The vast majority of racing games come in the four-wheel form-factor, which tend to dominate the genre. The MotoGP franchise is known for its solid entries, but has decayed as of late. However Capcom has passed the MotoGP torch from the developer Milestone in favor of Monumental Games. MotoGP 09/10 sets out to change the series recent course. Does Monumental’s entry into the series revamp this sagging two-wheeled racer? In a word – absolutely but, it’s still far from perfect.
Monumental Games’ MotoGP 09/10 plays laps better than Milestone’s MotoGP 08. Included are a total of three racing classes: the slow-poke 125cc, 250cc and the powerful 800cc. Points are rewarded through overtaking opponents, slip-streaming and showboating whilst having to avoid clashes and collisions with the other riders. Fans of the series will undoubtedly reconstruct the feeling of seeing young and rising star Bradley Smith speeding past other riders at top speed on a full-blooded 125cc; the sense of speed really shines through in this title.
Career mode has been crafted with a superb attention to detail. It faithfully recreates the business behind the sport as players can create their own rider and team. Manage the team’s branding, sponsorship as well as research and development. Cycle selection is small at first and limited to the slow, bland 125cc class. Once you’ve proven yourself on the circuit and earn enough “reputation”, you’ll be invited to compete in an individual 250cc and MotoGP event. Victory will lead to an invitation to try out for a team.
Your reputation is an important aspect to consider since it directly correlates to how marketable you are to potential sponsors. Carrying a good reputation will help sponsorships and unlock better, faster bikes. Reputations live and die on the track depends greatly upon your skills on a cycle. The a reputation meter gradually fills as you complete clean sections, slipstreaming, overtaking, and showboating. Conversely reputation is wiped out once overtaken or involved in a collision.
Monumental has developed an all new “tuck in” option, which forces your riders body around the bike to reduce drag. Although the direct benefits is faster acceleration, it also degrades the handling. It has proven ultimately to be a constructive feature as it’s useful as you’re zooming down in a narrow straight away, racking up speeds in excess of 170KPH.
