"A departure from the Namco Motorcycle Games of the old."

Back in 1992, Namco demonstrated the video gaming world that the finest motorcycle events can be imitated. Even though the United States have banned Motorcycle Racing for safety considerations, that didn't stop Namco from releasing the Suzuka 8 Hours Motorcycle Simulator back in 1992.

Even though Suzuka 8 Hours had excellent gameplay, Namco thought that if a System Super 22 Board was used to power a Motorcycle Game, then the arcade-goers would come back for more. This idea fell to Cyber Cycles, a 2-track, 3-bike Motorcycle Game with fast animation and technical gameplay.

Namco reinvented the wheel of 2-wheel racing once again with Motorcross GO!, developed under supervision with Yamaha. This Motorcycle Game is a simulation of the real-life Dirt Bike Races set in a fantasy world.

Now in 1999, Namco (together with the FIM Association) is about to bring us a Motorcycle Experience that we have never seen in the United States before. A real-life simulator that requires us to meet the standards of a real Motorcycle Racing Team in a quarter-muncher. Something more interactive. Something more technical than the motorcycle games of the old. Something based upon the real-life FIM Events that are not held anywhere in the United States.

And Namco's latest 2-wheel task fell to Namco 500CC GP--FIM World Championships.

As the gameplay and the game themes suggest, Namco 500CC GP is supposed to be a "realistic" Motorcycle Simulator where you race through three real tracks (Yes, Three Real Tracks) and three real Motorcycle Manufacturing Teams (Yes, real bikes like in Motorcross GO!) through a Fantasy Event. From the beauty of the Paul Ricard track at France to the highly-acclaimed Suzuka Circuit at Japan, 500CC is a pure departure from the Namco 2-wheelers of the past. The gameplay has tremendously improved ever since Suzuka 8 Hours back in 1992. Slowing down through turns and streamlining through straightaways are done in the real-life Motorcycle Racing Fashion which means that YOU must drive the Motorcycle like you would in the real road. Nothing more than having to test your hardcore Motorcycle Riding Skills against three real-life tracks.

The game runs under the System 23 Board and the animation of the game is also a departure from Suzuka 8 Hours. The game runs under a smooth 60 FPS, and there's virtually no slowdown. The track environments are faithfully transported in their entirety, thus giving you bold track feelings while you race.

Although Namco may still be trailing behind Sega in Automobile Racing, Namco can hold on with the best of them on the two-wheeler field.

Graphics: 10/10
Animation and detail shows Namco's commitment for improvement Motorcycle Simulation after Motorcycle Simulation.

Sound and Music: 9/10
The BGMs may be somewhat boring but if there is a reason why this game has crystal-clear sound, then it's the sound of the Motorcycle itself.

Challenge: 9/10
You need to ride the Motorcycle like you would in real life. Even if you can't race like a real-life Motorcycle Racer, you still have to measure up with FIM's riding standards.

Fun Factor: 9/10
The game itself may be hard to learn but once you get the feel of a real-life FIM Motorcycle, then the game's fun to play. Three tracks and three motorcycle manufacturers are the creme de la creme for much of the game's interest.

Replay Value: 9/10
Once you learn how to master the basic controls, it's up to you whether you want to take it easy or ride the motorcycle like a real FIM Pro.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 04/07/02