I really hope it is better than SBK09
Can't say that it is, to be honest. Not impressed at all.
Graphics are ok (though not amazing), so no complaints there. Engine sounds are louder so that you can actually
hear them this time, but the sounds themselves are so awful that it isn't much of an improvement. I don't think much of the physics either, even in 'full sim' mode, as the bikes often have far too much grip when they should have little and inexplicably lose grip when they shouldn't. You can also hammer into the back of another bike (or them into you) without consequence.
As for the AI, not only are they useless but they also seem to work outside of the physics system governing the player. Might just be me, but I'm pretty sure that on occasion they're able to take a corner way too quickly or brake far later than they should be able to. Also, when they're being followed by the player they constantly keep looking over their shoulder at you. While doing this they are not looking forwards, meaning they miss braking points or even whole turns. Might have been nice as a rare occurrence, but it happens so often that its ludicrous.
My final complaint is the controls. For one thing, movement is far too sensitive near the centre of the axis, making small adjustments a pain. There's no sensitivity options, so it tough s**t. The other issue is that 'button 0' is hard-coded to open the pause menu. It means that anyone using a standard joystick cannot use the trigger (always button 0) to change gear. There is no reason at all why the button should be hard-coded.
All in all, I found SBK X to be a total disappointment. At best it is more arcade than simulation. Maybe SBK XI will be better, or maybe someone that actually knows how to make a sim will acquire the license. If only I could get Superbikes 2001 working on this system, I'd be a happy man...