MotoGP3

It takes nerves of steel to climb on that rumbling beast that--at any minute--can propel itself at top speeds that make everything look like a blur out there.  You really have to hand it to racers of these powerful machines; it’s not easy going up against the best the racing circuit has to offer.  Yet in MotoGP3, gamers are given the chance to take them on and go for the gold in the fast-paced racing circuit.  Strap on that helmet on, racing fans its either go for the glory or kiss the pavement.

For the most part, the game looks and feels like the last game in this series.  Namco hasn’t really altered the major components of this franchise enough that you’ll feel as if you’re behind the wheel of a completely new and customized machine.  However, there are new improvements that do add to the experience.  For starters, there is a new 3D view that allows you to see the game through a cockpit view of the action.  Secondly, there’s a Break Assist feature that comes in handy while making really sharp turns.  There is even a multiplayer mode that allows up to four racers to take each another on using the Multitap.  We will dive into these features later, though.

The racing modes found in this game are thankfully plentiful and offer plenty of challenges depending on what a gamer is in the mood for.  There is Arcade mode, which pits you against computer-controlled racers in any of your favorite circuits.  Season mode offers an entire racing season as you and your racing team competes on the world circuit to win the championship.  Time Trial puts you on a circuit to beat a certain time frame while Legends mode has you competing against for real-life racing legends.  Finally there is Challenge mode where your skills are tested through various challenges.

The game also offers different options that alter the way the game is played.  For instance, you have the option to select the Simulation feature that gives the game a more realistic simulator feel.  The game is a balance between arcade-styled racing fun and serious racing simulation, but depending on what you like you can go for either one depending on how comfortable you are with the responsive controls.  Controlling your racing motorcycle (be it a Honda NSR500 or a Yamaha YZR500) is not as simple as it looks and the difficulty comes in the constant sharp turns you’ll encounter.  With practice, though, gamers learn how to lean into the bike or shift your racer’s weight to accelerate better.  Lean a little too much and you’ll literally slide off your bike and not leaning much at all will result in losing speed.  Thankfully the new Break Assist feature helps gamers out in some bad spots.

Gamers will encounter some pretty competent computer-controlled racers out in the track and no matter what difficulty setting you just happen to chose, the opponent AI is unforgiving and almost never makes any mistakes at all.  In fact, many gamers will find it frustrating that the opponent is a little TOO perfect in their handling of the track.  Aside for your opponent’s lack of imperfections, you must also deal with bad weather such as the slick pavement during heavy rains.

Without a doubt this is a spectacular looking game with crisp and clean graphics that truly do stand out.  The racer models are wonderfully life-like in their movements whether they’re leaning to make a sharp turn or turning their heads back to see who is catching up behind them.  The most impressive feature in the visual department is the weather effects.  The sun reflects off the windshield during sunny days or watch as the raindrops become distorted by the speed of your motorcycle.  However, backgrounds can look a bit on the plain side with nothing much to really admire except for the pretty blue skies.

And while gamers will not be moved by the half-electronic and half-heavy rock riffs that makes up the soundtrack, the feature that does manage to slightly impress gamers is the sound effects.  Depending on how many racers you go up against, you can hear the powerful growl of each bike or the sound of screeching tires when you collide with another racer.  The sound effects really work here, but it would have been nice to find a better soundtrack to go with your racing action.

Like the adrenalin rush that it is, MotoGP3 is an intensely fun and challenging racing title that will have fans of this genre burning rubber.   While this is no major departure for the series, there is much fun to be had in this game.  If you’re a fan of motorcycle racing, and don’t own any of the previous MotoGP games, by all means purchase this one right away.

 
Gameplay: 8.0
Despite the easy-to-get-into controls, gamers will find that racing a motorcycle is not as easy as racing in a NASCAR racing car.  Figuring out these little things such as how to break in time or lean to make sharp corners, though is part of the game’s frustrating bits.  While you can’t customize your motorcycle, you can adjust features such as the transmission or breaks.  Of course adjustments change how your vehicle responds.  For example, adjusting the break improves the break response but now your vehicle tends to understeer during breaking.

Graphics: 8.8
MotoGP3 is a wonderfully visual treat that really shows its charm during the replay as well as the race itself.  The model of the racers just look so authentic that the game looks like an actual televised event.  Even the weather changes look amazing, especially the rain that smacks the screen (watching the raindrops slowly slide off your windshield is absolutely gorgeous) and the mist shrouding the track looks fantastic.

The only imperfection in the graphics is the backgrounds that look plain in certain areas, especially areas where there are crowds.  The crowds aren’t rendered all too nicely and resemble motionless blotches of multiple colors.  The bikes do look great, though, and in the end this is what gamers will be admiring the most.

Sound: 7.2
The sound of multiple engines rumbling simultaneously is done so right that it comes close to sounding like a televised race.  When another racer passes you by, gamers will definitely hear it.  Tires screech loudly if you break quickly as well and you can ever hear the patter of rain as it falls all around you.  Listen closely and you’ll even hear the racing fans cheering wildly.  Still, accidents don’t sound as horrifying as they look--something of a disappointment in my book.

Another disappointment is the soundtrack that is composed mainly of pumping electronica and rock beats that are hardly inspiring at all.  The game features a button to select the songs you wish to play, but sadly there isn’t a track that truly deserves much play.

Difficulty: Hard
The computer-controlled racing opponent does not make things easier for a gamer no matter what difficulty setting is chosen.  Your opponents hardly make any mistakes and not once will you see a racer lose control of his bike during the race.  The only way another racer takes a tumble on the pavement is if you just happened to have rammed him off the bike.  Otherwise, be prepared for a really intense and challenging race.

Concept: 8.0
Despite the fact that this is not a radically new departure in the series, MotoGP3 really shows its stuff with these minor improvements.  The cockpit view really isn’t quite a unique feature but it is presented well and I’m sure gamers will appreciate this extra view.  Still, the game does feel like it missed out on a few things, namely online play.  Another item that comes to mind is the game’s gender option--why have the option at all if nothing is done with it?

Multiplayer: 9.0
New to the series is a great multiplayer feature that allows up to four-players (using the PS2 Multitap) to compete with each another via a four-way split screen.  In VS Mode a gamer and up to three friends can chose a circuit, the number of laps and the assortment of racing bikes and race each another simultaneously.  Grand Prix Mode is a two-player game that has you racing a friend through different circuits for the highest total points.  This is multiplayer perfection that does make up for the lack of online capabilities.

Overall: 8.6
Filled with plenty of game modes and some stellar racing challenges, MotoGP3 is a highly satisfying racing title fans can really sink their teeth into.  The improvements do not make for an altogether new game but what is offered here definitely adds to the enjoyment of a truly spectacular motorcycle racing series.