Don't let the name fool you, this is not or is any relation to the Namco PS2 game of the same name. This is the realization of Climax (Brighton Studio) and is designed from start to finish to push you, the bikes and the Xbox to the limits.

Publishers THQ & Developers Climax (Brighton Studio) bring the world of Moto GP, which is basically a 2 wheeled version of formula 1 to life on and it's exclusive to Xbox console, with 10 real-world tracks as featured on the world motorcycle grand prix circuit and features all the riders, bikes and teams from last year (2001) season this game is as close to the real thing as you will see for some time (well until next years follow up anyway)

Rip open the throttle and lay a layer of rubber as you speed off the line and in to the first corner, apply a little delicate pressure to the rear brake and hang your rear end out as you hang on as you enter the world of a Moto GP rider. Moto GP Ultimate Racing Technology is as close to the real thing as we have seen. From the moment you pick up the joy pad, you assume the role of your rider of choice as you battle your way through the championship or arcade modes.

Gameplay:
From the off Moto GP takes you into the extreme world of a Moto GP rider, The game is as realistic as any game to date on any platform. The game comes complete with an excellent training mode to teach you the necessary skills which will ultimately guide you to World domination (well ok Moto GP Champion anyway.)

Tuning your bike to suit your style, tracks and race conditions might not be as easy said as it is done initially but with time and practice and making use of the training mode this will soon be no problem and become an advantage when competing if used wisely., in addition to completing the training modes helps power up your simulation rider as well as unlocks other bikes/paint jobs

The game features Arcade, Gran Prix & Multiplayer modes all of which offer something to both fans and followers of the Moto GP series and more casual gamers.

In Arcade mode you choose which tracks to compete on and earn points. Ways to get points include , wheelies, and power slides. It is somewhat similar to the Kudos system in Project Gotham. Earning points in this mode enables you to unlock many extras that are similar to Photoshop filters. You can make the game look like a cartoon, ect. The final unlock able allows you to race as/against the umbrella girls

Gran Prix takes you into a simulated Gran Prix Championship world where you compete for top honors. If you earn 1st place on each of the three levels of difficulty you can unlock three main features. These include Mirrored/Reversed tracks as well as the 11th track.

Multiplayer works as most would expect in a split screen. You can turn on/off computer opponents during multiplayer games and this mode offers hours of endless mayhem between friends and family.

The controls in Moto GP might just be one of the slight niggles yet also one of the games strong points, for the gamer racer wanting to pick up and have a blast the extensive control system might just prove to be to a little excessive, all you control everything from rider ducking behind the fender to gain those few precious miles per hour to the rider sitting proud to aid slowing down, but you also control stopping the bike including an excellent and welcome edition in the shape of an independent front and rear braking system which to an enthusiast will be a welcome feature but to a more casual gamer looking for a simple racer they might just find this slightly too much control all at once.

Using the independent brakes can prove to be an advantage, front brakes are good in a straight line but don't grab a handful in a corner or you'll high side and skid down the track, flick the rear brake to hang the back out a little in a corner.

Hold on to the front brake and a hand full of throttle and watch as your bike lays a ring of rubber across the track, lean back and rip open the throttle and hold on as you wheelie off up the track, (tip: Don't lean back too far, or you'll be off the back sliding down the track on your butt)

The controls in Moto GP just aid Climax in delivering an all round excellent experience, and makes the game as close to the real thing as you going to get this side of Christmas 2002 on any console platform. With a game exclusive to the Xbox it is also very nice to see a control system designed for the Xbox controller and utilizing the full potential.

Graphics:
Graphically Climax have made very good use of the Xbox hardware, because the game is exclusive to the console the developers were able to make the game look stunning, none of the too common ports from lesser console which has been the case for many games over the years from certain other publishers.

Every detail is taken into account by the team at Climax, from the textures of the road to the realistic blur effect once you top 250 odd kilometers per hour and with quite possibly one of the most realistic rain effects ever seen all are just some of the details which were not overlooked. With some unusual yet intuitive extras which have been included which include un-lockable modes such as sketch, cartoon, wire-frame or even sketched to name a few of the hidden extras. All serve no real purpose but are very interesting and add a different tint to the game if it takes your fancy.

Like the whole game graphically Moto GP uses the power of the Xbox to deliver some of the most realistic looking graphics imaginable which the Xbox is more than capable of yet many games fail to deliver especially none exclusive to the format titles which never fully use the power of the higher end consoles when they port the code from the lesser format.

Sound:
Well I think it's fair to say that Moto GP won't be winning any awards for the sound track, this is a game all about racing and although the sounds of the bikes and everything are very authentic and atmospheric, I believe that this is a game which does not require a pumping sound track and that is the case in Moto GP, lets not forget that this is the Xbox and you have the choice of playing your own music so the lack of an amazing sound track is not the end of the world.

Longevity:
Moto GP will last a more casual gamer a fair while but will take an age to master for the more dedicated gamers amongst you. With an excellent multi-player mode this title will last most gamers a fair time, battle with your friends and in split screen action.

Round Up:
Moto GP overall does offer something to everyone, both the casual gamer and fans of motorbike racing titles, casual gamers might find the controls a little difficult to get to grips with although it's not necessary to completely master them for a quick blast and you can even still win without worrying too much.

Fans of Motorbike's and followers of the Moto GP series will find everything in what can only be described as a complete racer, from the moment that you boot this game up there are hour of fun ahead, this is as complete as any Formula 1 or any other racing game which has graced the world of gaming.

Pros:

• As close to the real thing without leather.
  
• Smooth as silk graphics
  
• Plenty to Unlock
  
• Xbox Exclussive (and it shows)
  
• It's a Challenge and worth your cash.
  
  

  Cons:
  

  • Might be tricky to control for some.