Review: MotoGP 06 (360)

Playing MotoGP ’06 for the first time, the overwhelming feeling is one of relief. Specifically that the biggest factor in any racing game (the handling) manages to combine realism and fun in a manner similar to the first two games of the series.

Motorcycle games place demands on vehicle handling in a manner above even the most serious four-wheeled racers, and with the final instalment on the original Xbox, MotoGP 3, developers Climax appeared to have lost their way. It may have looked like motorcycle racing, but it handled like a sack of spuds.

Second opinions from MotoGP stars Casey Stoner and Kenny Roberts Jr reinforce the fact that, once again, you can use real world bike knowledge to your advantage. With front and rear brakes mapped to the left and right triggers, and the right analogue stick providing throttle control, it’s possible to finely balance all inputs to give real satisfaction from a fast lap time.

Wheelies and stoppies are available for the show off, but the most useful skill is spinning the rear wheel (by tapping the throttle forward twice), to tighten your line mid corner. It’s especially useful when braking has been left too late and a swift correction is needed. But it also carries an increased risk of highsiding, and flinging the rider up into the air.

Riders, bikes, tracks and scenery are all presented in more detail than ever before, and this is another game that rewards owners of HDTV’s. Although it might not be noticeable in the thick of the action, stopping at the top of the elevated Corkscrew turn at U.S. track Laguna Seca reveals the distance to which the improvements have been applied, with a view stretching far into the distance. More prominent during the races is the attention to sound, with accurate recordings of the rumble of the Ducati Desmosedici contrasting with the Japanese machinery.

The format of the game is somewhat familiar, with the 17 round MotoGP Championship available on a range of difficulty levels. Players can create and customise their own rider and bike with paint schemes and designs, although the system is not as advanced as that of Forza Motorsport, for example. Further customisation comes with the ability points given as rewards for race finishes. Xbox Live Achievement Points are also given for championship wins, and completing a short series of challenges at each round of the series.
It’s also possible to race on the roads, as in MotoGP3, but this mode is only unlocked, along with extra riders and bikes, after a full season of championship racing. But it’s always possible to liven things up by racing online with up to 16 players, even as part of the championship.

Aside from the inevitable, but not game destroying, lag which is a part of any online game, there is a bug which can see random gamers assaulted by a repeated error message when in the lobby and waiting for the race. Combine this with reports of a problem which can randomly destroy game saves, and it’s a shame that no patch has been forthcoming to resolve these issues. Then again, there is no word about any further instalments in the franchise since the purchase of developers Climax Racing Department by Buena Vista. On a happier note, there is an online spectator mode for those missing the start of a race.
It’s a nice touch that Climax included the 2005 and 2006 rider line-ups and racing liveries as a response to missing a season of updates. It’s this passion for the title, which makes MotoGP ’06 a great choice for bikers and fans of online racing.

Rating: 8 / 10

Words by Dan Thornton