THQ and Climax confirm new Extreme mode, original XBOX Live! and PC online features
THQ and Climax have announced that MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 3 for the Xbox videogame system from Microsoft and PC will ship with a variety of new features designed to bring the bring the game similar success as that enjoyed by car racing games such as NFSU.
The most significant addition to MotoGP 3 is a brand new Extreme mode that extends the playing experience even further for gamers. Reflecting the current passion for TT-style street racing, this exciting game mode consists of sixteen new city and suburban tracks. Based on actual race locations from around the world, such as the neon-lit streets of Japan and the country roads around Donington UK, these thrilling new tracks offer a unique, demanding and adrenaline-charged challenge that race fans will love.
As well as the new tracks, gamers also have a richer choice of bikes thanks to the addition of sixteen original motorcycles. Modelled on real world bikes, these exclusive two-wheelers range in power from 600cc racers to 1200cc superbikes.
XBox Live
MotoGP 3 will get a range of exclusive online features in order to keep multiplayer fans happy. THQ and Climax have collaborated to realise the full potential of Xbox Live! In that spirit, MotoGP 3 will boast three brand new features - Embedded online gameplay, Spectator mode and Commentator mode. These online features will also be included in the PC version of the game.
MotoGP 3's embedded online gameplay is an Xbox first and a feature that will have a resounding impact on the way gamers play. Blurring the lines between the single-player and multiplayer modes, this unique feature takes Live! functionality to the next level by allowing players to slip seamlessly from the single-player game to online action. Once connected to Live!, players can progress through their single-player career as normal, but can choose to play each event online should they wish. This seamless transition from single-player to multiplayer makes online gaming an easier and more fulfilling proposition.
The embedded gameplay developed by Climax makes it easier for gamers to get online courtesy of a unique seeding system. This seeding system encourages players to race against opponents of similar or slightly greater skill level while discouraging experienced riders from racing against novices.
As the name suggests, Spectator mode allows players to watch while others are racing. So, rather than patiently waiting in the lobby for others to finish, players can now jump straight into the game and watch races unfold. As well as allowing players to enjoy the sheer thrill of watching a highly-charged race, this unique feature also offers gamers an invaluable opportunity to learn from their competitors.
Another original revolutionary option developed exclusively for MotoGP 3 is the Commentator mode. With this, the host of Live! games can assign a spectating player to commentate on the race action. This hugely innovative feature places players closer to the action and is sure to provide endless entertainment as gamers try their hand at matching the vocal eloquence of the BBC's Suzi Perry!
