MotoGP

"A Well-Produced, Replayable PS2 Racer"

Moto GP is one of a very few honestly good games for the PS2. It has a solid graphical foundation, challenging racing action, an attractive and well-designed interface, and significant replay value. It is possibly the best motorcycle racing game available on console or PC.

Gameplay - Moto GP provides tight analog steering for the dozens of motorcycles available. And each motorcycle has varying statistics that can be felt during gameplay. As a motorcycle enthusiast, I can attest to the physics engine providing decent realism regarding turn-in rates, throttle and brake balance on curves, etc. It's not a full sim, such as when braking in a corner you can practically still have the bike layed down. In real life, of course, braking in a turn requires a significant proportional return to the upright.

Regardless, the action is generally realistic, with an option to have the physics ''arcadey''. The difference is easiest to see in mid-corner where you can accelerate at will completely laying down. Do that on the ''sim'' setting and you're off the bike involuntarily...

There are Time Trials, individual Arcade competitive races, and three full-on Championships that expand in length and overall difficulty as you progress. Additionally, there are dozens of little Challenges related to each of the main modes that may reveal a bit of artwork in the Challenge gallery or even new riders such as Klonoa and his ugly-but-great-handling scooter. A lot of fun overall, though you will have to enjoy the unique physics of motorcycle racing versus car racing to fully enjoy it (easing on the throttle to avoid going wide in turns, pivoting side-to-side, etc).

Story - The game is modeled on actual GP courses, teams, and riders, so you'll be up against varying actual Honda teams, Suzuki riders, an Aprilia team, etc. That's a story of sorts, a reenactment of a point in time of motorcycle racing.

Audio/Video - Although I'm generally unimpressed with PS2, sophisticated players and viewers will understand that Moto GP itself has many merits. The motorcycles are modeled with many polygons, rebound and dive with braking, even pumping the rear suspension when appropriate. I directly compared the Donnington track with my Dreamcast Test Drive Le Mans and they generally matched, but Moto GP ran at 60 fps where TD:Le Mans did 30 (30 is all you really need though, Le Mans is a better racer overall). Comparing Suzuka with the version in DC's Ferrari F355, you can actually see slightly MORE polygon elements and detail than in F355, but F355 of course looks great, still does 60 fps, AND comes with three entirely different atmosphere presentations (it looks best in sunset). Moto GP is nice summer day only.

Thus, Moto GP is in the very best (meaning Dreamcast) racing company graphics-wise, with one caveat: the anti-aliasing. Truth is, it is far better to have a jaggy but detailed and fast PS2 engine than one that smears eye-scratching dirty Vaseline to it. The Bouncer, for instance, is essentially a disgusting visual slap in the face, resembling what it must be like to look at a normal game through alcohol-poisoned senses. Moto GP does not apologize for the PS2 limitations and just relies on its strengths.

Music is there, nothing to crow about. Sounds are generally realistic, though engines do not sound varied enough (be aware that they are not all straight-4's).

Replayability - Racers must rely on replayability and Moto GP serves up many reasons to come back even for those who are not compelled by the gamer within to get better times. To get some of the Challenges opened is very challenging, though most go down fairly easily. The one potential problem here (not a problem for me) is that there are only 5 individual tracks in two forms (available as Reversed by winning Challenges). And they can be a bit boring as they are REAL tracks. Note that F355 for instance has in some instances these very same tracks, but has 10 entirely unique ones.

Overall, though, if you're a racing fan and a PS2 owner, this is a must have title to mix in with your Dreamcast racers (which you obviously own being a racing fan).

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/21/01, Updated 06/21/01