.THE RIDERS

. MotoGP

. RANDY DE PUNIET

. FRANCE/LCR HONDA

One of two French representatives in the MotoGP series, Randy de Puniet has a decade of Grand Prix experience at the age of 27. Although 2008 sees only his third season of MotoGP participation, he is an excellent qualifier. He dropped out of the top ten only three times in 2007 and made a slot on the first two rows of the grid seven times in the last ten races of the year. He will celebrate ten seasons of GP participation in 2008.

. ALEX DE ANGELIS

. SAN MARINO/SAN CARLO HONDA GRESINI

Alex de Angelis is one of four new faces in MotoGP for 2008 and one of the top three to emerge from the 2007 250cc world championship. Still just 24-years old, De Angelis entered the Grand Prix scene in 2000 at the age of 16 and needed two full seasons before catching sight of the podium for the first time. He was 125cc world championship runner-up in 2003 but that first GP victory remained painfully elusive and it was not until 2006 and 23 podium appearances later that he triumphed in Valencia.

. JOHN HOPKINS

. USA/KAWASAKI RACING

In 2002 teenager John Hopkins was thrown into the deep-end of MotoGP after promising form and titles in AMA supersport and Formula Xtreme marked him as the new major talent in US road racing. It took Hopkins four years and a degree of patience with Suzuki’s efforts and evolution towards a competitive machine before he could celebrate his first podium. The American often had to push his motorcycle to the limits in order to fill the top ten on the leader-board. 2007 was his best season to-date handing him four trophies to break him into the top five of the standings for the first time, scoring fourth overall.

. TONI ELIAS

. SPAIN/ALICE

The Spaniard, a winner at the 125cc and 250cc level, has always been impatient to reach the premier class. Although he has yet to make the same impact as he did during the four years where he stayed in the top four overall in 125cc/250cc, his presence ensures an unpredictable edge to MotoGP. He only failed to score points twice in his 28 starts during his first two seasons in the MotoGP class, but missed the top fifteen three times before breaking his leg in 2007.

. MARCO MELANDRI

. ITALY/DUCATI

Melandri has won races in every category, was a rightful 250cc champion in 2002, and is a reliably fast performer with top five championship finishes in eight of his ten seasons at the highest level. Marco has a winning career that spans nine seasons. In the 2008 MotoGP field, only Rossi and Capirossi boast a longer spell.

. VALENTINO ROSSI

. ITALY/FIAT YAMAHA

Valentino Rossi is an icon of motorcycle racing, arguably one of its greatest riders ever, and a visible face of MotoGP around the world. A record-breaker and flamboyant multi- world champion, he has recently waded through his shallowest pool of results. Still regarded as the supreme master of his art in many circles, ‘The Doctor’ faces a challenge in returning to the top of the crop in 2008.

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Capcom MotoGP08 manual Valentino Rossi ITALY/FIAT Yamaha

MotoGP08 specifications

Capcom MotoGP08 is an exhilarating motorcycle racing video game that brings the adrenaline of the MotoGP championship to the gaming world. Released in 2008, it stands out for its realistic depiction of the high-speed environment of motorbike racing while incorporating an array of advanced features and technologies that appeal to both casual gamers and hardcore racing enthusiasts.

At the core of MotoGP08 is its commitment to authenticity. The game features all the official teams, riders, and tracks from the 2008 MotoGP season, providing players with an immersive experience that mirrors the actual racing series. Fans can ride as legendary riders like Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner, taking on the challenging circuits of the Grand Prix.

One of the key highlights of MotoGP08 is its enhanced graphics engine, which showcases stunning visuals that bring the racing tracks to life. The environments are meticulously designed, with realistic weather effects and dynamic lighting that change as races progress, adding another layer of challenge and excitement. The sound design further immerses players, with the roar of motorcycle engines and the ambient noises of the race creating a believable atmosphere.

The game also features advanced physics and handling mechanics, lending itself to a more authentic riding experience. Players must carefully consider their acceleration, braking, and cornering techniques, as the game rewards precision and skill. The unique handling model allows for different riding styles, enabling players to customize their approach to each race and catering to both novice and expert players.

MotoGP08 introduces a robust career mode, where players can develop their rider from humble beginnings to championship contender. Competing in various events, managing contracts, and improving bike performance through upgrades are just some of the features that deepen the gameplay experience. Players can also engage in online multiplayer races, adding a competitive edge by allowing them to face off against friends or players from around the globe.

Overall, Capcom MotoGP08 excels in delivering an authentic and thrilling motorcycle racing experience, marked by its impressive graphics, realistic physics, and engaging career mode. It stands as a testament to the passion for MotoGP racing and offers players a chance to step into the fast-paced world of professional motorcycle competitions. Whether racing against AI or friends, MotoGP08 captures the essence of the sport, making it a memorable title for racing fans.