Looks like Ubisoft will have a hit, this game ROCKS! Go download it
now! (It's at www.avault.com - it' only 9 megs.)
Graphics: maybe a little better than Moto Racer (on my P200/3dfx) with
a rock solid frame-rate. Very pretty and smooth. I can make the
frame-rate a LITTLE slow by turning all graphics options up to the
MAX, but that's fine, since at the default settings it is very fast
and looks great (almost no popup). People with faster systems will be
able to make it look a bit nicer.
Gameplay and bike physics: very very good. At first the control (with
a joystick) seemed a LITTLE sensitive, almost twitchy, but I quickly
got used to it and was snaking through those turns. The physics model
is considerably more realistic than Moto Racer, you can't just go all
out on the throttle for the whole race (although the demo track IS a
fast one). The bikes can turn on a dime, and can and do catch air
(both on bumps on the road, or by hitting bumps on the shoulder).
The controls, BTW, are initially set up for keyboard but are very easy
and intuitive to customize for a joystick.
The accidents and wipeouts are spectacular, and again seem a bit more
realistic than in MR. I've seen the mike do some wild stuff when I
"pushed" it too far, which is just how it should be (i.e., how it is
in reality on a motorcycle). Unlike many racers, you REALLY have to
respect the other racers - you can't bump n' run, you will wipe out
(again realistic, and a nice touch). Just as impressive, the AI racers
know this and THEY respect you, slowing to avoid ramming you from
behind.
My only minor complaint is that the whole track is constrained by
walls like Moto Racer, I hope they have some tracks more "opened up".
But overall a great effort by Ubisoft, I will buy it the minute it is
available (but I hope we in North America don't have to wait 4 months
as with the Ubisoft F1 RS release!).
P.S. - The "bumper cam" view (F2) is very intense!
Joe