CASTROL HONDA SUPERBIKE
Developed by: Intense
Games (1998)
Genre: Grand
Prix/Superbike racing sim
System Requirements: Windows 95, P133 (P200 recommended), 32 MB HDD
Space, 16 MB RAM, CD ROM, Mouse (or other game controller), DirectX 5, 3D card (Direct 3D
or 3Dfx compatible).
OVERVIEW: O.k., let me start out by saying I'm not a
motorcycle racing fan. I never saw anything exciting about it except for the accidents. It
just seemed so boring and colorless when watching the sport on t.v (except for the
wreaks). That was until I played Intense Games' Castrol Honda Superbike- now my opinion as
radically changed. Now I regret not tuning into the 1998 Superbike season!
Castrol Honda Superbike puts you in control
of the hottest machine in Superbike: the RC45. This "bullet bike" flys like a
Formula One car and is even more agile, which allowed the Castrol Honda team to win the
1997 World Championship. The RC45 is a technical marvel and possibly the finest racing
bike in the world. Now you can experience this superbike as you race around 10 World
Championship curcuits for Team Castrol Honda. And what an experience it is!
This may be one of those games that sneaks
up on you without warning. Castrol Honda is one of the most near perfect games I have ever
played: awesome graphics, gameplay, sound and it only takes up minimal hard drive space!
I've played games that weren't half the experience of Castrol Honda which took up huge
chunks of hard drive space. Kudos go to the programmers for designing and programming such
a great engine. While Internet play isn't an option, LAN network play is- complete with
split screen graphics!
If you are looking for the ultimate in
motorcycle racing, you'll find it in Castrol Honda.
THE SCOUTING REPORT:
THE PROS:
- Outstanding graphics and sounds.
Excellent repoduction of super bike racing- possibly the best for the PC.
Player friendly menus and interfaces.
A variety of game options to accomidate slower machines w/ 3D accelerators.
Still get good graphics even with slower machines w/ 3D accelerators.
Challenging curcuits- each beautifully rendered.
Very cool game!
THE CONS:
- Maybe a bit too realistic- learning curve is
pretty tough.
Limited to racing for Castrol Honda team.
Missing actual super bike curcuits/tracks (i.e. Monza, Silverstone, etc.)
Missing actual team names outside of Castrol Honda- generic teams (no Ducatis..).
Review by Steve Ellis
