
Capcom MotoGP 08
At its best, Moto GP 08 is a realistic, stripped-down racer that constantly challenges you to take a few seconds off you lap time.
Pros
- Amazing graphics, fast-paced, intense racing, based on real courses
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners, occasionally awkward controls
Bottom Line
Moto GP 08 is the official game for the Grand Prix motorcycle road race, something that will definitely appeal to fans of real life racing, with detailed courses modelled after the real ones used in Gran Prix racing. Racing aficionados and newcomers alike are sure to be charmed by this in-depth yet user-friendly racing title.
-
Price
$ 99.95 (AUD)
At its best, Moto GP 08 is a realistic, stripped down racer that constantly challenges you to take a few seconds off you lap time. At its worst, it is a frustrating game with few milestones with which to track your achievements. Either way, Moto GP is a blast from the moment you step on the gas and pass the starting line!
Starting with a lousy tutorial is a great way to lower expectations. More of a practice-run, the tutorial offers up tidbits of advice about braking and turning, but the tips are almost completely useless. Here is a tip that will come in handy: this is not an arcade racer! Taking turns at full speed will add huge chunks of time to your laps, either from crashing or correcting yourself back onto the track. And while this game can be forgiving when it comes to bumping into other racers, don't get too cocky; any high-speed contact will give you road rash and your competitors' dust.
Controls are great, but only when you're winning. As with many other games, races tend to be a matter of who can take the turns fastest. Getting the hang of this can be tough, but when you do, the racing aspect ends and you can begin mastering the art of shaving seconds off your time. But always remember that Moto GP 08 keeps you on your toes, because the moment you think you've mastered the controls, the courses get more difficult or the competition gets stiffer.
All of the usual racing modes are available: time trial, career, championship and challenge. Career is for people who embrace the long haul, but be warned: a career will only last five seasons. You start at the bottom and work your way up through 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP. Upgrades are available, but only in the form of earning points and cashing those points in for things like better acceleration and braking. There isn't much in the way of customisation, so people who like to tweak vehicle and rider alike might be underwhelmed.
This game looks and sounds great. The courses are distinct and full of detail. They could have put a little more effort into making sure the actual tracks are clearly defined, as ramps leading off the course are accessible and easily mistaken for part of the race. The sky in this game looks great and caused me to crash on more than one occasion. The roar of other motorcycles closing in on you adds to the intensity and provides an alternative to looking behind you, something that almost always ends poorly.
Fans of real life racing and previous incarnations of this title will be happy for sure, but the learning curve and lack of customisation when it comes to upgrades may disappoint people who want more of an arcade feel.
Brand Post

Most Popular Reviews
- 1 Miofive 4K Dash Cam review: This friendly road watcher is ‘here for you!’
- 2 Dell U3223QE review: A winning debut for an IPS Black monitor
- 3 Asus TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A review: This 4K monitor plays nice with consoles
- 4 Firewalla Gold review: Powerful home network security in a tiny box
- 5 Acer Aspire 5 review: An affordable laptop that’s enjoyable to use
Latest News Articles
- This real-life “aimbot” uses a physical mouse to cheat at shooting games
- Bethesda’s classic Elder Scrolls games arrive on Steam—for free
- We tested 22 different RPGs on the Steam Deck
- Steam Deck’s first major update adds a lock screen, Windows 11 support
- Sony is getting serious about bringing more PlayStation games to the PC
Resources
Business Centre
The latest business news, reviews, features and whitepapers

Videos
Watch our video news and reviews from around the world

Guides
Comprehensive buying guides, features, and step-by-step articles

PCW Evaluation Team
Pedro Peixoto
Aruba Instant On AP11D

Set up is effortless.
Cate Bacon
Aruba Instant On AP11D

The strength of the Aruba Instant On AP11D is that the design and feature set support the modern, flexible, and mobile way of working.
Dr Prabigya Shiwakoti
Aruba Instant On AP11D

Aruba backs the AP11D up with a two-year warranty and 24/7 phone support.
Tom Pope
Dynabook Portégé X30L-G

Ultimately this laptop has achieved everything I would hope for in a laptop for work, while fitting that into a form factor and weight that is remarkable.
Tom Sellers
MSI P65

This smart laptop was enjoyable to use and great to work on – creating content was super simple.
Lolita Wang
MSI GT76

It really doesn’t get more “gaming laptop” than this.
Featured Content
- Top 10 best Android and Apple phones for under $600
- 25 Essential Party Games On PC And Console To Play With Family And Friends
- Mesh Wi-Fi vs Traditional Routers: Which is better?
- Which flagship TV is best? Sony 4K HDR Bravia 2016 versus LG 4K HDR OLED 2016
- 10 Blu-ray movies / Best looking Blu-ray movies