SBK Superbike World Championship

As a game SBK 08 is a pared back, pure racing experience that is a dream come true for two wheeled aficionados to whom realistic control is paramount. Having said that, it does suffer from a noticeable lack of polish in some key areas.

The gameplay is very challenging and realistic, alongside a very good mechanic component and the inclusion of all the licenses of the Superbike world. But only the really hardcore fans of motorcycle competitions will be able to put aside its technical limitations. [Aug 2008]

Given the option of a good bike simulation and a great arcade bike game, I'd actually prefer to see SBK head further down the latter path for future instalments. Heresy, perhaps, but on the evidence here I'd even be open to the idea of Black Bean being tasked with reviving Road Rash for the HD generation.

A very solid title for anybody with an interest in superbikes, SBK-08 makes a good debut on the current generation, despite perhaps being a little too complicated for the majority of gamers out there.

If you are looking for a game that offers a lot more realistic options than Moto GP then this is probably well worth a look in, although if you lack patience and merely want to tear around the track like a nutter, then SBK may leave you unfulfilled.

Only the most undemanding superbike fans will enjoy this game, especially online.

Despite the extreme variation of difficulty, this is just an average racer.

Feels slightly underwhelming overall. The graphics and sound are below par and the loading times poor. However, under the bonnet (or whatever you call it on a bike), SBK08 is a solid superbike simulation which hardcore fans will love.

Although fun at first, SBK holds longer lasting appeal for Superbike fans that want to customise, tweak and ride their way to winning the World Championship. [Issue#35, p.95]

"Moto GP" is the place to be. [Sept 2008, p.87]

It's a game that is so hell-bent on being realistic that it's forgotten to be fun.

Whilst SBK-08 Superbike World Championship will definitely appeal to fans of superbike racing due to its advanced options and simulator aspects, but it will probably end up leaving the more casual gamers behind because they'll easily be able to beat the game on the lower difficulty levels and then not bother tuning their bikes or playing harder settings.

SBK Superbike World Championship is simply boring. Everything works on some level, and the actual driving mechanics are functional, but not fun.

SBK Superbike World Championship offers a realistic take on the world of motorcycle racing. Unfortunately, this over-reliance on authenticity sucks the fun out of the game, leaving a product that will only appeal to the dedicated niche of superbike superfans.

If you want, say, entertainment, then do like they do in real life and move from Superbikes to "MotoGP." [July 2008, p.92]