The Xbox 360 has seen several racing games in its short lifespan, all of which are of the four-wheeled variety. MotoGP 06, the latest installment of the series that defined superbike racing on the Xbox, gives the system its first injection of two-wheeled racing. Though it isn’t without its flaws, the game is still a great game – at least for the hardcore racing fan.

Most of MotoGP '06’s graphical problems are technical. Some textures are blurry and there is a noticeable framerate issue. Load times are also a little too long, which puts a damper on the excitement of going from one big race to another. Even with these technical blemishes, the game still looks great. Rides and bikes are detailed and can be modified to suit your personal tastes. Weather effects are the game’s strongest aspect, especially when it comes to rain.

Sound is what you’d expect from a top-notch racing title. Engine noises have just the right amount to impact to them and never come off as too powerful or too weak. Each bike has its own distinct sound as well. Music is okay, though I personally never really got into it and opted for my own music most of the time.

Gameplay is split into two main circuits: Grand Prix and Extreme. Grand Prix is the game’s main mode and it takes you through an entire MotoGP season. Races can be raced in either Quick, Time Trial or Career modes. While the underlying goals in each mode are different, each follows the same basic setup. You take on real-life riders from either the 2005 or 2006 season on 17 authentic tracks from around the world.

Extreme mode is for players whose tastes lie more with arcade style racing. Extreme mode is split up into three divisions that let you race in with your choice of 600cc, 1000cc or 1200cc bikes. The 17 found in Extreme are designed with speed in mind and don’t require the technical finesse of the Grand Prix courses. Instead, the challenge comes from using the different bike classes. Larger bikes are harder to maneuver and much faster, so they require a different approach.

The option of jumping between more technically demanding Grand Prix races and arcade-like Extreme races is fun – at least once you unlock Extreme mode. In order to access Extreme mode, you must first complete a Grand Prix championship. For the simulation fans, this isn't that big a deal, but if you’re looking for arcade fun, it is.

Career races are the heart of MotoGP '06. After choosing a circuit, you’ll go through a series of 17 races, earning points based on your finishing position. At the end of the season, whoever has the most points wins. Each race begins with a qualifier where you’re able to get a feel for the course as well as nabbing a higher pole position if you’re able to post a great qualifying time.

Practice and Quick Race options are best for getting to know tracks as well and, considering the lack of a decent training mode, these are where you’ll best learn how to play the game.

As with past games in the series, it is the online play that makes it worthwhile. It is impressive to see just how well integrated the offline component is with the online one. As you win races, you’ll earn points that go towards your seed, which measures how much experience you have. The more points you earn, the lower your seed gets. Both your offline and online races count towards your seed, so you’re always working towards something.

Four difficulty options are available, though the real challenge comes when playing in Champion – so veterans will want to start there. Even if you do choose to play on the lower difficulty settings, MotoGP '06 still presents a challenge given the subtle complexities of control. Unless you’re playing in Extreme mode, MotoGP '06 is every bit a simulation, so it requires a little more management with its control.

One of the newest additions to the series is a Training mode, which is a mode the series has needed. The problem is that the mode doesn’t do that good of a job of easing you into what the game requires. Instead, you’re forced to keep doing a particular task over and over again until you can do it. Seeing as how difficult the game is, Training mode could be something that might turn newcomers off from the game.

From looks to abilities, nearly every aspect of your bike and rider can be customized. As you win races, you’ll earn points which can then be spent on items like braking and cornering. Bikes can also be tuned to a high degree to the point that you can tinker with nearly every part of the bike in order to get it running just right. Adjustments range from gear ratios to suspension and even what tires you use. Depending on which mode you’re playing in, you’ll have a different selection of bikes. When in Grand Prix mode, you’re limited to racing bikes while Extreme mode offers street bikes. Both can be adjusted and upgraded, but Extreme mode allows you to take modifications even further by offering items like nitrous oxide.

Bikes handle well and, as far as I can tell, feel like they are properly balanced. Of course, I lack the real-world experience to definitively say for sure, but nothing felt off. The element that makes MotoGP '06 so difficult is knowing when to use either the front or back brakes as well as getting the timing down. In addition, you’ll also have to know when to adjust your rider’s position on the bike. It’s complicated for sure, but given enough time, you’ll eventually pick up on these things. Again, a better Training mode would have made all the difference.

MotoGP '06 is a great addition to the 360’s already robust racing line-up. While the game is skewed more towards hardcore racing fans, it is still accessible enough that more casual racing fans will be able to get the hang of things with some work.