Motogp 09/10

MotoGP 09/10

So real it almost takes the fun out of MotoGP But not quite

IT DEFINITELY WASN'T EASY TO PUT down the controller to write this review, but in the end we pushed aside the 18 Mountain Dew empties, gazed once more at our smoking Xbox and got to work. MotoGP 09/10 is the third MotoGP game published by Capcom and the first from developer Monumental Games.

The big news with MotoGP 09/10 is in its expanded Career mode: As you progress up the ranks, starting in the 125cc class, you compete in races, hire engineers and press officers, build your reputation and sign sponsorship deals. Engineers, as you might have guessed, upgrade your bike—from suspension to

chassis to engine— getting you the good stuff, making parts lighter, stronger and more aerodynamic. Upgrades are a major dynamic to be competitive and enjoy the game. Press

officers are also key, as they secure deals with sponsors (none of which are real companies); prepare for offers from muffin shops, etc. Laugh now, soon you'll

be scrambling for their help; you need sponsors dollars to pay your staff.

Multiplayer modes consist of either split screen or Xbox Live, which, for all

you dinosaurs out there, means you can play against up to 19 other "racers" online. You can choose to be an actual pro or just be yourself. Controls are smooth and simplistic: throttle, front brake, rear brake and tuck for the straights.

"Reputation" is gained (or lost) every race weekend. You're graded on cleanliness (i.e., not bumping other people off the track or crashing), speed, challenges (such as passing certain riders, reaching a certain speed) and finish position. As you gain reputation, you unlock better bikes, higher-level engineers and press officers, while along the way you can customize your character with leather designs, bike graphics, etc. Races happen at real-life MotoGP tracks, where you have the option of participating in practice and qualifying prior to the race itself. During the race, there are several interesting optional features, including tire degradation. Just like the real thing, your tires lose grip as the race progresses and you will most definitely notice as you begin shifting in your chair to gain "traction." Deal with it and bump up your rep. "Second Chance" lets you rewind and redo a blown corner or a crash: It sounds cheap, but it greatly reduces the amount of negative reputation you'd otherwise rack up—and without it, you'd probably throw your controller through the TV at some point.

Following a season of 125cc, you progress up to 250cc, where we found ourselves having to spend two seasons before we could move up to MotoGP. In fact, it took us two weeks to game our way to MotoGP—and you're not allowed to use MotoGP bikes in any mode unless you unlock them through career or championship first. That might be a little disappointing if you're expecting to plug in the disc and saddle-up Valentino Rossi's Yamaha Ml right away.

On the other hand, if you have a little patience, this is a game you can really sink your teeth into. We experienced a smooth frame rate and no bugs thus far. Lastly, MotoGP 09/10 has one more new feature: the ability to download content off Xbox Live from this year's MotoGP season as it unfolds. We can't wait for our Ben Spies update! All in all, this is a solid racing game with lasting playability and definite enjoyment. □ DETAILS Capcom Entertainment, Inc.

800 Concar Dr. #300

San Mateo, CA 94402

650/350-6500

www.capcom.com

Price...$49.99

^ Ups

A Deep, lengthy Career mode

A Xbox Live/multiplayer

A Solid controls

Downs

▼ Lots of work to get to the top

▼ Some frustration required

▼ AI performance varies greatly

from qualifying to race