GP 500

Description

GP 500 is a motorcycle racing simulator that came out in 1999 and caused a minor revolution in the world of computer games. Developed and published by MicroProse, the game set a whole new standard for motorcycle racing simulations, which until then were considered less attractive than their four-wheeled counterparts.

GP 500 impresses above all with its realism. The game offers a deep physics model that makes every bump, bump and tilt of the bike felt. This means that handling is not a trivial matter and requires considerable skill and practice. As a result, players can truly put themselves in the shoes of a professional motorcycle racer. The bike models, tracks and environments are graphically hilarious for their time and bring a sense of speed and adrenaline that is key to this type of game.

The audio aspect of the game is also of a high standard, from the roaring engines to the realistic braking sounds to the detailed processing of the bike sounds on different types of surfaces. In addition, the game is accompanied by real-time commentary, which adds authenticity to the overall experience.

One of GP 500's biggest draws is undoubtedly its faithful recreation of licensed drivers, teams and tracks from the time of release. This aspect makes the game attractive to motorcycle racing fans who can race against their idols on authentic circuits. Perfecting your riding skills in GP 500 is not only fun, but also addictive, and above all you can feel yourself improving with every attempt.

The multiplayer mode offered the chance to race against live opponents, which was a big draw at the time of release. Although the implementation of online features was technically limited at the time, the ability to measure your strength against other players added another layer of long-lasting fun to the game.

GP 500 isn't flawless, however. Bugs in the collision model and occasional issues with the AI of opponents can disrupt the smoothness of the experience, which is a shame because it's otherwise a very well thought out and complex title. Another ailment that cannot be overlooked is the high learning curve. Newcomers can spend many hours of frustration before fully adapting to the game's responsive controls and physical laws.

However, for players looking for a realistic and authentic motorcycle simulation, the GP 500 offers a unique and exciting gaming experience. With the challenge it presents and its ability to totally draw you in, the GP 500 title remains an iconic game in the motorcycle simulation genre after more than twenty years.