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Gran Turismo with motorcycles, but that’s a compliment. The Gran Turismo series has been universally acclaimed for its attention to detail in car handling, courses and the multitude of game modes that it includes. The game is exhaustive in recreating the sport of car racing. Tourist Trophy does the same for motorcycles.
In Tourist Trophy, you’ll find the titular Tourist Trophy mode as well as arcade. Arcade hosts the game’s two-player multiplayer mode, the expected quick race with up to three computer opponents, and the timed race.
Tourist Trophy will appear very similar to Gran Turismo. You begin by earning licenses before moving to the numerous challenges and events as you go through the game’s 30 tracks. As you go through these events and challenges, you’ll earn new bikes. Some of the challenges require you to win the race; others ask that you maintain a 10-second lead, while others make you start at a disadvantage. You’ll begin with 22 race events but as you complete these events, you’ll unlock additional challenges. Some of the challenges require multiple races, with each race giving the winner a certain number of points and the person with the highest point winning the challenge at the end.
The game includes over 120 motorcycles, though this include different versions of the same model since the bikes range from 125cc to 1,000 cc (and more) bikes. Like the Gran Turismo games, Japanese manufacturers are preferred so you’ll find more than a few models from Suzuki, Honda, and company. That isn’t to say that other bikes aren’t found because they are including some from BMW and Ducati. The game lets you customize these bikes by adjusting their exhaust, shocks, brakes, ratio and tires. While the tuning will seem simple, it does make a big difference in how the bikes handle. The game doesn’t include part upgrades, though. Your rider, though, can be pretty heavily customized so you’ll able to unlock gear from a number of manufacturers like Alpine Star.
All of the bikes handle differently and simply feel in their own way forcing you to adapt to the bike you’re using. The lighter bikes have good acceleration but lack the top speed of a heavy bike. The bikes feel very authentic, as well. The only disappointing area is the crashes. The game doesn’t really penalize you for crashing, since you’ll usually be placed right back on the track, although sometimes it will penalize you with ten seconds on your time.
The game’s visuals are respectable. As you would expect, the different bikes have their own look with plenty of detail for all of the included bikes. They all look unique and stand out from each other. The courses are also painstakingly detailed, although some of the courses are taken directly from the Gran Turismo games. Nonetheless, even these courses feel adequate for motorcycle racing.
The sound is also good. The sound effects do a great job of selling the experience. You’ll hear the wind moving past your bike as you hit top speeds.
Tourist Trophy is clearly influenced by the Gran Turismo series, but it’s also different enough that it feels like a full-fledged game. The motorcycle physics are great, so if you enjoyed Gran Turismo or are into motorcycles, you’ll find a lot to like here. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Apr 18, 2006
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