About this product

Product Information

The boxed version of AMA Superbike is actually an adjunct to the downloadable online version of the game, and purports to include AI riders to practice against as well as a full championship season (misleading). Updates and enhancements are offered via the Marimba Castanet system of software updates via the Internet, and all upgrades at the time of release are included. Unfortunately, many of the advertised features are missing and the game suffers from an atrocious control system. Based on the planned 12-race 1999 AMA Superbike racing season, the game requires winning only a nine-race series (not 12) to be champion since one of the races was dropped by the AMA, and the developers were unable to secure licenses on two others prior to release. Some superbike models listed in the manual are not in the game (e.g., the Harley-Davidson VR1000), and, according to the manual, the game is a "living product," meaning you're meant to update over time with new features, tracks, vehicles and "the occasional bug fix." Playing with up to 30 other competitors online is problematical since no means to set the number of players exists in the setup. Although three modes of difficulty (beginner, expert, pro) are offered, the gameplay mode for online and championship races is predetermined, thus allowing the function to be used only in practice. Although the box states a joystick is required, the keyboard can be configured, but either way control response is sluggish, as is the mouse interface for administrative chores. The graphics are low key, especially considering the time of release, with little texture and horrible effects during crash sequences. Riders in AMA Superbike aren't skilled at the art of tucking arms as they careen across the track like stiff scarecrows. The game is a perfect example of the old adage that you "can't judge a book (game) by its (box) cover." Heavy on promises, but light on delivery, AMA Superbike fails to deliver realistic racing at nearly all levels.