MotoGP 3: Ultimate Racing Technology is more than just a MotoGP sequel - it takes motorcycle racing to the next level by adding a new ‘extreme’ mode featuring street racing.

MotoGP 3: URT features riders, tracks and bikes from the 2004 MotoGP season, as well as 16 extra bikes, and 16 extra tracks in the extreme mode.

The real innovation, however, is in the multi-player options, which has a special seeding system that allows people to race against opponents close to their skill level, as well as a spectator mode and a commentator mode that allows you to show off your skills to your fellow X-Box live players. The aim with the seeding is to encourage new or casual players to feel confident playing online. Hopefully it will work.

Online you can play in up to 16 player races. Offline that number can reach 20, and if you don’t have X-Box live, you can still play in a 4-player split screen racing mode.

Enough about the features, what about the game play?

Well, the graphics are gorgeous - the scenery very well done, and the bikes look great too. The game runs smoothly and gives a real illusion of speed when you are riding without being over the top, the animations are smooth and very well done. The weather effects, such as rain, are the most convincing I’ve seen in a driving game. The sound is also realistic, although not as memorable.

Control-wise the bikes handle well, although they can be a little difficult to control in the rain (more so than you would expect). I’m not a purist, and I played on a pad, not a special wheel or bike controller, but the controls felt like a decent balance between arcade controls and realism. I found the controls a touch twitchy for my tastes, but a driving wheel could well correct that.

When playing in career mode you start with a basic bike and a driver you set up. You then earn cash to upgrade your bike, and experience which you can spend in skills such as cornering and accelleration. In multi-player you have the option to use pre-levelled drivers if you wish.

I enjoyed the skill system as it added an extra depth to the game, and I think it was well handled as it did not get in the way of play for people who prefer to just get on with the racing.

The extreme mode has a nice variety of tracks and environments, and there are plenty of bikes to try out.

There are lots of leagues to work through, and plenty of tracks to experience, so I can imagine this game holding your attention for quite a long time. There’s also the usual quick race modes, plus the multi-player when you have beaten everything the offline game can offer.

If you have previously avoided MotoGP because of its circuit focus then the extreme mode may well make it worth a look for you. This isn’t an overtly ‘underground racing’ game but the extreme circuits do have a similar feel and brought a new enjoyment to the game for me. The normal mode has remained true to the original game and old fans of the series should enjoy it.

Overall I feel this is a great game with a lot to offer old fans and newcomers.

Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 7/10
Game Play: 8/10
Longevity: 8/10
Overall: 8/10