With the Forzas, Gran Turismos and Project Gothams of the world currently dominating the racing genre, licensed driving games seem to have taken something of a back seat. This is a situation made tougher for single sport motorbike games, which are viewed only by fanatics as an entirely independent entity rather than an inferior subset of car racing titles. It's something of a tribute then to the popularity of the Superbike brand - and developers Milestone's 2007 game - that SBK Superbike World Championship has returned for a 2008 across multiple platforms.

The title marks something of a new beginning for the series, not simply because its flagship version is now the one for the Xbox 360 and PS3, rather than the PS2, but also due to a seeming shift that sees the game wearing its official tag much more like a badge of honour.

The tracks, of which there are twelve, recreate the likes of Donington Park, Monza and other haunts familiar to those of a two-wheeled persuasion, whilst the fully licensed bikes, from the likes of Yamaha and Kawasaki, take things one level further, especially for those who know their Ducati Sterilgardas from their Ducati Guandalinis. The detail here isn't limited to superficialities such as the accurate reproductions of paint jobs and sponsors logos though; the ability to alter components such as gears, suspension and steering and the presence of a pit crew, including an engineer, to feed back on performance and advise on bike set up will all help to achieve the best results on each circuit. These are features that, along with the revised handling, are central to a game that appears to be aiming itself at true fans whilst still containing enough optional concessions, such as an arcade setting, for more casual players. A contrast then to last year's release, which appeared slightly skewed in the opposite direction.

Along with Bayliss, Corser and the rest of the official roster of superbike riders for you to choose from, SBK-08 also features the almost mandatory Championship mode, where the meat of the single player game will be found, as well as Quick Race and Time Attack options. For a change of pace there will also be a Challenge section requiring the completion of a range of tasks, such as beating a set time and surviving specific bike or weather conditions.

With virtually every next-gen game needing Internet options just to be part of the discussion, SBK-08 will provide online multiplayer with a range of customisable alternatives for you to select from. It's an area of the game that, together with the balance of arcade and simulation styles, the developers will need to get right if they're going to show that Superbike isn't inferior to both MotoGP the sport and the videogame. With the experience that Milestone and publishers Black Bean Games are bringing to this new release, they definitely have a shot at pole position.

SBK-08 Superbike World Championship is scheduled for release in the UK on Xbox 360 and PC on 01 September 2008 and on PS3 on 30 September 2008. Versions for the PS2 and PSP will also be released.

Previewed by James Hamblin for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).