Motorbikes clearly matter to the team behind Ride. It comes through in spades in this earnest but light simulation that glories in two-wheeled action. And yet it remains a straightforward title in both racing and presentation.
More than 100 real-world bikes are available for a series of events across the globe, encouraging different riding styles and strategies. Taking your place on the podium means fighting for every inch of track, while simply staying seated is a constant battle. Playing well can be hugely rewarding, then, even if the difficulty curve tends to provoke frustration.
There is, though, a lack of energy to proceedings, while progress can seem more like crossing tasks off a list than evolving as a rider. For racing fans who like a challenge, Ride provides plenty of content. But as an automotive feast, it’s a shade too formal to satisfy.
