It wasn’t too long ago when players experienced RIDE. Shortly before that Milestone S.r.l also released MotoGP14. It would appear that with no competition within this genre of racing games, the studio seems to be on a roll and they have no intention of stopping. During my experience with MotoGP 14, I noted the excellent gameplay and the true level of authenticity that the game delivered upon. But I also had my gripes with it. I criticized the lack of graphics options available to the player and the dated visual quality that the game presented. Sad to say I wasn’t too impressed with certain aspects of the game.
Just less than a year a later the studio released RIDE. With an additional layer of authenticity that the game trumped its brethren on, and the near flawless gameplay mechanics that the studio knows so well, RIDE had succeeded in winning me over. While it’s fair to say that the former and the latter provide a fairly similar yet different experience, my curiosity over MotoGP 15 is one that’s justified. After being two-minded about the prequel and spending a fair amount of time with RIDE, my hopes that the studio’s new installment will fix the problems I mentioned in the past, while exceeding the level of enjoyment I experienced with the other, is one that I hope will come to fruition.
" It would appear that with no competition within this genre of racing games, the studio seems to be on a roll and they no intention of stopping. "
With MotoGP 15 set to release in early June, it seems Milestone S.r.l had taken note of the points I made about their previous game. And after being granted some time with their latest installment, it’s safe to say I walked away fairly impressed. The first thing that stood out to me after loading up the game was its visual upgrade.
Where MotoGP 14 focused its attention on bike models and the four-foot of textures that stood before the rider, MotoGP 15 has stepped things up quite a bit. Something in particular that Milestone S.r.l seems to always come correct on is the attention to detail within its bike selection. Geometry is superb and you’ll have to look twice before realizing it’s a game. Breathing some life in to its tracks and the surrounding environment, MotoGP 15 delivers the immersion factor that the former lacked.
Enhancing this factor of immersion is the game’s dynamic weather system. It would seem that with titles such as DriveClub and Project Cars, the infatuation with rain, slippery roads, and presenting everything wet and dangerous, downright not safe to navigate a vehicle in, is something that the game seeks to add to its level of realism. While I found this terrifying and all the more exciting, the most interesting aspect about this system wasn’t how pretty it looked. But the way in which it affected the game’s mechanics and handling.
"Enhancing this factor of immersion is the games dynamic weather system. "
Shifting from clear sunny skies to a grey cloudy downpour, it was clear I had to rethink my strategy for getting around the track. What was once an enjoyable yet cautious ride in the wind was now a ghoulish survival simulator. No longer was I concerned with winning as opposed to staying staying alive. After a brief discussion on the idea of support for Oculus Rift and how to implement a suitable control scheme, it turned out to be more frightening than exciting.
On to the game’s physics where the game holds its greatest strengths, MotoGP15 takes things up a notch by incorporating the rider’s physics directly in to its weather system. The way in which wet weather situations would naturally effect the rider’s handling as well as the conditions of the tracks they’ll be racing on is without a doubt astonishing. Riding through the rain as opposed to dry conditions means players will have to think twice when taking corners and picking up acceleration.
"What was once an enjoyable yet cautious ride in the wind was now a ghoulish survival simulator. "
Players will be able to rewind the gameplay should they fall or make any mistakes, allowing them to become better at the game and learn how its mechanics fully work. Where the game delivers on content comes in the form of customizable bikes that holds true to authenticity, custom riders so that players may immerse themselves further in to the game, and custom teams for the player to manage in the game’s career mode.
Releasing with over two hundred bikes for the player to decide from and finding something that suits their liking, MotoGP 15 certainly looks promising. From what I’ve played of the game so far it’s clear that there’s something to look forward to and it’s clearly a step-up from its predecessor. Catering to both beginners and enthusiasts, MotoGP 15 shouldn’t face any troubles in reaching its intended audience as well as bringing in newcomers. How the studio plans to support the game in the long run is something that’s unknown at this point, but given its stellar gameplay and the content it’s promised upon, this may be something to be excited for after the game’s initial release.
Coming in close to the game’s release, readers can expect a full in-depth review on MotoGP 15. Stay tuned.
This game was previewed on the PlayStation 4.
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