In the dangerous world of motorsport racing, motorbikes manage to stand out as an especially high-octane mode of travel. The MotoGP, the grand prix of motorcycle racing, has showcased masters of their craft for years now. Both the MotoGP and other associations like it have helped to inspire a variety of racing games that provide players with plenty of thrills.
From straightforward racing simulations to more inventive, obstacle-laden tests of players’ reflexes, the subgenre of motorcycle racing has quietly set itself apart from the more common car racing subgenre. These games provide reflex-testing thrills for racing fans, with a new set of challenges for those used to racing simulated cars. The finest motorcycle racing games strive tirelessly to capture the adrenaline-rushing intensity of the racing track for players to enjoy.
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5 Ride 4
Impresses With Engrossing Visuals
- Initial release date: October 5, 2020
- Developer: Milestone
- Metascore: 74
- Platforms: Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Amazon Luna, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S, GeForce Now
When it comes to realistic graphics, Ride 4 more than delivers the goods with its state-of-the-art visual appeal. With 170 motorcycles to choose from, players are spoiled for choice in this polished effort from Milestone.
At the time of its release, some critics were dismissive of the game’s old school approach to controls. Some may see this as a negative. However, the blend of more old-fashioned gameplay with modern visual quality makes for a perfect modern gaming experience for longtime fans. It brings the best of separate gaming generations together. While it might not be a groundbreaking effort, Ride 4 deserves props for its neat and tidy approach to the often-frustrating thrills of high-difficulty video game racing.
4 TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2
A Sharper, Harder Effort Than Its Predecessor
- Initial release date: March 19, 2020
- Developer: Kylotonn
- Metascore: 74
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now
As confirmed by the title, this racing series throws players into the heat of the well-known Isle of Man TT race. The 13-day TT (Tourist Trophy) is among the most difficult and prestigious motorcycle races out there, and is perfectly suited to the immersive world of gaming.
The second Ride on the Edge ups the ante from the original, hitting players with a blistering pace on the racetrack. Constantly testing gamers’ reflexes, the action-packed racing provides the game with a surprising level of suspense. The breakneck intensity of the riding never lets up. With crisp graphics and richly colored landscapes, the game serves as a visual treat, improving on the already respectable bar set by its predecessor. Notoriously difficult, Ride on the Edge 2 is a treat for seasoned racing gamers looking for a tough challenge.
3 Tourist Trophy
A Rewarding, Progress-Focused Racing Experience
- Initial release date: January 16, 2006
- Metascore: 74
- Developer: Polyphony Digital Inc.
- Platforms: Playstation 2
This 2006 classic provided players with one of the most in-depth motorcycle racing experiences in gaming history. Sporting several gaming modes, including a challenge mode and big race events, the game wowed players with its cutting-edge racing gameplay.
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To even progress to taking on challenges and entering races, players must first make their way through a License School mode. The training experiences serve as a challenging, but rewarding progression mode for gamers to earn their way into the bigger action racing simulations the game has to offer. While its graphics and gameplay aren’t exceptional by modern standards, Tourist Trophy deserves recognition for its long-lasting influence on racing simulation games in the years since its release.
2 MotoGP 20
Debuted A New AI For The Series
- Initial release date: April 23, 2020
- Developer: Milestone
- Metascore: 76
- Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
The 2020 edition of the MotoGP series provides some historical interest for racing fans. Released during the pandemic, the game provides players with a look at how the MotoGP season that year would have looked had it gone ahead.
Sporting several interesting tracks and international Grand Prix races that ultimately didn’t happen in reality, the game also offers an intriguing new AI model. The addition of Neural AI 2.0 proved to be a huge improvement, granting players a far smoother experience when it comes to key riding issues such as fuel and the condition of the wheels on each bike. With a diverse set of game modes to choose from, MotoGP 20 is an effective, richly detailed piece of Grand Prix motorcycle racing action.
1 Trials Evolution
An Action-Packed, Motorcycle-Racing Masterpiece
- Initial release date: April 18, 2012
- Developer: Ubisoft RedLynx
- Metascore: 90
- Platforms: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
This fast-paced platform game benefits greatly from its emphasis on high-stakes obstacle courses. Players take control of riders going through dangerous racing trials.
Boasting technically sound gameplay, addictive multiplayer action, and slick, well-realized visuals, Trials Evolution established a new bar for motorcycle racing games moving forward. Thanks to both its track editing feature and wide assortment of established racing tracks, the game also provides players with plenty of fun replay value. Trials Evolution is a near flawless example of the high-speed thrills the perilous world of motorcycle racing can bring to the video gaming medium.
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