Gran Turismo: Bike edition! (Tourist Trophy (PS2))

Member Name: heekeer

Product:	Tourist Trophy (PS2)
Date:	18/08/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superb simulation racing, lots of bikes, easier license tests, great graphics

Disadvantages: Only 1 new track.

Tourist Trophy is a racing game for the Playstation 2 developed by Polyphony Digital.

Polyphony Digital have extensive experience creating racing games so have decided to basically create a Gran Turismo series for bikes, like the Gran Turismo series Tourist Trophy features two main modes of play, the Arcade mode where you will want to spend a bit of time trying out the various bikes on offer and the Tourist Trophy TT mode which is the main portion of the game.

Tourist Trophy mode has brought back the licence tests again for the bikes but this time they have thankfully toned them down a bit so you should be able to master the moves they teach you and then have access to all the races without smashing any controllers down in frustration!

There are a ton of bikes for you to get your hands on but you earn them differently to Gran Turismo, they are awarded to you for completing the games various challenges and race events, Gran Turismo did this at some times but there was far more focus on earning money which was quite a challenge especially if you wanted to save up millions of credits for the best cars. They include many manufacturers such as Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and more.

The game includes the extensive tweaking mechanics of Gran Turismo but there are no upgrades and crazy turbos to attach to your bike and give it 1000+ horsepower. You can customize your rider though with different riding suits and helmets from various manufacturers.

Racing in Tourist Trophy is the same kind of simulation racing you have come to expect but you can do some cool moves like wheelies, there are a wide variety of riding styles you will have to pick too which effects how your bike handles from the Lean style which is focused on leaning right into corners making it easier to take tighter turns to the Dirt style which allows you to race better on dirt surfaces. Tracks all make a comeback from Gran Turismo 4 aside from one new addition, the Valencia Ricardo Torno circuit (not the formula one circuit).

Graphics have the same high quality that Polyphony always delivers with supremely detailed motorcycles and tracks, the game even includes a photo mode for you to snap some pictures of your bikes.

If you are a bike fan and felt unloved by the car focused Gran Turismo series this game will definitely cheer you up, one of the best bike games around.

Summary: A superb bike racing game.