Ride 6 Review: Will Casey Stoner Revitalize Motorcycling’s Gran Turismo?
The latest addition to Milestone’s racing franchise, Ride 6, aims to refresh the long-standing series, first launched in 2014. This time, the game introduces a central feature called ‘Ride Fest,’ akin to Forza Horizon’s Horizon Festival. This element serves as the backbone for the single-player career mode, intending to immerse players in a vibrant motorcycling culture.
Key Features of Ride 6
In Ride Fest, players compete against legendary riders such as:
- Peter Hickman
- Casey Stoner
- Skyler Howes
As players progress, they aim to defeat these icons across various events. Early gameplay experiences have noted that races against real-world riders, like Tyler O’Hara from MotoAmerica, lack excitement due to underwhelming AI performance.
Gameplay Experience
Initial impressions reveal that the Ride Fest concept may be more focused on aesthetics than on enhancing gameplay. Players often find themselves cycling quickly through races, with a distinct absence of progression. The game features three main regions: Americas, Europe, and Asia/Africa, but transitions between locations feel shallow, impacting the immersive quality of the experience.
Bike Roster and Racing Physics
This installment offers a range of motorcycle types, including:
- Scooters
- Twin-cylinder bikes
- Adventure bikes
- Maxi scooters
However, the exclusion of popular options like two-stroke 125cc bikes and 300-class machines has been noted as a missed opportunity. The handling of bikes on varied terrains shows marked improvement compared to previous titles, although performance on dirt tracks still presents challenges.
Electronic Assists and AI Challenges
Ride 6 allows players to adjust various electronic assists, including:
- ABS
- Traction control
- Engine braking
- Anti-wheelie
While the physics feel satisfactory on asphalt, the AI remains problematic, often displaying aggressive and unrealistic behaviors. Passing maneuvers can lead to collisions, diminishing the overall racing experience.
Missing Elements and Future Potential
Despite the introduction of new content, core issues plague the game. The customization options for riders have been reduced. Furthermore, certain beloved tracks from earlier editions, such as Phillip Island, are absent, leaving fans yearning for a more comprehensive experience.
New Features: Gran Turismo-Like Bike Rotation
Ride 6 introduces a bike rotation system similar to Gran Turismo 7. However, with only five bikes rotating weekly, players can easily amass enough in-game currency to make this feature feel slow and unengaging.
In conclusion, Ride 6 strives to differentiate itself within the Milestone portfolio. Yet, execution flaws and a lack of substantial content may hinder its ability to resonate with players. As this franchise continues to evolve, future iterations must address these inconsistencies to truly revitalize the motorcycle racing genre.
