16 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
Don't crash the bikes. Or Paul Sr. will blow a gasket.
Date of Review: Apr 5, 2005
The Bottom Line: This is not your typical racing game. It's an overall adventure.
Who ever thought the Teutuls would be this popular? Since the launch of American Chopper on Discovery Channel, I am hooked. I am into the mechanics and building of projects as well. But with the theme bikes, it's amazing. There is hardly a dull moment in the shop of Orange County Choppers.
Now, you can get the feel inside the shop, and the bike riding aspects in this game on PS2.
In this game, there is no mentioning of OCC. It's only American Chopper. And in Rock Tavern, New York. There are only Paul Sr. and Paulie Jr. Don't expect to find Mikey or even Vinnie. However, it focuses on "The New Guy" that Paulie took in to work for American Chopper. And Sr. isn't all that supportive over a "shmo". So Sr. must have Paulie
be responsible for the new guy on the job. What they must do is to make the schedule for two events; the bike show in Daytona, and Sturgis. This can all be possible with the new guy to carry out the assignments not only in the shop, but running errands and to satisfy Sr. There are moments when Sr. does his usual checking up on him and Paulie to be sure something gets done with no time wasted. He storms out his office with his "I wanna see something gettin' done around here" and other remarks before storming back in his office.
In the game, you get a course on how to ride the bike. You must be able to stop at red checkpoints, proper following,
and avoid obstacles such as crashing into other motor vehicles on the road and fall off, hitting pedestrians, friendly biker knock off, or do damage to the bike from traffic hit. All that will cost you style points. There are races such as the drag race (manual transmission mode fixed). There is a team race from start to finish in over
5 minuites, and the check point race against another biker. The check point race
is rather difficult, but it takes to getting use to even after losing. You do again and again. There is a map on the left of the screen you use to guide you during the race, or to run errands. Another obstacle is the police. If they come after you, try to ditch them so they lose your trail and earn points. If caught, then a penalty is big in point reduction. Your points are earned by clean driving, near miss (collision or traffic hit), scaring pedestrians and speed. Also some time limits involved.
There is a course similar to bike rider's ed. That is to weave around cones without knocking one down, race up to a line of cones and stop close without hitting them, and roll the ball between the cones. There are three tries to this, so you can get the best score possible to compete with another. The game has ten chapters. Each with five or more games per. Some bonuses are added if you earn enough
style points to unlock them. And the build bike section. There, you choose how you want the chopper to look and perform.
The new guy is the one you play, riding the bike. A Certain chopper is selected like the Tool Bike, Comanche, POW/MIA, Black Widow, Old School Chopper, Jet Bike, Mikey's. The new guy runs errands and other tasks in certain areas of town like to "Hexes", Mayhem, etc. And that's when the gaming comes in. Before pulling out to the road, wait for the cars go by first or you will get hit either from left or right! Beside the mentioned obstacles before, there is a local baddie biker Cass. Some game matches has Cass coming around to knock off the new guy while riding. Try not to let it happen. You can knock off Cass. Important to have a memory card! Collectibles are found such as repair on the bike should it get damaged and regain points. Also
gas cans. On long races, grab some on the way!
Each chapter has scenes in the shop with the narrator speaks. Paul Sr. does speak with his own tone but no yelling. And Paulie too is heard. Sr is just as demanding just like in the episodes with his own words. So, you can believe the abuse and pressures that the new guy has to deal with. He also dealt with pressures from other associates outside the business as well.The new guy finds it hard to concentrate on getting the bikes done if it was not for him doing other thing that Sr. and others want him to do outside the shop. But he doesn't give up. Especially with Sr. Just before Sturgis, a local business man want to buy out American Chopper and shut out the Teutles. It's all up to you as the gamer to not let it happen before the end.
The graphics of the game is average. It's almost similar looking to Tomb Raider from the later 90s. I do like the highway scenes during the races. The game is developed by
many Russian developers. I wonder if they have scene how Rock Tavern looked like. Looked like Nevada on some areas.
This game has done well. It didn't take me too long to finished. Once getting the feel of control, it will be done sooner. The town riding is easy to remember. You always know where to go. So, don't just stand there. Get the damn bike done and lets have some joy riding fun.
