THQ and Climax today revealed tantalising details on their plans to revolutionize online gaming and Xbox Live! with the forthcoming MotoGP 3, currently scheduled for release on the PC and Xbox in Q3 2005.

The most significant addition to the series comes in the form of an all-new “Extreme” mode, which takes the race to the streets and reflects the current passion for TT-style street racing. The mode consists of 16 new city and suburban tracks based on actual locations from across the globe, such as the neon-lit streets of Japan or the country roads around Donington, UK.

Along with the new tracks, MotoGP 3 will also feature a richer selection of bikes thanks to the addition of 16 original motorcycles, ranging from 600cc racers to 1200cc superbikes.

However it’s the actual online modes that sound the most promising, with the promise that online gameplay will actually be closely embedded within the career mode. Set to blur the lines between the single-player and multiplayer modes, this function allows gamers to easily slip seamlessly from the single-player mode into online action. Once connected to Live!, players can progress through the single-player mode, but can also choose to play events online if you so wish.

The embedded system is handled via Climax’s own seeding system, which encourages gamers to race against opponents of a similar or slightly greater skill level, whilst discouraging experienced racers from racing against novices.

However it doesn’t end there. MotoGG 3 also includes a “Spectator” mode, which essentially replaces the need for a lobby, and allows players to watch races and gain tips instead of just hanging around waiting for a race to start.

Taking this concept, MotoGp 3 also includes a “Commentator” mode, whereby a spectator is assigned commentator duties and must commentate on the race action; however whether or not gamers will take this seriously remains doubtful at this stage, certainly the prospect of 8-year olds screaming down our mics fills us with dread.

The end result of all these exclusive features is the most technologically advanced racing game ever, as Climax's CEO, Karl Jeffery, explained. "The inclusion of the new Extreme mode and exclusive online features is true to our commitment to continually innovate. We wanted to push back the boundaries of the XBOX Live! technology and with the spectator, commentator and embedded online gameplay options, I believe we've done just that. Combined with the Extreme mode, these features make MotoGP 3 the most complete racing experience ever!"

Ian Curran senior vice president of European Publishing, THQ, is similarly enthusiastic about the impact the new features will have: "The critical acclaim heaped on the first two MotoGP games meant we really had to raise the bar with this third edition. We wanted to do so much more than merely churn out another sequel, and the whole development team has risen to the challenge. The extreme mode adds tremendous variety and depth to the game – taking the racing out onto the streets. In addition by blurring the line between on-line and single player racing, along with the superb seeding system we keep MotoGP 3's multiplayer mode ahead of the pack."