bike

I've been looking forward to the release of this game since I first saw it advertised months before it came out. Maybe that anticipation built up my expectations too much. I was really looking forward to a motorcycle version of my favorite game Gran Turismo 3. This game is for better or worse the closest thing out there right now. MotoGP is a great game with good looking graphics and challenging game play but is limited to GP bikes and race tracks. With Riding Spirits you get your choice of real world motorcycles and street courses. I haven't played too deep into the game yet but have started to get a feel for it.

Some pluses are -
A fast build up to good bikes. It doesn't take too much time or money before you can purchase a GSX-750R or YZF-R6. There are a lot of aftermarket accessories too. I was pleased to see I could equip my rider with my own Arai and Shoei helmets, and I'm looking forward to trying out my own FZ1 and V-Max.
Tracks are well designed and allow for a lot of high speeds.
The physics are decent but not perfect. You have to remember to treat handling different than that of a car racing game. Once you have that down it's a lot of fun.

The minuses would be -
Poor graphics. The bikes are big and blocky. Colors and shading don't transistion well giving the game a slightly cartoonish look.
Frustrating handling. If you run wide on any curve and touch grass you loose tremendous distance with the rider in front of you. I would expect slow down in sand but it's bad everywhere.

All in all it's a fun enough game but I'm still waiting for Sony to include motorcycles in Gran Turismo 4 or better yet an all motorcycle version.

Ugh. I was hoping this game would be like GT3, unfortunatly it's not. It shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath.

PRO's
Lot of tracks
Can upgrade your helmet, suit, & motorcycle
Lots of Bikes

CON's
Third person view only!! Whats the use in buying upgrades & bikes when you can't see them while racing. You only see them when you crash.
Boring track designs
OK graphics
Brakes don't brake. It's the same as releasing the gas. No quick stops??
No redeeming value whats so ever. It doesn't keep your attention at all.

I suggesy getting speed kings. It's much more fun. If you really like bikes get this game used. I got mine for 20.00

This is the best PS2 bike game available. It isn't perfect, the soundtrack is lacking and the graphics are nothing special. I do however enjoy the physics modelling and gameplay. If you brake while leaned over in a curve the bike will tend to stand up/run wide (very much like my own road going sport bike). The arcade modes are probably too hard for most but the career mode (Riding Spirit) is tonnes of fun. Now if they could spruce up the graphics, add some online play, and improve the soundtrack...