MotoGP

THE BAD:
Not much really, perhaps limited number of tracks.

SUMMARY:
MotoGP - a PS2 launch title - was also the first ever motorcycle game on the PS2 - and a very good one at that. The game features 5 different modes of play: Arcade, Challenge, Vs, Time Trial, and Season. Most of the game revolves around the Challenge mode, setting 53 individual challenges, (actually 159 challenges, as each challenge needs to be completed on the different levels - bronze, silver and gold) ranging from easy to near impossible. As you progress through the game certain challenges are cleared, for example, one of the easy challenges require you to overtake 20+ bikes in the first lap. Another requires you to play 5 seasons on full laps (this is around 40 laps per race!). In challenge mode you can unlock many riders, photos, and even 5 tracks.

The game also features a two player mode, with no frame-rate slow-down at all. Time Trial mode lets you race against a "ghost" trail image of your fastest lap, some of the Namco staff's fastest laps, some GP rider's actuall fastest lap on the game as well as in real life, and as in all the other modes, several challenges can be cleared in this mode. Season lets you race a full season, including the qualifying and practice session, and also gives you a contract for the team you are racing with, requiring a certain performance of you to obtain a contract extension. Nice touch.

Overall, MotoGP is a very impressive game with spectacular replays (you can save your replays) and excellent graphics. Circuits include Formula 1 circuit Suzuka and ex-Formula 1 Circuit Paul Ricard, as well as Motegi, Jerez, Donington and 5 others. The game has so many small touches that make it a pleasure to play, and I really could go on and on.

Graphics: 8/10; but 10/10 for replays

Gameplay: 7/10; slick fast paced action

Lifespan: 8/10; it'll keep you busy for months!

Overall: 85% A few minor problems, but if you like any form of racing this game is definetly for you. Get it today!

THE BAD:
Five tracks!!! Bikes from about '98 season.

SUMMARY:
I got this 'cos I love bikes me, and it looked nice, I heard stuff about how it was a bit dodgy, but it came good in the end. The main pube in the beer was that you're limited to 5 tracks. Not enough. We need more! But on the good side, handling is fairly realistic, on sim mode, off sim mode it's just like ridge racer. Except turn in is a bit too quick. Loads of bikes that you can tell the difference between, some say you cant, but they've never been on a bike clearly. The NSR500 is a rocketship and re-defines speed, but cornering can be tricky. The 'priller RSW500 handles beautifully and you can hang it out round every corner but its a bit asthmatic on the straight. A good start, lets see some more tracks and more recent bikes in MotoGP2.

THE BAD:
Un-realistic crashes, un-realistic motorcycle setup

SUMMARY:
As a former motorcycle racer I really appreciate the graphics and the difficulty of riding when the game is in the hard sim mode. The motorcycle setup is poor, though with vague adjustments for "Handling" and "Acceleration." Give us the ability to adjust suspension, gear ratios, jetting, tires and more.

The tracks are excellent--just like in real life, but I wish there were more. In the US version we only get five. Suzuka, Motegi, Paul Ricard, Donnington and Jerez.

The replays are incredible. If it wasn't for the motorcycle turn-in being too jerky, it could be like you are watching a real GP on TV.