My initial experience with Ride 4 involved a mandatory challenge presented immediately upon launching the game: completing a lap on a designated track in under 1 minute 19 seconds. This immediately highlighted my lack of recent experience with this genre. Without an initial tutorial, understanding motorcycle handling proved difficult. I spent a considerable amount of time crashing before consulting the control scheme in the pause menu. Once I gained a degree of control, the sheer speed of the motorcycle became apparent, requiring significant adaptation.
The game’s visuals are initially impressive, particularly when focusing on the track itself. Peripheral details, while slightly less refined, are a minor concern given the need for complete focus on the race. The persistence of tire marks from previous laps, illustrating braking points and areas of lost grip, adds a significant layer of realism. The detailed rendering of the asphalt, trackside barriers, and fences is noteworthy. The motorcycles themselves are meticulously crafted, displaying a high level of realism and detail. Furthermore, the game mechanics, including rider movement and motorcycle behavior, realistically simulate the physics involved.
At the outset, the game provides access to Multiplayer, Career Mode, and Single Race. Additional modes, such as Endurance, require unlocking through gameplay progression. The initial selection includes a single playable motorcycle and gear set, with further options available for purchase using in-game credits. Fortunately, earning credits in this title is more straightforward than in other recent sports games. Notably, the game does not appear to aggressively promote microtransactions, a welcome departure from contemporary trends.
Briefly examining the multiplayer mode, only one lobby was active during the testing period. Connection was seamless, and races commenced quickly. Approximately two hours were spent in this mode, characterized by smooth performance without noticeable lag or bugs. The varying skill levels of the competitors contributed to an engaging experience.
Overall, Ride 4 presents a reasonable gaming experience. However, its commitment to realism results in a significant difficulty curve, potentially limiting its appeal to a niche audience of simulation enthusiasts. Players unfamiliar with similar titles or previous iterations of Ride may encounter a steep learning curve.
In summary, Ride 4 showcases impressive and realistic graphics, coupled with highly realistic but challenging game mechanics. While the game may not be the ideal entry point for newcomers to motorcycle games or the Ride series due to its demanding difficulty, experienced players of motorsport simulators should find Milestone’s offering to be exceptionally well-crafted. The absence of overt microtransactions is a definite advantage. The initial investment in the game provides a complete experience.
