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Motocross Madness
Windows 95/98RacingSimulation

Motocross Madness

Developer: Rainbow Studios · Published by Microsoft · 1999
The motocross sim that plays like an arcade riot.
MultiplayerTrack EditorStunts3D Accelerator RequiredGamepad Recommended
5.0
Masterpiece
POCG VERDICT
The PC has never had a motocross experience this good, and it's pure joy from first jump to last.
Motocross Madness combines deadly physics and arcade thrills into a game so addictive I lost sleep. With a gamepad, it's the most fun I've had all year.
About This Game

Motocross Madness is a motocross racing simulation developed by Rainbow Studios and published by Microsoft, released in 1999 for Windows 95 and 98. The game blends realistic bike physics with arcade-style action, offering three primary racing disciplines: Supercross (indoor stadiums with technical jumps and turns), National (outdoor tracks across varied terrain), and Baja (open wilderness point-to-point racing through checkpoint gates). Players can also compete in the Stunt Quarry, a free-roam mode that rewards pulling off death-defying tricks while landing safely. A robust physics engine governs bike handling, momentum, and rider reactions, demanding precise throttle, brake, and weight transfer control. Motocross Madness supports multiplayer over LAN and the Internet, including a unique Moto Tag mode where players hunt the "it" rider. The game ships with a track editor for creating custom Supercross courses, and features hardware-accelerated 3D graphics with detailed bikes, dust trails, and dynamic lighting. Audio includes a CD-quality rock soundtrack and realistic two-stroke engine sounds with 3D spatial effects. A gamepad is highly recommended for the best control experience. Motocross Madness was praised upon release for its successful fusion of simulation depth and accessible, addictive gameplay, quickly becoming a benchmark for the genre on PC.

Screenshots2 shots
Motocross Madness screenshotMotocross Madness screenshot
POCG ReviewOriginal: September 22, 1999 · Restored: June 14, 2026
5.0
Masterpiece
Review Verdict
Private: Motocross Madness
Motocross Madness combines deadly physics and arcade thrills into a game so addictive I lost sleep. With a gamepad, it's the most fun I've had all year.
In the News3 mentions
May 12000
Motocross Madness 2 Adds Honda 2000 Off-Road Bikes
Microsoft and American Honda have reached a deal to feature Honda 2000 off-road motorcycles in Motocross Madness 2 for PC.
Release
Oct 141999
Motocross Madness 2 Official Web Site Launched
Motocross Madness 2 is today's update from the October 1999 desk, and there is enough here to make retro PC players pay attention.
Release
Dec 151998
Motocross Madness Holiday Collection of Tracks
Motocross Madness Holiday Collection of Tracks: Microsoft announced they released a special holiday collection of tracks for Motocross Madness.
Release
How to Play TodayYour options for running this game in 2026
Original Hardware
CD-ROM for Windows 95/98. Needs a Pentium 133 with a 3D accelerator card, 180MB disk space (400MB with track editor). A gamepad is strongly advised.
Game Info
PlatformWindows 95/98
DeveloperRainbow Studios
PublisherMicrosoft
GenreRacing, Simulation
Players1-8
ReviewedSeptember 22, 1999
RestoredJune 14, 2026
Original PC Specs
OSWindows 95 or 98
CPUPentium 133 MHz (166 MHz for 2MB 3D card)
RAM16 MB
GPU / DisplayDirectX 5.0 compliant 3D accelerator with 4 MB (2 MB with 166 MHz CPU)
Storage180 MB (400 MB with track editor)
Drive4× CD-ROM