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Motorama

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Developer: IPlayAllday Studio Publisher: IPlayAllday Studio Genre: Sports > General Released: Dec 14, 2005 Players: 1 Website Download Purchase

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Motorcycles are fun to race with. Whether it’s on dirt or on pavement, the rush that the mere speed can bring you is unparalleled to anything else. However, in Motorama, things are a bit different. While there are dirt mounds, ramps, and paved runways, it’s not your typical motorcycle game. The very premise is quite simple: collect the specified amount of medals and get to the finish post. Sounds simple, right? Well it’s not. The game takes on the remarkable feat of using some strangely realistic physics (picture the Havoc engine in 2D), and infusing it with challenging track designs.

The game is played by using a keyboard, mouse or gamepad. The neat part about the design is that the rider’s motion and position determine the overall acceleration and bike momentum. By moving the mouse or keyboard in a motion that leans the rider forward or backward, you can determine the direction of the bike’s momentum. So if you lean forward you’ll accelerate faster; by leaning back on ramps you can pull off quick backward flips. On dirt tracks you have to use a lot of skill to shift the weight of the bike forward and backward when traveling up rocky hills or dirt mounds. A lot of thought must have really gone into the development of the physics and momentum design.

The stages are also varied and provide a multiple assortment of tricks, stunts, and other skill related tasks to pull off. The variety in the visual look and complexity of each map is also very well done. Each stage also features day and night cycles that add a bit of immersion, despite the 2D look. There’s also the option to post your track records up on-line for each stage, which adds a bit of competitive replay value to the game. You can even unlock new characters and maps as you progress through the stages.

Graphics:
Motorama has a unique look. While it maybe a racing game in 2D, it retains a certain amount of visual integrity that actually looks really cool. From the fluid exhaust fumes to the way the motorcycles and characters react and respond to the changes in momentum and various surfaces...it all really stands out with entertaining appeal. The whole day and night cycle is also very cool and adds an extra level of immersion to the overall gameplay.

Sound:
Sadly, if this game has a drawback it would have to be in the lack of extraneous sounds. There’s no in-game music, or ambient effects...a game can be measured sometimes by its soundtrack alone, but this game doesn’t have one. It doesn’t detract from any of its near-flawless arcade addiction. Nor does the lack of in-game music make this game any less fun. It’s just that it would have been a plus to have some catchy tunes while you ride.

As for the other sound effects, they are done nicely; from crunching into walls and surfaces, to revving up and landing hard from a long jump. The sound effects match the gameplay nicely.

Gameplay:
Everything is very solid about the playability and overall gameplay. My only gripe is that sometimes minor bumps cause the rider to fall off the motorcycle. Nevertheless, it’s entirely minor in comparison to the challenging puzzle-like, stunt filled, maps. Added to that, its fascinating the way you can effectively utilize the gravity and physics to your advantage.

Concept:
Though Motorama isn’t entirely original in its base design, as a stunt racing motorcycle game, its completely original take on the physics are a big plus. As a 2D game, with Havok-like physics, Motorama creates a lasting appeal. Players have the gift of freedom to exercise the full rotation of the bike, using a forward and backward motion of the rider. While the 2D racing concept isn’t entirely new, the way it’s executed in this game makes it very entertaining.

Value:
Had a hot-seat mode or a stunt mode been included, this game would have been even better. Still, for what it’s worth, once you start playing you won’t want to stop. The demo alone will make you want to buy this game...seriously. With the un-lockable content and great physics engine, this game is worth every penny.

Fun:
This game is fun. Need I say more? Okay I’ll say more. I spent hours on-end trying to beat certain stages, which are only as difficult as they are entertaining, challenging, and addictively fun. So addicting, in fact, it reminds me of the classic arcade games that you just couldn’t get enough of. The speed is something you’re always going to try to master on some timed tracks, making it a nerve-wrecking experience as you race the clock. It’s insanely fun.


Recommendation:
This is a game that you definitely have to try, even if you’re not a racing fan. There’s a puzzle element to some of the track designs that make them as challenging as they are enjoyably addictive. This feature gives players more than just the standard arcade action that most other titles offer. I totally recommend this game to any fan, who enjoys endless hours of simulation-like action, fused with the coolest 2D racing featured in a video game.