MotoGP 06

Added May 30th, 2006 by T.S. McLaughlin - ''Chakan''

THQ’s partnership with Climax has yielded yet another, all-new version of the exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping, and only Official MotoGP motorcycle racing simulation game. This year’s entry sees THQ ditch their former naming convention for a more formal version of the title that hints subtly at a yearly update being in the works in the vein of the other pro sports games such as Madden football and FIFA Soccer. MotoGP fans around the world will absolutely love it if this happens, but we’ll have to wait for an official press release to see if it proves true.

The demo for MotoGP ’06 is available now on the Xbox 360 Marketplace and has given us some hands-on time with the game. First off it must be said… MotoGP is designed for the hardcore fans of the sport, yet it remains totally accessible to casual players. This has always been one of the game’s strong points and it continues to remain so in ‘06. Power-sliding in the demo was easily accomplished, but tricky to master. The controls, all perfectly-placed, have remained intuitive, with the essential rear and front brake controls becoming even more user-friendly thanks to the superior design of the Xbox 360 controller.

MotoGP was one of the games that propelled Xbox Live to greatness when Xbox Live exited its beta stages in the fall of 2002. It was a solid, amazing-looking game then and not much has changed except for more improvements and more gameplay variety. This year’s version supports 16 players online and features new modes and online 360 Achievements. The game engine’s realism is courtesy of the expertise of Climax’s proprietary technologies combined with their partnership with THQ’s excellent development teams. All of the latest MotoGP circuits and riders are represented due to the partnership THQ and Climax have with Dorna Sports (an international sports management, marketing and television company).

Amongst the notable circuit additions of Shanghai and Istanbul, every racer’s arch-nemesis (or favorite U.S. track) makes an appearance this year. The Laguna Seca locale has been added for the first time in the series since it was added to the real MotoGP circuit in 2005. Cruising through the track at an average of 180-200 miles an hour and getting “corkscrewed” on turn #8 on a motorcycle that is roughly as fast as an F-1 racing car ought to be a more-than-invigorating experience for any racing lover.

The graphics in the game are absolutely stunning in the still pictures and qualify as simply mesmerizing in motion. While racing in the game you can expect to be white-knuckling your controller looking for the next turn, looking down the road for your next passing victim, combating the AI for your spot in the turn-line, and as a consequence you’ll have little attention left to admire the beauty all around you. Such is life… but an improved replay system in the game offers you a chance to come down off your adrenaline high and watch the beauty in full next-gen motion (I recommend “Action” and the “TV” cams). Every (and I mean every) detail is modeled precisely and is perfectly textured. Bike parts move at blinding speeds, light cascades over the riders, and even the gorgeously detailed backgrounds and track side buildings and scenery can be appreciated in replay or while racing (if you dare).

Crashes are devastating to watch. Whether they are due to your own over-aggressiveness or some competing rider’s, the detailed crash physics will have you checking your teeth for gravel. Subtle particle effects in the demo have made smoke, gravel, and dust take a life of their own. A small addition… but the “devil is in the details” as they say.

This year’s multiplayer is shaping up to be better than ever as well. The demo supports 16 players online with hardly any lag at all. The stunt mode is back this time around too and will offer the “masters” of the game some time to impress others and cool-off from racing. Other notable additions are specially-designed tracks for the Extreme 1000 and 1200 motorcycle race challenges. These will offer even more speed for the power-hungry racer with more room for passing but less room for run-offs should you lose control in a turn.

Look forward to this release on the Xbox 360 by mid-June of 2006. It is slated as a full-priced game but there is looking to be more than enough meat here to justify the price for adrenaline junkies and MotoGP fans everywhere.