MotoGP 4

MotoGP 4 is the latest incarnation by Namco Bandai Games of the MotoGP series. This was my first shot at playing a MotoGP series game, so I went into the experience fresh. Right off the bat I noticed the controls to this motorcycle racing game are easy - a little too easy, if you ask me.

Essentially, all you need throughout the entire race is gas, brake and the weight shift control. There is a very short learning curve to play the game and there are 16 official tracks, including the infamous LeMans track in France.

Also, MotoGP 4 features 79 official riders such as Brazilian Alex Barros, and Colin Edwards. You can select from name brand bikes in three different classes. Selectable engine types are the 125cc, 250cc, MotoGP class engines, all of which handle distinctly. The 250cc class engines provide more power, while the 125cc class engines are more agile.

Before a race you're given the option to practice on the track, which is vital to first time players. You can also qualify on a track to give yourself a better position on a race.

Actually racing on the track can be tricky if you're not used to racing on a motorcycle. A trick I learned is to slow down on turns and basically follow the oil slicks on the track. Following the oil slick on the track basically gives you a path to where you should be racing and the computer controlled races follow that same path anyway.

The difficulty on this game is not forgiving. MotoGP 4 features the standard easy, normal and hard difficulties. When you have the difficulty on hard, you're penalized for shortcuts you take on the track, adding more realism to the game.

There are many modes to keep you busy. Season mode allows you to race in all 16 circuits of the Grand Prix to compete to become the champion. Arcade mode lets you race any circuit at any time, sort of like a free-play mode, and challenge mode lets you complete all the different challenges available. A Time Trail mode exists where you set new records and aim for a better time.

Unique challenges are also featured in MotoGP 4. Totaling 125, these challenges award you bronze, silver or gold medals depending on your results. Here you can also gain GP points. GP points are awarded for impressive achievements on the track and these points can be used in Paddock mode where you can to purchase riders, watch replays, view records, etc.

The graphics for this title are nothing too impressive, but they get the job done. The background area around the race track at times seems dull. MotoGP 4 features online, eight-player racing in which players can race on any of the available tracks. You can even select any one of the motorcycles in the three different engine classes. The online feature makes MotoGP4 all the more attractive.

MotoGP 4 will definitely satisfy that much needed motorcycle racing fix for gamers. It's more complex than an arcade-style motorcycle racing game so gamers need not worry about beating it in an hour. Give it a shot. Gamers will find it challenging and fun. For official information about the MotoGP races and each individual racer, visit the official MotoGP site.

MotoGP 4 is rated "E" for Everyone (content suitable for ages 6 and older) and is available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 game console.