Those who were able to try out the first Moto GP on Xbox will hardly be out of place. In addition to the various changes consistent with the motorcycle championship, this Moto GP 2 looks like the first game. Of course, Climax Entertainment has not rested on its laurels and graphically offers us even more accomplished textures. Certainly the graphic update is not shocking but remains pleasant all the same. And the attention to detail approaches perfection when it comes to the reflections on the bodywork, whether in direct sunlight, under a light shower or through a puree of peas. We are not very far from a Moto GP 3 made in Namco on PlayStation 2 both in terms of graphics and driving.
Head in the handlebars
It is on this last point that Moto GP 2 changes compared to the previous version. The first opus was 80% simulation-based, which allowed you to have fun at first, then later to get caught up in the game and constantly improve your times. Now the remaining 20% is swallowed up, and Moto GP 2 is a pure motorcycle simulation. This could dampen the ardor of beginners. But Moto GP 2 is above all intended for the regulars, for those who could not play directly on the mechanics of the bikes, for all those who have sweated hours in order to have personal motorcycles for the first Moto GP of the name. This time, they will be satisfied. Moto GP 2 offers two types of bikes: 2-stroke and 4-stroke which obviously have their influence on the circuits. From now on you will have the choice between better acceleration or higher top speed, more stability or better braking. Would you rather be Capirossi or Biaggi? Unless of course you unlock the champion, Valentino Rossi. And like Moto GP, you'll need to get 1.000.000 points through Wheeling, Endorsement, or Burn. But before reaching the million, your temerity will be rewarded with pilots, circuits or other bonuses of all kinds. But all this does not apply to those who want to be above the lot. For them, driving pleasure is not in the available models. No, they're going to want to model their own machine.
Moto GP 2 pushes the customization of bikes a little more. So in addition to the shape of the motorcycle, its color or your outfit, you can write logos or words directly on the fairing for even more personalization. But obviously, your machine will not be able to compete with Abe, Jacques or McWilliams. You will need to upgrade your bike by earning points through races and challenges that will put your riding skills to the test. And on that side, the difficulty is a little too much to the point of swinging his controller violently for lack of tenths or hundredths of a second. Once you have these points, you can assign them to braking, stability, top speed or acceleration to make a difference in races. And if that wasn't enough, you can also choose the hardness of the front and rear suspensions, the style of the tires or play on the length of the bike in order to be faster. As you will have understood, Moto GP 2 put the simulation map to the fullest.
Born to be a Live
Where we particularly expected Moto GP 2 is on the Xbox Live function. Because if its predecessor had scored on March 14, Moto GP 2 should not disappoint for May 29. Indeed, this opus of THQ uses the same ingredients for an easily understandable interface except that the game tries to connect as soon as the game is launched. Now you will be able to know if one of your friends is playing Moto GP 2 solo and your times will automatically be included in the world rankings. We find the classics, namely "join a game" at random and "optimatch" which allows you to configure your game search according to various criteria. Of course, you can always create your own games with your rules and your friends. Games are playable up to 16 through single races, championships, grand prizes, stunts or tag mode. In short, not much change even in the use of the headset. We always speak with everyone in the waiting room before a game and we discuss with the pilot in front and the one behind during the races. On the offline side, we find the same game modes playable from 1 to 4. The games with 2 and 4 players are sometimes decked out with display bugs or slowdowns that tend to irritate, something that we do not find in single-player mode. And if several Xbox Live accounts are saved on the console, each player will be able to unlock their pilots and not necessarily rest on the shoulders of the main user. A good initiative. But hey, Moto GP 2 hardly evolves on that side. We will regret it or not. But in any case, you should know that this is one of the best Xbox Live compatible games (even the best) at the moment and that the desires of multiplayer games will be amply satisfied.
He rolls mechanics
At the musical level, Moto GP 2 takes the tangent compared to its big brother. Forget the techno-electro side of Moto GP. Now you can drive with a rock-metal sound. I say "we can" because obviously the "Custom Soundtracks" option is included. That way everyone will be satisfied. And of course, the atmosphere of the races is perfectly recreated with the cheers of the public, the roar of the engines when overtaking on the inside of the bend, the screeching of the tires, the detonations of the exhaust pipes. And the accidents send shivers down your spine thanks to a sumptuous mix of sound and images, namely a body scraping the bitumen and a camera that “tries” to follow your rider and the bike. It's a tad exaggerated but we appreciate it.
