MotoGP '07

When it comes to racing games it's mostly about cars, but here we'll be talking about MotoGP 07. The MotoGP series are the official games of motorcycle racing. This game was the first one in the transition of the MotoGP games, as they used to be developed by Namco, and passed on to the hands of Capcom.

Since cars are the first thing that comes to mind when you think of racing games, there are a few motorcycle racing games too. So, let's check out what MotoGP 07 for the PlayStation 2 has to offer.

About the game

As we mentioned before, it's pretty much the official game of motorcycle racing in the world. The game features 21 different pilots from all over the world with their official stats represented into the game.

There are multiple game modes, but probably the most important one is a quick race, as it allows for more customization in the race. But aside from quick races, there's also race against time, championship and grand. The game also includes about a hundred challenges and even minigames. These are great to give more replay value and help in making the game more fun and varied.

This title includes a multiplayer mode with split-screen, so getting together with your friend is a great idea to play this game. The game can be challenging, especially if you use the simulation controls, but we'll get into that in a moment.

Realism vs Arcade

When making a racing game there are two possible ways to make it: Arcade or Realism. In games like NASCAR 07 they opted for a more realistic type of game, and titles like Need for Speed: Carbon and even Mario Kart 64, are arcade racing. Either of them works in their own way, and there are fans for both of them.

In MotoGP 07 there's the issue that it combines both of them. But since it uses mechanics from bot game styles, it doesn't really stand out in any of those categories. Still, the control type offers players to opt for a more realistic experience, and that's always great.

Review

Most likely MotoGP 07 won't make it into anyone's favorite games list, but it's not terrible either. The game offers plenty of content, and the multiplayer adds unlimited replay value. The races look and feel great and it can be challenging. But even with that, it seems to lack a little bit of everything.

• Graphics and visuals: Visually speaking, the game looks great. The realistic characters and circuits look excellent. There isn't much to say about the art department in this game since it takes a shot at realism. But it's visually pleasing.

• Gameplay: It implemented the simulation model into the controller options for a more realistic experience. Making it harder to turn and even allowing you to choose whether to use the front or the back breaks. This helps in improving the experience for those looking for realism. But it's nice that it also offers a more arcade control-mode, for those looking to have fun.

• Sound: The soundtrack in this game is nothing special, there really isn't much to say about this. And the sound effects could be better, as they don't sound too well. But it isn't annoyingly bad either, so let's leave it at an OK.

Here's How a race pans out in MotoGP 07: start at the back of the grid, overtake the entire field by the first bend, plough off the track, flip into the air like a rag doll, get back on the bike and repeat until the end of the race.

That's a simplified summary, but it's fair to say there's a steep learning curve. Despite a few brief training modules, the only real way to master staying on the track is to put in hours of practice. Whether you'll do this will depend on how patient you are, and whether you have a decent analogue joypad: playing this with a keyboard is akin to trying to plait snot.

How much of a simulation you want it to be is up to you; the game is almost infinitely tweakable, with finding the right balance something of a challenge in itself. Despite having the same pitfalls as pretty much every two-wheeled racing game ever made, there is a decent game trying to get out here, with a fully fledged Grand Prix career mode and even an Extreme mode enabling you to buy bikes and swap parts in your workshop. As ever, the Al riders stick to the racing line like shit to a blanket, but there is a 16-player online option. If you can find anyone else playing it.