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'next-gen moto racing'
 Developer: Climax
Publisher: THQ
Official Site
Category: : motocycle racing
Platform: X-Box 360
Might look like: previous MotoGP ?
Date posted: 16 August 2006
Written By: Bjorn
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The famous franchise on next-gen
It's true. While various other racing franchises gets updated every year (the whole EA Sports franchise for example), the motorcycle game "MotoGP" isn't.
Bad for those racing fans that really wants a new game each year but better for those like myself that thinks that you can't release an update every year with just better graphics.
MotoGP 06 from publisher THQ is the latest and it's exclusively on X-Box 360. Means better graphics (High Definition), realistic controls and multiplayer through X-Box Live.
However is this the case here? Or does MotoGP 06 only offers slightly better graphics?
Well after receiving the game from THQ, the game got me hooked for several weeks and this is my experience.
Two games in one!
Since MotoGP 05 didn't get released, everybody thought that the motorbike racing season of 2005 was lost. Wrong since the developer, Climax has also added the 2005 season into MotoGP 06 !
So basically you have two games here, season 2005 and 2006.
Both seasons have accurate data regarding tracks, bikers and other statistics so accuracy to the real sport is one of MotoGP 06 greatest efforts to take the franchise to a next level which is of course 'racing perfection'.
MotoGP 06 is the official game of the MotoGP Championship so this makes that you'll ride with authentic licensed racers, bikes and exactly, real circuits from the 2005 and 2006 racing season. Everything is recreated perfectly to let you feel the realism of the game. And it definitely works!
The game offers several modes from the well known MotoGP mode to the more Extreme and Challenge mode. There are 17 GP tracks with 3 new ones and also 17 Extreme tracks with 1 new.
The Extreme tracks are rebuild and streamlined for more speed due to much larger and rebuilt environments. Also all the new Extreme bikes are rebuilt from scratch.
The Challenge mode will allow you to increase every rider ability and pretty much unlock everything in the game.
  
Edit just everything
One of MotoGP 06 advantages over other racing games is that the Career mode is so comprehensive. Basically you can edit just everything that you want.
Bikes, riders, licensed logos, models, leathers, ... If you want, it's also possible to create your own imagery. All the bikes (more to be unlocked) can be manually tuned to your own needs and if you know something about how mechanics works you can tune your bike to the weather conditions and tracks so that you definitely have the 'best' bike for that specific track.
Of course that is only if you know what you're doing. Tuning a bike without any knowledge how it all works could turn into a real shame, even on X-Box Live.
Difficult to master but ...
The way MotoGP 06 plays is exact the same like the real thing. However the game is pretty difficult to master for any gamer that isn't really into the motorcycle sport. It isn't only press that acceleration button and steer from left to right. No, MotoGP 06 offers very realistic and responsive controls for a motorcycle game and it'll take a while before you can master them.
Heck, before you can even win a race. But once you settle into the controls and play a lot you'll notice your reaction will improve and you'll be able to handle your bike much smoother then before. It only takes some time.
Of course track-learning is definitely required when playing and being accurate is a must to win a race.
You can basically say that "MotoGP 06" is more of a simulation motorcycle game (much like the car racing game GTR for the PC) and only those with real interest in the sport will get those achievements. Of course it takes some dedication to continue but then again, once you get more into the game you're rewarded with more unlockables, character points and much much more.
  
Graphics & Sound
MotoGP 06 runs about 60 frames per second and it's beautiful in High Definition. Photo realistic images, backgrounds and animation let you really feel that 'next-generation' motorracing.
The bikes and riders are incredibly with just an enormous amount of details. As far as graphics concerned it just couldn't get any better.
Sound is good with some motorcycles having a different sound when accelerating. From tyre screeches to crashes, everything is well done. The game also has improved audio over its predecessors.
An Online Beauty
Online, MotoGP 06 will attract a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts. The game offers a huge array of different matches and with the entire game-customisation it'll definitely be a very popular game.
Up to 16 online players can race against each other in GP and Extreme mode. It used to be only 10 for Extreme mode in the previous MotoGP game. There is a commentator and spectator mode, embedded online gameplay and a very clever seeding system.
MotoGP 06 also offers 4-player split-screen multiplayer options.
According to the server, you'll experience no lag or a bit. After some multiplayer races (a few hours) we didn't experience any problems whatsoever!
Conclusion
"MotoGP 06" has pretty much every corner covered when it want to display itself as a "professional" realistic detailed motor racing game. It has excellent graphics with a smooth framerate, advanced and improved audio and a whole bunch of interesting online modes.
If you got the motivation to get accustomed to its very realistic controls, then "MotoGP 06" will be a highly enjoyable game.
-Bjorn
Ratings
Manual:
/ % |
Graphics:
92% |
Music & Sfx:
87% |
GamePlay:
89% |
|
This game scores
on our 5-point Rating System
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