MotoGP 17, developed and published by Milestone S.r.l., is an official adaptation of the prestigious motorcycle racing championship that aims to deliver an authentic and fully licensed racing experience. The game includes every rider, team, and circuit from the 2017 MotoGP season, offering fans the chance to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of professional motorcycle racing. Milestone has long been the steward of the MotoGP license, and MotoGP 17 serves as both a continuation of that legacy and a transitional step forward for the series. Running at 60 frames per second for the first time on console and PC, it represents a technical upgrade over its predecessors, though one that feels more like refinement than reinvention. It seeks to balance the precision and intensity of simulation racing with a range of modes and systems that allow players to experience the sport from multiple perspectives. The game’s biggest addition is the Managerial Career mode, which transforms the traditional rider progression system into a full team management experience. Rather than focusing solely on racing, players are tasked with running their own team, hiring riders, securing sponsors, and investing in research and development. This mode introduces a strategic layer that extends the experience beyond the track, forcing players to think about long-term growth, financial stability, and performance improvements. It gives a satisfying sense of progression as you gradually build your organization from a small team in the lower categories to a competitive force in MotoGP. However, it can also feel grindy and repetitive at times, as progress requires completing race after race with relatively slow advancement. The inability to delegate races to the AI means you’ll have to participate in every event yourself, which can make the managerial gameplay loop feel more time-consuming than necessary. Still, it remains one of the game’s more engaging systems and a welcome addition for players who enjoy strategic depth alongside simulation racing. In terms of handling and physics, MotoGP 17 retains Milestone’s signature feel—part simulation, part accessible arcade. Bikes handle with weight and momentum, requiring players to balance braking, throttle control, and body positioning with precision. The sense of speed, especially on the higher-tier MotoGP bikes, is exhilarating and often unforgiving. Mistakes in braking zones or lean angles can result in immediate crashes, rewarding patience and discipline. Yet, despite the improved frame rate and smoother responsiveness, the physics still have moments of inconsistency. Collisions can feel unpredictable, and feedback from the bike’s tires and suspension is not always convincing, sometimes giving the impression of sliding or floating rather than gripping the track. Artificial intelligence, too, remains aggressive, with CPU riders prone to risky overtakes that often lead to crashes. These quirks, while occasionally frustrating, do little to detract from the overall thrill of mastering the nuances of real MotoGP racing. Visually, MotoGP 17 is both solid and dated. The bike models, riders, and track details are faithfully recreated, capturing the authenticity of the sport, but the environments lack depth and texture. Backgrounds and lighting appear flat, and the presentation, while functional, does not reach the standards of other contemporary racing titles. Still, the smooth 60 frames per second performance helps create a more immersive sense of speed and realism than earlier entries. The sound design, on the other hand, stands out as one of the game’s strongest technical elements. Each engine has its own distinct timbre, from the high-pitched whine of Moto3 bikes to the thunderous roar of the MotoGP class. The combination of engine sounds, crowd noise, and ambient track effects gives the races an authentic atmosphere that enhances immersion even when the visuals fall short. The traditional career mode remains a satisfying journey for those who prefer focusing solely on racing. Starting from the Red Bull Rookies Cup, you gradually climb through Moto3 and Moto2 before reaching the premier MotoGP class. Each step feels rewarding, as new challenges arise from more powerful bikes and tougher AI competitors. The structure of the season, complete with qualifying sessions, practice rounds, and full-length races, provides an accurate reflection of the professional championship. Customization options allow players to adjust race lengths, difficulty, and assists, making the experience accessible to newcomers while still offering the precision that veterans expect. Multiplayer and time trial modes extend the game’s replay value, giving players the opportunity to test their skills against others or chase their own personal bests across the calendar’s array of international circuits. Despite its improvements and solid core, MotoGP 17 does little to shake off the sense of familiarity that has followed Milestone’s racing titles for years. It feels like an iteration rather than a revolution, refining existing mechanics rather than breaking new ground. The game’s structure, though deep in content, risks monotony over long play sessions, especially for those who crave variety in visuals or track design. Yet, for dedicated fans of motorcycle racing, this is precisely what they want—a faithful, challenging, and comprehensive adaptation of the sport they love. The thrill of leaning into corners at 200 miles per hour, managing tire wear, and timing overtakes to perfection captures the essence of MotoGP with admirable authenticity. Ultimately, MotoGP 17 succeeds as a robust and feature-rich racing simulation that caters primarily to enthusiasts of the sport. It may not dazzle visually or innovate dramatically, but it delivers a technically sound, mechanically satisfying, and content-heavy experience that rewards skill and dedication. The managerial system adds meaningful depth, the improved frame rate enhances the sensation of control, and the authenticity of the licensing makes every race feel like a true broadcast event. For casual players, its complexity and grind may prove overwhelming, but for those who live and breathe MotoGP, it’s a rewarding and demanding ride that keeps the spirit of the championship alive on the virtual track. Rating: 8/10
                          
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