THQ and Climax's upcoming Xbox 360 game MotoGP '07 offers the best of both worlds to motorcycle racing fans. The game's Season Mode incorporates a MotoGP-licensed circuit with official drivers and bikes. However, MotoGP '07's Extreme Mode scraps the rules for heated street competition.

Only in this game features all the league's official motorcycle racers, along with a plethora of licensed bikes in individual classes (including the remarkable 800cc class, one of the best available). Climax recreated MotoGP tracks, including the infamous Misano in Italy, a track that had been excluded from the circuit until this year. In addition, the developers added "game day" proceedings and events in each race. It includes such pre-race details as displays for each of the riders and an interactive crowd.

Like previous MotoGP games, handling means everything. In a hands-on run with an early preview build, the bikes control just as smoothly as ever, right down to slowly prepping a wheelie or cornering a track. The rear and front braking system adds a dynamic that other games lack, giving greater precision with turns and allowing the rider to keep up his or her speed at the same time. The CPU-controlled opponents sport improved artificial intelligence, so they won't hold back at attempting to corner someone on a turn.

Extreme Mode doesn't come across as a lame variation of the MotoGP simulation racing, but rather a separate mode with its own appeal. Seventeen Extreme tracks should be available and twenty new bikes await riding. Players can design these bikes in any way they see fit, using a number of customization tools and paint colors.

Along with upgraded visuals, improved sound effects and additional driver animations (particularly the leaning motions), MotoGP '07 improves its online community options via Xbox Live. Players can log on and challenge others to races in either MotoGP or Extreme mode. The competition escalates even further with various online tournaments and MotoGP events, some of which tie into real-life events from the circuit -- a dynamic feature for hard-core addicts of the racing league. Finally, racers who like living on the edge can take part in a pink-slip race, where the winner takes ownership of both customized bikes.

MotoGP '07 looks to be a contender for the checkered flag, even though the build THQ showed off was incomplete. Extreme Mode should be a real treat; while the simulation mode doesn't look promising. Get ready to ride when THQ's latest (and possibly greatest) motorcycle racing game hits shelves this September.

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