Anyone who has played a previous Moto GP title knows what to expect from Moto GP 07. The game features two distinctly different career modes; Grand Prix and Extreme. Only the Grand Prix mode is available from the start of Moto GP 07 and players can select from a quick race, a time trial or play through a racing career or through an entire championship. Completing the Grand Prix mode will unlock the faster, more dangerous extreme mode. A training mode has also made it into the game, which should help those who are new to the series and a challenge mode has also been included. In terms of gameplay options, Moto GP 07 features a sufficient number of game options that haven't changed too much from last year's game. Those who like to modify vehicles will be happy to know the game does allow you to head to the workshop, with a variety of options open to players who want to adjust and fine tune their bike.
Probably not a good angle to race from.
In terms of the gameplay a few little modifications have been made to the game. Handling the bikes is the same as previous years, so the analog sticks are used for both braking and accelerating; a system that has worked well in previous Moto GP titles. The cornering seems like it has been improved a tad as well. When exiting from corners the back end of your bike will move a little which serves as a reminder to players if they are about to wipeout. This new effect isn't entirely helpful though and ends up feeling like an unnecessary inclusion. A new race telemetry option has been included in Moto GP 07 which allows the player to assess their performance at any given track. Essentially, when you select this option you can see parts of the track where you've gone off or where you have completed a personal best time.
Thankfully the framerate, which was at times extremely frustrating in Moto GP 06 has been improved. There are still occasional frame rate issues, although they are nowhere near as frequent as in Moto GP 06. It's still a little disappointing that even though the Xbox Moto GP games ran at 60FPS without any frame rate hitches, the Xbox 360 versions still don't. The AI is still unfortunately extremely unpredictable. It's not uncommon to win a race quite comfortably and then the next race struggle to get near the racers you've just beaten in the previous race. It feels a bit like the game is purposely trying to close up the championship at times, which ends up feeling unfair.
So which position am I in again?
The real main drawcard for Moto GP 07 is the online mode, which is as good as ever. In fact, the online play has had the most changes, with the addition of tournaments and online pink slip racing. Pink slip races are exactly what they sound like, races where the winner gets to keep the loser's extreme mode bike. The normal ranked matches are also present but it's the tournaments which will have most players entertained online. Online tournaments have specific restrictions, such as the European Classic, which only allows Marcuccilli and Vechioni extreme bikes. Moto GP 07 also supports up to sixteen players online. The main advantage of online play is the fact that you are racing against real people, rather than the extremely unpredictable AI.
Graphically Moto GP 07 looks better than its predecessor. Aside from the improved frame rate the crowd now looks a whole lot better and little background details, like planes flying above the tracks, add to the impressiveness. The bikes and riders also look brilliant. As usual, the bikes also sound fantastic but the soundtrack is one to be muted.
Even if you just play Moto GP 07 for the single player there is enough content to keep most players entertained for a long while. Firstly there is the Grand Prix mode, then the extreme option as well as the challenges. Online play is sure to keep many glued to the television and is as intense as ever. Moto GP 07 is also a game that won't be popular with achievement junkies. Points are hard to earn and getting the full 1000 points is a feat very few players will achieve.
The extreme mode tracks are very impressive.
Despite the score, Moto GP 07 is better than its predecessor. The only problem is that there has been very little done to actually improve and revolutionise the series. Arguably the series capped with Moto GP 3, but if we are going to see yearly updates it would be good if there were a few more changes. Yes, the frame rate has improved and there are a few minor changes to Moto GP 07 and if you didn't pick up last year's game then we'd have no hesitation in recommending the game. Those who have played any of the previous Moto GP titles shouldn't go in expecting a revolution. It's much like if a bike goes into the pits really, it comes out with a fresh set of tires and some more fuel, but it doesn't come out with a new paintjob and a new rider. Not yet anyway.
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