DESCRIPTION

Not to be confused with Namco's motorcycle series bearing the same license and title, THQ's MotoGP 2 offers 16 authentic tracks (up from ten in the original), a complete lineup of professional riders from the 2002 season, and Xbox Live support for up to 16 racers online. Players can once again increase their bike performance and rider abilities over time by participating in both Training and Grand Prix modes, where experience credits are awarded to improve cornering, braking, top speed, and acceleration.

Stunt Mode offers three-lap races on a choice of unlocked tracks, where players earn bonus points by reaching checkpoints in time and by performing tricks like wheelies, endos, and rear wheel skids. These points can be used to unlock additional tracks, riders, and bikes. The Grand Prix Series, the heart of the game, lets players create custom riders, customize bikes, distribute credits to the four main attributes, and then prepare to race around the world in competitions spanning five laps apiece.

Players must also complete a qualifying run before each event to determine their starting grid placement. Finishing within the top 15 at the end of a Grand Prix event earns players credits to boost individual ratings, while additional credits can be won by completing the 61 challenges available in Training mode, which rates a player's skill in each of the four attributes. New to MotoGP 2 is the ability to tweak the degree of realism or simulation level from 0-100. Those who prefer a more high-speed, arcade-style slant would lower the level, while those looking to test their driving prowess would increase the rating.

As in the original MotoGP for Xbox, Time Trial lets players familiarize themselves with each course's layout, and features an optional ghost racer to compete against to improve lap times. Multiplayer mode offers split-screen support for up to four players or up to 16 online via Xbox Live, with the latter also featuring voice communication. Players can customize the scoring system, weather (sunny, clear, or raining), and the number of computer bikes or laps for each race. Players once again have the option of listening to the in-game soundtrack or creating their own using songs stored on the Xbox hard drive. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide