MotoGP 09/10

There have long been arguments to support competitiveness across diverse industries. No more is this best illustrated than in the video game industry which has served up some wonderfully engrossing rivalries. Now, over the years, we've seen Pro Evolution Soccer better and then lose ground to FIFA. We have also seen both the Final Fight and Street Fighter franchises continuously reinvent their brands in a bid to sustain their level of popularity whilst appealing to a new generation of gamers. In short, competition brings out the best in developers - which in the long run is only to the benefit of gamers everywhere.

The point I am trying to make is motorcycling as a gaming spectacle has suffered because of a lack of competition - which has been the case since Capcom acquired the license in early 2008. Admittedly, the Moto GP license might not have the allure and prestige of other sports such as football, hockey and basketball, but having more than one developer churning out titles will boost innovation and surely only seek to improve the collective gamers' playing experience. Monumental Games, the developer tasked with injecting life into the franchise...fails err...monumentally.

As is customary with similar tinged titles, the single player consists of four primary modes: the arcade, career, championship and time trials - a setup that is fairly familiar to anyone who has ever played a racing game. The career mode has undergone extensive tinkering in a move designed to create a more immersive experience. In addition to taking care of business on the track, you will be expected to recruit a competent team around you tasked with developing your brand name as well as researching new tools and mechanics for your bike. The better your performances, the more reputation points you garner. In theory, this should work, but it is incredibly frustrating because you need to micro manage the very tasks you recruit a team for, thus making the recruitment process worthless.

On the track, it's not immediately clear if Monumental Games were given a mandate to develop an arcade style feel to the game or stick to its more simulation based roots, since gameplay seems to comprise of elements of both. The controls are easy to pick up and play as they've gone for the now customary setup that uses the right trigger for acceleration whilst the left trigger controls the front brake. Adapting to the bike's handling takes some time and is further accentuated by the need to use the tuck technique to propel to the front of the pack. In short, the only worthwhile piece of advice is this: stick to the navigational line and all will be fine.

The multiplayer experience is a bit hit and miss, but ultimately fails to redeem the title with laggy connection limiting the amount of play time. Split screen two player as a fail-safe was a far more enjoyable experience.

The aesthetics lack polish and appear to be a diluted copy of the far superior Moto GP 07 instalment. In short, the overall presentation leaves a lot to be desired especially in career mode which sticks to the bare essentials. As if that wasn't bad enough, the sound offers very little solace. Revving up the engine of your bike gives no indication of the power between your legs. Instead you're left with a monotone droning sound that slowly eats away at your soul. The uninspiring soundtrack is rudimentary tosh and again fails to instil a sense of excitement, purpose or enjoyment.

In conclusion, Moto GP is the very definition of a meh title. It's dull to play, dull to look at and dull to listen to - an underwhelming experience emphasized by the sub standard sound, graphics and cumbersome controls. Avoid if you've got the 2007 and 2008 versions and hope the developer is simply laying the foundation for a much better racing experience.