It is against the rules to have a console without any racing games, and the
N-Gage finally gets one. Instead of a car racing game, the N-Gage receives MotoGP, which is a motorcycle game that offers gamers plenty to do and get
their racing fix while on the go. The question remains is this racing game
good enough to fill in the void or is it a sub par game that can be easily
overlooked? Read on to find out.
MotoGP will give players a lot of things to do in this game. Players will be
able to race upon seven official tracks of the 2002 Moto season against the
top riders on the planet. Players will have the opportunity to join eight of
the Office teams and compete in a variety of modes to unlock even more tracks
and racers.
There are several modes for players to play in this game: Single Race, Multiplayer,
Time Trials, Grand Prix, and Track Editor. In Single player, gamers can use
any unlocked rider, track (including created ones), and than choose the weather
for a free ride. This mode is for people who do not have a lot of time to play,
so they can choose this mode to get a quick racing fix. If players have friends
that have this game they can race against each other to see who is the best
of the best. In Time Trials players will be able to complete against a timer
trying to set a new lap record. If players do accomplish this, they will be
able to upload that record to the high score leader board.
Grand Prix is the real meat of this game; this mode consists of numerous rounds
that must be passed consecutively to move on. In this mode players can practice
the laps so they can get the feel before the race. Before players can participate
in the race, they must quality so they can determine the place at the start
of the race. The better the time the closer they are in the starting line.
Then players can race and see if they can become the champions.
The best thing about this game is that players will be able to use the Track
Editor to create their very own tracks. This mode is very simple but it is
always nice to have a game that lets players create and then drive on their
own tracks. Even though this mode is extremely simple if players have enough
patience they can create an extremely nice track that rivals some of the preexisting
ones in this game.
MotoGP is rated E for everyone.
Gameplay: 4.0
The main problem with this game is that it never gives players a real sense of
speed. No matter what biker you choose and no matter how fast they are going
the game feels exactly the same. There are no speed lines or anything to make
players feel that they are going faster than a snail. This is a major no-no for
any racing game. Another problem is the controls; it is near to impossible to
play though a track without sliding into the grass, even the computer AI does
it constantly.
Graphics: 7.8
MotoGP is one of the better-looking games for the N-Gage. The game is bright
and the colors used are pretty nice. The character models are nicely done and
players can actually see some of the sponsor’s stickers on the riders. The different
weather effects used in the game looks pretty nice from the cloudy weather to
the rain that streak down the screen. Overall it is nicely done.
Sound: 4.0
While the music isn’t that bad it gets old really quickly. The problem is that
there is a huge lack of variety in the music so players will hear the same thing
over and over again, and they will want to beat their heads into the wall if
they have to hear that music for one more second. The sound effects are not much
better. Needless to say that while playing this game it is better to mute all
of the sounds.
Difficulty: Easy
The game is on the easy side.
Concept: 5.3
Motorcycle racing games (and racing games in general) have been around since
the beginning of consoles. This game really doesn’t add anything new
to this genre.
Multiplayer: N/A
MotoGP supports up to four players using the Bluetooth technology. At the time
of this review I didn’t get a chance to review this aspect of the game.
Overall: 4.9
MotoGP could have been a great game if it was tested just a little more thoroughly
instead of rushing it to be released during the holiday season. There is
very little variety of music, the sound effects are laughable, and the sense
of speed is just not there. The only good thing about this game is the track
editor and it is one of the better-looking games available. Only get this
game if you are a die-hard racing fan and must have one for this system.
