Moto GP 2

Description

When MotoGP was released for the Xbox roughly a year ago, it instantly became the definitive motorcycle racing game for the system. It accurately captured the excitement of grand prix motorcycle racing, and its blend of precise control, stunning visuals, and a challenge that could keep both casual and hard-core racing fans coming back for more made for an outstanding racing experience. The follow-up applies the standard sequel formula to the original game, making tweaks and improvements that make MotoGP 2 a game that delivers on just about every front a motorcycle-racing game should.

MotoGP 2 for the Xbox is a re-creation of the 2002 MotoGP series, and with the changes it makes to last year's title, the experience is a spot-on match. The roster has been updated to match last year's series, with riders such as Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, and Daijiro Kato. The track count has gone up to 16, representing all of the series' courses, from Suzuka and Sepang to Brno and Valencia. The 500cc two-stroke machines now share the starting grid with 1,000cc four-stroke bikes such as the Yamaha M1, the Suzuki GSV-R, and the Honda RC211V. The superb controls have been left unchanged for the most part, but the sequel features a refined visual presentation that manages to make its predecessor look a bit shabby by comparison. The single-player mode provides a wide variety of modes to play in, such as the quick race mode, for those who want to jump right into the action, and the stunt mode, which is an arcadelike game in which you pull off high-speed stunts to score points and unlock new riders.