Gaming Target - Game Boy: Moto Racer Advance

Written by Matt Swider on March 12, 2003

Review: Great sense of speed, impressive AI, and well-crafted coursesЕthough the French circuits are quite the Уpush-overФЕoh what, this all from a French developer.

There are several instances where reviewers remark that a particular game goes above and beyond their expectations of the Game Boy Advance. However, these set of words have been exaggerated and overused during the course of the portable's two-year lifespan. It's not that the Game Boy Advance lacks an impressive lineup of quality titles, but more the case that most of them fit this handheld rather nicely. Therefore, I tend to skew from making such comments irrationally, but in the case of MotoRacer Advance, it's quite hard. This racer from Adeline Software features three modes at full-throttle when most games in its class can't get one right. Its arcade-rich gameplay shows up in the track-filled trio of Motocross, GP, and Traffic by delivering a great sense of speed without the sacrifice of sharp visuals. Whether you're progressing through the solo segments or going head-to-head in some four-player racing, MotoRacer Advance feels both fresh and fun at every turn.

Variety in MotoRacer Advance comes in many flavors, such as the distinct course designs and extensive amount of extras. However, none of these compare to the three classes of two-wheel racing. Motocross racing sends a band of bikes on some of the more rugged roadways around the world. In order to maintain top speed, it's crucial to powerslide past every bend and corner. It's also essential to use caution when taking each bump and jump that this off-road terrain serves. On the opposite end of the track is GP, where the bikes are bigger and the courses are asphalt. The method to obtaining first place in this fast-paced type race is to clutch the brake around every curve. Traffic rounds out the trilogy of trophy races with an all-new set of courses on the open road. Players have the option of either bike type, but keep in mind, your opponents show up with the same kind of wheels. More importantly, remember to watch out for the many car models cluttering the roadway.

With three modes of real-life motorcycle racing, one might suspect that MotoRacer Advance accelerates in realism. Sure the physics are dead-on, but this turbo-riding two-wheeler is filled with nothing but furious racing speed from start to finish. As if the neck-braking speeds weren't intense enough, the off-road circuits feature a number of hills and valleys for thrill-seeking motorists. The only way to really grasp the fast pace racing action that MotoRacer Advance can provide is to see the game in action and in the palm of your hands.

Adeline Software included a turbo button to drive MotoRacer Advance over the top and give it an extra kick in the seat. While the turbo meter's supply is limited, the bar restores so quickly that there's little need to preserve it. The only risk in repeatedly using the boost is smashing into an obstruction and flying off-course in the process. This unfortunate occurrence is coupled with a lame crash animation, but is the only unappealing portion of the graphics. Locations set the scale straight again with winding roadways and rolling hills. Obstructions are as clear as day thanks to the impressive draw distance, though the game runs at a clean 60 frames, so there's little time to react when this moto is in motion.

The ability to boost your speed is available from the start, however players must earn the quickstart and anti-collision techniques along with new bikes and tracks in the progression portion of MotoRacer Advance. I'm rather fond of this feature and the fact that an icon appears on-screen when you pull a particular technique. Progression is mapped out nicely, as are the rest of the menus,and the races required to advance make the game seem endless. This seemingly everlasting amount of unlockable items definitely works in the favor of MotoRacer Advance, especially because the entire experience never really stalls out.

Adding to the arsenal of good features are link cable capabilities and auto-save functions. Four players can take part in races with or without computer opponents, but only with the typical requirements of an additional system and game cartridge. Those who make it in the top five can insert their initials and stay tracked. All this, thanks to the battery backed memory Ubi Soft opted to give MotoRacer Advance. So, not only is progress saved, but also the track times and leaders.