MAVRIX by Matt Jones is an open-world mountain bike experience that lands on PS5 in Early Access with a clear mission: to give players the most authentic, player-driven off-road riding game yet. Built from the ground up with input from pro freerider and Red Bull athlete Matt Jones, the game blends exploration, racing, and trick-driven action across an enormous 100 km² playground that’s designed to evoke the thrill of real mountain biking – complete with jumps, huge slopestyle lines, and bike parks waiting to be mastered.
Visually, MAVRIX won’t steal the spotlight with hyper-real graphics, but its sprawling terrain and crisp track design make traversing the world feel rewarding and exciting. The PS5 hardware helps smooth out performance compared to older Early Access builds on PC, though it’s still very much a work in progress – occasional framerate dips and optimisation quirks remind you that the game isn’t in its final form yet.
The heart of the experience lies in its control system. Every ride uses dual-stick steering, independent brake controls, and a physics-based handling model meant to replicate the feeling of actually riding a bike. When it works, it feels satisfying and deliberate – you can lean into turns, stomp tricks, and ride lines that feel uniquely yours. However, the learning curve is noticeable, and some players may find the controls unforgiving or inconsistent, especially while attempting mid-air rotations or precise landings. After a short while I did get used to it, but I think some refinement is needed – the game suggests that it’s a simulation, but feels arcade-y at points, especially in rather large bunny hop jumps. It’s definitely leaning into the Tony Hawk accessibility at points.
One of MAVRIX’s biggest draws is its freedom. There’s no strict storyline – instead you carve your own path, tackling challenges, trying to top global leaderboards, and even chasing sponsorship deals that mimic a pro career. Ride solo or in multiplayer sessions with friends, sharing the mountain and duking it out for bragging rights. This won’t be for everyone as it’s very much a ‘make your own fun game’.
The world can feel a bit sparse between main trails and events, and the lack of convenient fast travel often turns long rides into tedious treks rather than exhilarating descents. Performance stutters and occasional rough edges in the physics can also pull you out of the experience. These flaws won’t surprise anyone familiar with Early Access, but they do temper the excitement. Matt Jones pops up a lot during the long tutorial, and whilst it’s great he’s happy to put his name to a game, and even better than it’s decent, he is definitely a biker and not a presenter.
Overall, MAVRIX by Matt Jones on PS5 is a bold, fresh take on mountain biking games that’s still refining its identity. Its huge open world and deep riding mechanics hint at something special, even if the current Early Access state feels unfinished. For MTB enthusiasts and players who love skill-based, physics-driven traversal, there’s a lot to enjoy here, and plenty to look forward to as development continues.