Introduction

Strap on your helmet and grab your favorite energy drink, because Milestone's "Ride" is here to take you on a wild motorcycle racing adventure! Released in March 2015, this title is a love letter to bikers and speed demons, but does it deliver the thrill of the ride or is it just a stall on the highway of gaming? Spoiler: it's a bit of both.

Gameplay

"Ride" offers a motorcycle experience that can be amusingly compared to riding a roller coaster strapped to a rocket while blindfolded. With both single-player and multiplayer modes, the game encourages players to embrace their inner speedster. The selection of bikes is respectable, featuring a mix of classics, modern machines, and some bikes that might make even your grandma think twice before hopping on. The gameplay mechanics, while solid, can sometimes feel a little forgiving, which to some may come off as 'Forza' lite. That's right, it's like the diet soda version of a racing game, sweet without the extra calories. The controls can be responsive but, frankly, they might make you feel like you've just got off a wild river rapid ride when you hit a corner wrong. The game features a decent career mode where players can upgrade their bikes and unlock new races, but don't expect the immersive storylines of your average triple-A title. In this game, winning isn't everything...unless you're trying to beat your best friend's time, then it's suddenly a life-or-death situation. Trust me, I've seen tears over leaderboards.

Graphics

Graphically, "Ride" isn't going to make your jaw drop, but it's not trying to sell you a clunker either. It marinates somewhere in the 'acceptable' lane, with the visuals presenting a nice level of detail for the bikes and tracks. Given that it's on the PS3, you can expect a few jagged edges and textures that look like they were pulled straight from a mid-2000s high school art project. Still, the ambiance of the environments is quite charming and can evoke the feel of tearing through your local streets at breakneck speeds. The bike designs shine, and you'll find yourself admiring the digital chrome while muttering "vroom vroom" like a child. It's about the ride of life, baby! But remember, don't get too caught up in looking at your bike; you might end up crashing into the nearest wall, which, coincidentally, looks pretty good for a brick.

Conclusion

"Ride" is a fairly decent entry into the world of motorcycle racing for those looking for a casual riding experience that doesn't require unlocking every achievement known to mankind. With a solid selection of bikes, an inviting gameplay style, and just enough challenge to keep you coming back for more (especially when competition with friends is involved), it's worth a shot if you're into the world of two-wheeled speedsters. It's not the perfect racing game, but hey, at least it won't break the bank. Speed demons and bike lovers alike should find themselves entertained, despite the minor quirks. Perhaps rent it or catch it on sale, because who knows? You might ride away with some fun memories.

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