Cycles_ The - International Grand Prix
Platform: Commodore 64
Gametype: Undefined
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As the name suggests, The Cycles simulates International Grand Prix Racing, allowing a player to compete against 9 computer rivals. Choose from three classes of bike (125, 250 and 500cc), and between 8 (Japan, Australia, USA, Spain, Italy, France,England and Sweden) and 15 (Japan, Australia, USA, Spain, Italy, Western Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Holland, Belgium, France, England, Sweden, Czechoslovakia and Brazil) original tracks depending on the version, at five difficulty levels (with the lower ones offering automatic gear changes). 

The player can enter single races (always including qualifying) or complete in a full season. The action is viewed from the handlebars of your bike, a novelty for motorcycle racing at the time. The game engine is similar to that used by Grand Prix Circuit, but now incorporates hills.

Trivia

Take a look at the credits section and you'll understand how A.I. riders like Brad Gourdo, Don Matrini and Kirk Patrick got their name... yes, they're named after some of the developers.

This game seems to be based on the Grand Prix Circuit engine, released one year before this game, although this game doesn't have just plain tracks anymore. You'll have some ups and downs built in the tracks. This can also be seen on the screenshots.

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Description from the packaging:

International Grand Prix Racing.
Race on the edge.
Don't say we didn't warn you.

The Cycles: International Grand Prix Racing wraps you around the chassis of the fastest bikes ever built as you compete in the International Grand Prix of motorcycle racing.

Laguna Seca. Le Mans. Salzburg. Crisscross the globe to do battle with the world's greatest racers in the sport's premier events.

Who's got the guts? Who wants the glory? Who'll hoist the trophy of world champion?

The only motorcycle game with a first-person perspective.

True racing realism. Look over the handlebars and see the pavement disappear under your wheels. Sense the undeniable rush of full-throttle speed.

Race on 15 authentic Grand Prix courses.

Tracks like Suzuka in Japan put a premium on handling and acceleration. From Australia to Brazil, you'll file down the foot pegs on the most grueling layouts in motorsports.

Choose from 5 different skill levels.

Will the racer in front of you blast into the lead or dump his bike trying? Each skill level alters the racing ability of the competition. (Nothing quite like wiping out at 90 mph. How do you say "ouch" in Italian?)

Race in 3 different performance classes.

Ride a bullet or a bumble bee. Choose either 500cc, 250cc, or 125cc class races. Check out this baby's specs. It's one road rocket with a license to thrill.

Compete against 9 of the circuit's best Grand Prix riders.

Don't look behind you know but there's a pack of hungry road warriors right on your tail. There guys chew asphalt for breakfast and burp exhaust. Better eat your Wheaties.
