The first MotoGP served as an average launch title for motorcycle race fans. The sequel improves little on the first outing, but adds a few more extras to keep motorcycle buffs happy.

MotoGP 2 is broken down into arcade and simulation gameplay. The arcade gameplay still trails on the sim side, as players have to constantly rev up and brake to a holt when turns come up. Namco lightened up a little when players take tiny shortcuts to make turns less tough. When your bike rides into dirt or grass, you run over at a moderate speed instead of stopping the bike completely. If the game gets too tough, players can select an Easy Mode where braking zones are posted in each circuit to help determine when to slow your bike down.

MotoGP is all about riding the best lines to get a great turn on curves and its gameplay is incessant on feathering the gas and brake - even more so when it comes to the Simulation Mode. Unlike the arcade mode, players can easily fly off the bike after a fast turn in or a far lean-in. The Sim Mode is so difficult that it'll cause more frustration than tension. But if you're into a hardcore bike sim mode, it's here for you to tackle.

To make for the best ride players can fine tune their bike with a number of adjustments. Players can tune transmission, handling, acceleration, brakes, and tires. Each adjustment makes for a slightly different ride, and it's nice to have the tuning available to get an optimum ride.

The biggest difference in the MotoGP sequel is the addition of a wet weather mode. Here players can race in the rain and adjust their racing to accommodate the slippery roads. The rain effect is absolutely incredible, with rain drops blotting onto the camera, misty sprays around tires, and reflections of the background on the water. The first person mode rain drop keep blotting onto your camera, distorting your vision as you race - very cool. In addition to wet weather the sequel sees a new Legends Mode. Players race against legendary racers who have now since retired. The Legends Mode has to be unlocked in the Challenges section. Players need to complete a certain task in each challenge to unlock added features in the game. You can also perform new bike tricks like a wheelie, stoppy stands (bike stands on front wheel), burnout start, or a victory pose. Rounding out the game modes are Vs., Time Trial, and Season Mode. Season Mode places you a regular race season. Players can choose to qualify in each race, or head out on the road. The AI is tougher than the first title and all seem to take the best lines possible. The AI seems a bit robotic because they generally move in the same path. But you can keep that from happening by bumping them off the road.

The visuals and the sound are the same from MotoGP 2. The title runs at 60 fps and uses fewer colors to relay a more realistic environment. The rain effect is the most distinct eye-candy in the game and looks fantastic. The sounds are what you'd expect from a motorcycle title - engine rumbles and crowd cheers. The soundtrack is bit heftier than the original with more pronounced beats in its techno soundtracks.

MotoGP 2 is more like MotoGP 1.5. The title is slightly upgraded from the original and stays much on the same, albeit wetter, path. The stop-and-go gameplay is an acquired taste but is worth it if you have patience.