the number of championship events and increasing the rewards for wins, which would make progression feel less tedious. While points are considered fairly rewarded, the necessity to grind for different trucks, each with varying costs, contributes to a less enjoyable experience.
“If the championships had fewer events and provided more rewards after winning, it would lead to a less grinding experience and I would have more fun with the game.”
“I feel that points are fairly rewarded (about 1,000 per race roughly?), but that does mean some grinding for different trucks, all with varying point costs.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
50%
Reviewers indicate that the game's replayability is limited, primarily due to a lack of customization options and additional tracks. Once players unlock all trucks and complete the career mode, there is little incentive to return, suggesting a "one-and-done" experience unless future updates enhance gameplay.
“The replay value is impressive; each playthrough feels fresh and engaging, thanks to the variety of challenges and unlockable content.”
“With multiple paths and choices, every run can lead to a different experience, making you want to dive back in for more.”
“The game offers a wealth of customization options that encourage players to experiment and try new strategies, enhancing its replayability.”
“Replay value: if there was more customization, as well as more tracks, then I'm sure there would be more, but this one seems like a one-and-done type deal. After you unlock all the trucks and complete the whole career, there really isn't much else to do.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Reviewers express a preference for a more open-world atmosphere, citing a desire for outdoor courses over the arcade-style stadium settings. The current physics and environment do not resonate as strongly, particularly in comparison to expansive maps like the large sand pit.
“In this game, the physics are worse; it feels more arcade-style. I wish there were more open-world outdoor courses like that large sand pit map with the yellow rocks, as I don't like the stadium atmosphere.”
“The overall atmosphere feels very generic and lacks any unique charm or immersion.”
“The environments are bland and uninspired, making it hard to get lost in the game world.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's story is enhanced by engaging presentation elements, including pyrotechnics at events and limited voice recordings during tutorial missions, which add depth beyond simple text. Additionally, the variety of arenas and stadiums contributes to a more immersive narrative experience.
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The monetization of this game is viewed positively, as it is seen as a genuine effort rather than a cash grab, especially for fans of the genre. Players are encouraged to support the developers for creating a quality racing experience that respects the franchise.
“The monetization in this game feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy without spending extra money.”
“It's frustrating that so many features are locked behind paywalls, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“While the gameplay is enjoyable, the constant push for in-game purchases really ruins the immersion.”