

The 125cc bikes are nimble and fairly easy to ride, while the MotoGP bikes require much more precise braking and control to keep on the tarmac. The bikes in each class handle very differently. As a result, the 125cc and 250cc classes not only add a bit of variety, but they also make good training grounds for the MotoGP circuit.

As the displacement of the engines increases, the bikes get heavier and more powerful, making them more difficult to control. There are three different classes to choose from in the arcade, time trial, and season race modes: 125cc, 250cc, and MotoGP. There's the requisite arcade mode and time-trial mode found in every other racing game, as well as a challenge mode, legends mode, and season play. The single-player MotoGP 4 experience is divided into several different modes. MotoGP 4 is based on the 2004 MotoGP season, but at least it has online play. More importantly though, the racing is as enjoyable as ever, and with a respectable offering of features and options, MotoGP 4 is a good choice for race fans who are ready for a few more laps around a very familiar track. However, the game does show its age in other areas, like the out-of-date roster and somewhat bland presentation. The reward for that patience is added support for eight-player online racing, which is certainly an important and appreciated feature. The game was released more than a year ago in Japan and Europe, but race fans in North America have been kept waiting. Namco Bandai Games certainly isn't setting any speed records in releasing MotoGP 4 in the United States.
