Developers Valcon Games set out to create a racing game that focuses on a specific theme and has managed to do so brilliantly. Now it's up to the consumer to determine if the game packs enough fun to play.

Suzuki TT Superbikes isn't restricted to Suzuki motorcycles. It features Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis and Triumphs all poised to race the painstakingly re-created track at the Isle of Man. This infamous 40-mile track has been recreated to include virtually every turn, bump, dip, house and tree. It may not be the most exciting track ever created but it's real and if you've ever wanted to race in the Isle of Man this may be your only chance.

The track is actually a public rural and urban roadway that is commandeered for racing during this competition. The race challenges all participants in many areas including skill and endurance. To make things even more realistic the game has been sanctioned by the government of the Isle of Man as well as endorsed by several sponsors including Castrol, Dunlop and Bridgestone.

If you're not an Isle of Man fan or you don't know anything about it, not to worry. The arcade-style control system takes this out of sim territory. You can even relegate the computer to decelerate the bike for you on turns if you're not skilled in such manipulations. You can override this control system if you want to learn how to break and accelerate for yourself which I highly recommend. The track is not what you would call incredibly difficult for the most part so you'll want to exercise more control over your machine to make it more interesting and add some depth. There are some 90-degree turns which will raise your adrenaline but most of the turns are gradual even at high speeds.

Bikes range from 125cc to 1000cc. The framerate is incredibly smooth and holds together well at high speeds. As impressive as the re-creation of the track may be from a technical standpoint it's not much of a looker. Close items like buildings and trees tend to look flat. The textures are nothing to write home about either. At least the draw distance on the track is good so that you can anticipate your moves in advance.

The AI fights for position at the beginning and near the end of each race. During the middle they tend to scatter. Their behavior seems random as they don't appear to take the same paths race after race. There's not much in the way of model damage but you can flip some of your opponents end for end and knock them off the track and into walls if you get in the right position and are feeling particularly aggressive.

The engines sound realistic and the surround sound literally immerses you. It's the closest experience you'll likely ever have of participating in such an event. While I can honestly say that I'm not a big racing fan, Suzuki TT Superbikes was able to appeal to the competitor in me by providing a very accessible game for novices with enough depth to keep veterans challenged for many, many races. Considering that this game is available at a budget price, a purchase shouldn't be considered out of the question.

Features:

• Mind blowing, eyeball bashing, gut wrenching and stomach churning -- just some of the words used by racers to describe the unbelievable roller coaster of a ride that is TT racing -- it will wring you out and squeeze you dry.
• TT Superbikes is an Official License from the Isle of Man Government, with further Official support from the Auto Cycle Union, the motorcycle racing governing organization for the TT Races. The game features licensed motorcycle manufacturer support, such as Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Aprilia and Triumph. Related motorcycle product manufacturers also provide additional licensed support with major brands, Castrol, Dunlap, Avon and Bridgestone Tyres, Alpinestars Leathers, Arai and Shoei Helmets, Dymag and Marchesini Wheels along with Ohlins suspension and Arrow Exhausts to name a few.
• Containing more than 40 miles of beautifully recreated true to life real road racing circuits with data from the Isle of Man Government and the game's own road surveying crew means every vital bump, wall, tree and house included in the game, just like real life.
• There has never been a more authentic, physics bewildering, visually appealing and just out right gem of a racing title on the PS2!