Grand Prix 500 2

Microids' Grand Prix 500 2 is a fun motorcycle racing game that boasts vibrant graphics and smooth animations that are better than average for its time.

In many ways, the game feels like an update of Brøderbund's 1987 SuperBike Challenge, in that it includes all 12 of the world's Grand Prix courses, as well as a 2-player hotseat option. The game does strike a territory of its own, though, with the overhead display of course map that makes it very easy to see your position in the race, as well as track layout. Unfortunately, this reduces the action display to only one-third of the screen, so the "you-are-there" feeling is greatly reduced.

Another weakness is that the game is very easy-- I know next to nothing about motorcycling, yet I managed to win 4 races in a row without much hassle from computer opponents. I suspect that this has to do with very lenient car-handling mechanics, as I was able to accelerate constantly, and no inertia was ever felt even when I slow down and accelerate immediately again. The game is also very forgiving when it comes to crashing: you can fall down when you bank far too low in a tight curve, but this incident is few and far between.

Overall, Grand Prix 500 2 is a fun diversion that soon becomes quite boring as you leave the other bikes far behind in the races. A decent game with some good features, but without any long-term play value due to easy (or lack of) car physics and absence of challenge.

Review By HOTUD