Milestone holds the crown in the realm of racing games, and within the domain of motorcycle titles, the annual releases of MotoGP and Monster Energy Supercross series reign supreme. Following a three-year hiatus from console screens, Ride 5 has at last arrived, a testament to the developers’ mastery of their craft. Playing Ride 5 is a sublime experience, thanks to refined controls that provide an equilibrium of responsiveness, crafting an engaging gameplay cycle. The standout feature lies in its career mode, thrusting players into an arduous journey of claiming supremacy in the global arena.
Navigating the intricate interplay of velocity and equilibrium through densely packed corners demands finesse. Yet, for those grappling with this challenge, a slew of racing aids exists, including automatic throttle and braking. These stabilizers can be engaged as long as necessary, offering support in areas of struggle, and as skills advance, they can be shed at will. Even the AI’s difficulty can be tailored, a godsend considering the central challenge lies in contending with fellow racers, a realm where errors are penalized heavily, and opponents rarely falter – a performance aspect that is among my chief concerns.
The career mode emerges as a juggernaut, boasting a plethora of race types, from standard competitions to championships, as well as head-to-head clashes with potential rivals. Progress within the career hinges on accumulating points to unlock subsequent competitions, access superior bikes, and strive for world-class status. A continuous stream of novel bikes becomes accessible, each possessing distinct attributes influencing track control. With a rich selection of actual and fictional tracks, the career trajectory remains a persistent trial. Debuting on the latest console generation, Ride 5 benefits from contemporary technology, rendering it one of the most visually resplendent iterations. The meticulous detailing of diverse tracks is mesmerizing, with volumetric clouds transforming as races unfold, a dynamic element that captivates during track traversal. Whether racing through Daytona or Nuremberg, Spain or Japan, Ride 5 brims with extraordinary tracks, amplified by the dynamic weather system that generates remarkable moments.
While absorbing all the visual enhancements can be overwhelming, instances arose when I found myself profoundly impressed by the visual prowess. One such instance unfurled at Norwich’s Snetterton track: under an overcast sky, leading the pack around a tight bend, the gleaming headlights of fellow racers streaked by on the parallel lane. Ride 5 abounds in such moments of aesthetic marvel, where track focus harmonizes with appreciation for every facet of its design. Should a respite from the immersive career mode beckon, one can forge personal races, tailoring variables encompassing weather, race type, and participants. An awe-inspiring inclusion is the endurance race, enabling players to endure a full 24-hour contest (with mid-race progress saves if desired), scrutinizing tire wear, fuel management, and timely pit stops. Bike customization also features prominently, affording myriad options, sharable with players across the globe.
Ride 5 stands as Milestone’s apex in motorbike gaming. Despite the formidable curve of mastering its exacting controls, ample satisfaction emanates from its dedicated career mode. Racing enthusiasts will revel in the scope for customization, while the dynamic weather layer introduces a strategic shift on-the-fly. The return of split-screen racing facilitates couch-friendly competition, set against a backdrop of stunning intricacy. Beyond its visual splendor, Ride 5’s unwavering commitment to authenticity is its hallmark.
