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.

The Vault · 1999
Motocross Madness
The motocross sim that plays like an arcade riot.
Windows 95/98RacingSimulation
MultiplayerTrack EditorStunts3D Accelerator RequiredGamepad Recommended
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.
ReleaseOct 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.
ReleaseDec 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.
ReleaseHow 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 Record
| Platform | Windows 95/98 |
| Developer | Rainbow Studios |
| Publisher | Microsoft |
| Genre | Racing, Simulation |
| Players | 1-8 |
Original PC Specs
| OS | Windows 95 or 98 |
| CPU | Pentium 133 MHz (166 MHz for 2MB 3D card) |
| RAM | 16 MB |
| GPU / Display | DirectX 5.0 compliant 3D accelerator with 4 MB (2 MB with 166 MHz CPU) |
| Storage | 180 MB (400 MB with track editor) |
| Drive | 4× CD-ROM |
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