MotoGP '08

The long-standing MotoGP series has undergone a few changes in its time, with this year's version being placed into the hands of Capconi. As far as the layman is concerned, the transition has been painless and has brought forth a solid simulation of the sport. Veterans will no doubt find fault with small issues in the racing model, tracks and various things like that, but for the newcomer or the casual racer, MotoGP 08 is a pretty decent racing game.

This isn't damning with faint praise, as it's impossible for a motorbike racing game to appeal to a broad audience, so the only real goal it should have is to make sure the sport's fans are happy. Developer Milestone have included enough tracks, riders and race options to keep all but the most rabid enthusiast happy. There are career, quick race, time attack, championship, challenge and multiplayer modes, plus licensed riders, bikes, tracks, teams and classes. The visuals are solid and the sound is reasonably authentic.

However, the main problem facing MotoGP 08 is the one that plagued its predecessors - racing on two wheels isn't as much fun as it is on four, especially when a lot of a new player's initial time with the game will be spent rolling around on the gravel. Still, it can be good fun when you've got the hang of things.