RIDE, developed and published by Milestone S.r.l., represents the studio’s first major step into creating an original motorcycle racing franchise outside of its licensed MotoGP and SBK series. Released in 2015, it was envisioned as the two-wheeled equivalent of Forza Motorsport—a racing game that combined realism and accessibility in equal measure. Rather than focusing on a single class or racing discipline, RIDE offers a wide variety of motorcycles, from nimble naked bikes to powerful superbikes and muscular street machines, inviting players into an expansive and customizable world of motorcycling. It sought to capture both the technical thrill of racing simulation and the approachable fun of a more casual racing experience, making it an ambitious but uneven entry in Milestone’s long history of motorsport games. At its core, RIDE succeeds in delivering a satisfying sense of variety. The game boasts a large selection of motorcycles from major manufacturers such as Yamaha, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, and Triumph, spanning multiple eras and styles. Each bike feels distinct in performance, handling, and sound, giving players a tangible reason to experiment across classes. The customization system is equally robust, allowing for detailed tuning of parts, braking systems, tires, gear ratios, and suspension setups. Cosmetic personalization is also extensive, offering color schemes, decals, and rider gear to match individual preferences. This layer of freedom helps create a personal connection to the vehicles, making each progression in the career mode feel rewarding. The more time you spend with a bike, the more it becomes an extension of your racing identity, enhanced further by the ability to tweak performance characteristics to suit your riding style. The handling and physics system in RIDE occupies a deliberate middle ground between full simulation and arcade racing. It offers enough realism to satisfy players who appreciate technical racing but remains approachable enough for those unfamiliar with advanced riding dynamics. The sensation of leaning into corners, managing throttle input, and controlling weight transfer feels authentic, and mastering the balance between braking precision and acceleration is deeply satisfying. However, the game stops short of becoming punishing. Mistakes are recoverable, and the traction model is forgiving enough to prevent constant frustration. Yet, this balance comes with its own drawbacks—purists may find the physics simplified compared to more specialized motorcycle simulators, while casual players may still struggle with the learning curve, especially when handling the more powerful superbikes. The difference between each motorcycle’s behavior adds realism, but it also exposes inconsistencies, as some models handle far better than others, creating moments where the physics feel uneven or unrefined. Visually, RIDE manages to impress in key areas but also shows its limitations. The bike models are intricately detailed, with accurate reflections, textures, and branding that highlight Milestone’s technical expertise. The animation of suspension movement, tire flex, and rider posture is well-executed, adding to the immersion. However, the tracks and surrounding environments are less remarkable. While locations are diverse—ranging from urban circuits to countryside roads and professional racing tracks—textures and environmental assets occasionally appear dated, and background details lack the polish expected of top-tier racing games from the same era. Lighting and weather effects fare better, particularly during dusk or rain conditions, where reflections and subtle atmospheric shading contribute to the game’s mood. Performance is generally stable, but long loading times between races and menus interrupt the pacing and can test player patience over extended sessions. RIDE’s career mode is structured around gradual progression through tiers of competition, with new events, tracks, and motorcycles unlocked as players advance. The variety of races—time trials, standard circuits, and manufacturer events—offers a respectable amount of content, but the structure becomes repetitive over time. Many events recycle similar formats with slight variations, and while the racing itself is engaging, the repetition of objectives diminishes long-term excitement. The AI opponents are another mixed element; while they can provide competitive challenges on higher difficulties, they occasionally fall into predictable patterns or fail to react dynamically to player behavior. As a result, the intensity of competition fluctuates, alternating between thrilling neck-and-neck races and moments where AI riders feel robotic or too easily outpaced. Sound design is an area where RIDE manages to excel. Each motorcycle has a distinct audio profile, from the throaty rumble of a Ducati twin to the high-pitched scream of a Yamaha inline-four. The audio fidelity contributes significantly to the sense of realism, and the hum of engines on long straights or the squeal of tires under heavy braking helps immerse players in the rhythm of racing. The soundtrack, however, is more forgettable—serviceable but generic, providing background noise rather than emotional drive. The focus clearly rests on the mechanical symphony of the bikes themselves, which is arguably the correct design choice for a game so centered on authenticity. Despite its accomplishments, RIDE is not without notable flaws. The pacing of the career mode and the lack of dynamic features—such as evolving weather, changing track conditions, or advanced AI behavior—limit the game’s depth. Technical issues, including long loading times and occasional frame stutters, detract from the overall experience. Moreover, the balance between arcade and simulation elements sometimes leaves the game feeling indecisive about its target audience. While it successfully caters to both ends of the spectrum in small doses, it never fully satisfies either. Players seeking pure realism may find the physics lacking, while those preferring fast-paced arcade excitement may find it too demanding. Yet, even with these shortcomings, there is an undeniable appeal in its craftsmanship. The variety of motorcycles, combined with Milestone’s clear reverence for the sport, gives RIDE an earnest charm that resonates with enthusiasts. As Milestone’s first attempt at building a dedicated motorcycle franchise, RIDE laid a solid foundation that later sequels would refine. It introduced a robust customization system, a strong focus on bike variety, and a balanced physics model that could evolve in future installments. While it lacks the polish and depth of later entries like RIDE 3 or RIDE 4, it remains an important milestone—pun intended—for its developer and a notable step in motorcycle racing game design. It captures the essence of motorcycling: the speed, the precision, and the personal connection between rider and machine. Though imperfect in execution, RIDE offers an enjoyable experience for anyone who appreciates the thrill of two wheels on asphalt. It is a passionate, if slightly unrefined, love letter to motorbike culture and a solid start to what would become one of Milestone’s defining racing franchises. Rating: 7/10
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