Riding Spirits PlayStation 2

In the tradition of favorites like MotoGP 2 and the Superbike series, Riding Spirits offers motorcyclists a chance to take more than 200 two-wheel demons on a variety of tracks designed to capture the thrill of open-air racing. Bikes from seven manufacturers, including Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki, can be upgraded by spending points earned in races on engines, drives, suspension, tires, frames, fuel, and other accessories. Racing gear, like helmets and suits, are available from companies such as RS Taichi, Kushitani, Alpinestars, Arai, and Shoei, among others.

Riding Spirits offers training modes as part of the learning curve, with Safety Riding and Circuit Riding (20 each) instructional challenges that allow you to master bike control, test and practice on tracks, and concentrate on basics. The career mode (RS mode) puts heavy emphasis on all phases of competitive motorcycle racing, requiring upgrades and modifications in all areas of bike management, as well as a steady hand and steel nerves to stay on track and finish against formidable computer controlled opponents.

Multiplayer options accommodate two-player action, either against the computer or another human, with both horizontal and vertical split-screen displays available. Battle modes feature options for human one-on-one races (Versus) or computer-controlled opponents (Duel), Time Attack mode offers a chance to set new course records, and a Quick Race lets you run one, two, or three lap races. Other features include manual or automatic gear shifting, vibration function, arcade or simulation mode, configurable controls, a normal or widescreen display, career statistic tracking, difficulty, and automatic rider "leaning." ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide