Tourist Trophy: The Real Riding Simulator (PlayStation 2, 2006)

This may just be Gran Turismo on two wheels but it's still as good of a motorcycle racing game you can buy. If you didn't like the Gran Turismo series before, you won't like this incarnation.

This game offers a pretty expansive array of motorcycles to choose from. Mostly Japanese companies like Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. But offers some BMW's, Ducati's and Triumphs as well. Bike size range from 125cc to bikes over 1,000cc's. All the bikes have a distinct sound, look, and feel. The bike renderings look great, as much detail as Gran turismo. One of the only downfalls to Tourist Trophy is that while you can tune your motorcycle you cannot buy new parts for it. You can only win bigger and faster bikes by completing racing. There is no money component in this game. So if your motorcycle turns poorly or isn't fast enough, it'll stay that way. The odd thing is that you can customize your rider more than you can your bike. Different Helmets, suits etc... from companies like Arai, Shoei and Alpine Star.

The course graphics are great, as they are right out of Gran Turismo. Which is both good and bad. The tracks are familiar and well suited to motorcycle racing, but there isn't anything new to really challenge you. The replay mode is as good as you'd expect from Gran tourismo. The racing physics are great, as are the controls and sounds. Replay value is about a 7 I'd say. Learning curve is about a half hour. Yes, there are still license tests, but this time they are WAY easier. So you should fly right through them. You can only race against three other computer controlled opponents, who aren't very difficult. On-line isn't a part of this game, but if you don't play games online (like me), you won't care.

There isn't bike damage in this game, but if you crash into a wall you will fly off your bike. You get right back on your bike and don't loose much time. Which is pretty stupid if you ask me. In real life if you dump your bike @ 140mph, you aren't getting right back on.

All in all it's a pretty good game, if you like bikes and you like Gran Turismo. I'd say it's worth it new price tag of $39.99. Tourist Trophy is the best Motorcycle simulator out there!!!!