MotoGP 4 - Fresh Screens
Crotch-rocket racing at its finest in Namco's latest update to its popular bike franchise. Latest screens inside.
If you've heard of Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey, Mick Doohan, Wayne Gardner, or Daijiro Kato, then Namco has the game for you. MotoGP 4 - not to be confused with THQ's Moto GP series on Xbox - includes the biggest stars from motorbike racing's yesteryear in, what the company calls, the most complete motorcycle grand prix simulation ever.
Apart from the racing legends and accurate recreation of the full 16-track 2004 racing season, MotoGP 4 brings with it the requisite bumped up graphics you'd expect from a perennial.
There are three engine classes this year, including MotoGP, 125cc, and 250cc. And if the stock engine specs don't do it for you, the tinkering aspects should do the trick, as you'll be able to test new parts to massage the best performance out of your bike.
Simulation racing can become quite lonely, which is why Namco has included Multitap support for up to four players. Strangely, the latest information makes no mention of the online components Namco was so chuffed about last November.
Namco has also pushed back the release of MotoGP 4 slightly from its original spring window. The game will now be out for PlayStation 2 this summer.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games