Previous Next

After CRL's notable success with the game Formula 1, they have launched a similar game based on the world of Endurance bike racing.

Endurance bike racing is a great test of man and machine, races lasting up to 24 hours with two riders taking turns and any bike to run the whole course stands a chance of getting placed.

The game provides between one and six players with a team of two bikes and four riders. Team colours are selectable, as is the numbers on the bikes and the names of the riders, though suggested names of riders in this field are suggested. Also, you can change the type of bike to whatever you like - though this does not affect the outcome of the race or the performance of the bike.

When all that has been sorted out, you get to the initial race preparation. This involves the choice of tyre compound for each wheel, choice of rider to start with, and frame/engine tuning. This tuning is what defines the characteristics of the bike. The engine has the factors of speed, economy, and safety. These are altered by judicious juggling of bar charts, detailing the amount of preference given to each attribute. The same goes for the frame which can be adjusted for wear, handling and safety. Each bike in your team can be adjusted separately.

Then it's off to the races. There is the option to select between one of a series of races, or to do the whole lot as a championship, with points for placings.

When the race is running, you get a view from the pits at the main grandstand with the leader board and starting line in view. Every lap the bikes race past and you can give them instructions at this point (in reality that would be the only time you could). Instructions go to a specific bike and take the form of changing speed (which affects wear and fuel economy), or a call to the pits. Sometimes a call to the pits is compulsory (broken frame, engine, fuel, etc). When in the pits you move the mechanic to the appropriate place on the bike press fire an you can examine or change all the various aspects of the bike, including new brakes and headlights if they are malfunctioning, returning and refuelling the bike, and readjusting the frame if it has been damaged - you can also change riders if they are a bit worn out and retire the bike if you want.

Overall, this is an excellent simulation of the sport, and one that hasn't been tacked before. It is good that somebody is at last taking a different approach to racing rather than the well trodden Pole Position route.