Capcom MotoGP 08 - Xbox 360
digital camera zoom, camcorder batteryAs much as I would love to be able to go see the Moto GP races when they come to American a couple times a year, I have yet to do it. Following the race standings and action online every year when I heard about the Xbox 360 release of Capcom MotoGP 08 there was no doubt in my mind about playing it. Unlike many racing titles out there, this one is focused entirely on Moto GP racing. For those new to this form of racing, it is widely followed and adored in Europe especially in Italy, makes stops at the world’s best motorcycle race tracks which now include California’s Laguna Seca and a circuit in Salt Lake City, Utah and features the top riders on two wheels in the world. To put it in perspective, every big motorcycle manufacturer spends millions of dollars on research and development for a fleet of identical, prototype race bikes each year. The likes of Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Ducati all try to outdo each other with the lightest and fastest race bikes in the world. With top speeds over 250 MPH, I am absolutely intrigued by this high octane sport.

When I found Capcom MotoGP 08 at Electronic Photo Gadgets for only 50 bucks my heart skipped a beat. I was originally visiting http://www.electronicphotogadgets.com/ for a new camcorder battery after my own had lost its ability to hold a charge. They have always been a great place for a camera accessory, SLR camera or in my case a camcorder battery but I never took the time to check out their video game selection. Good thing I did.

 

Like many race simulators, there is a great replay feature on MotoGP 08 that allows gamers to replay a race, pause it at any moment, use the in-game digital camera zoom and take great screen shots. Hey, it’s the closest I will ever get to taking digital camera zoom pictures of Moto GP action from feet away even if they are digital representations of what GP riders and bikes look like. The video attached above shows off the replay feature I am talking about. I feel like a real SLR camera pro snapping screenshots of video game race highlights. The best part of this game though is getting on the track and experiencing exactly what various circuits look like from a racing perspective. I wouldn’t want to even attempt to hop on the bucking bulls known as Moto GP bikes in real life but over a video game console anyone can handle their power.