RIDE 6 Review: A Racing Game with a Twist
The RIDE series of games has been a staple for racing enthusiasts since its inception in 2015. With five entries under its belt, the series has been known for its extreme difficulty and dedication to authenticity. Now, RIDE 6 is here, aiming to be the best race finish yet.
Visuals and Lighting
RIDE 6 boasts stunning visuals and lighting, thanks to its brand new graphics engine in Unreal Engine 5. The game's visuals have always been a point of pride for the series, and this entry takes it to the next level. Customizable weather and time of day lighting settings add to the immersion, allowing players to choose their favorite settings for races. A rainy night race, for example, showcases the lighting in a way that's not possible in other racing games.
Physics Engine and Bike Behavior
The upgraded physics engine is a significant improvement, with enhanced automatic AI adjustments and Adaptive Difficulty. The game's bike behavior feels more realistic than ever, with better directivity and braking management. The controller's vibration capabilities provide feedback, helping players know when they're starting to go off-track or about to crash.
Rewind Feature
The rewind feature is a welcome addition, allowing players to replay sections of a race. While some may complain that it makes the game too easy, it's an optional feature that can be avoided. However, the delay in the rewind feature upon pressing the right bumper button can be frustrating, as it's not instantaneous like in other games.
Accessibility Options
RIDE 6 addresses the series' difficulty by offering an alternate gameplay option. The Arcade Experience simplifies controls and makes the game more intuitive for casual gamers. The Pro Experience, on the other hand, is the classic option. The game also includes accessibility features such as a one-handed control option, a game speed reduction percentage option, and a color-blind filter option.
Off-Road Tracks
For the first time in the series, RIDE 6 introduces off-road tracks, adding a new dimension to the gameplay. The game includes four off-road tracks from the start, which feel different and natural for a racing series that had previously only featured asphalt-based tracks.
RIDE Fest Career Mode
The main focus of RIDE 6 is RIDE Fest, a large festival celebrating the world of motorcycles. RIDE Fest is composed of multiple sections, with players starting in one area and advancing by completing goals such as winning races or finishing in certain ranks. Fame Points are earned by completing events, allowing players to unlock new sectors with different themes.
Challenges and Rewards
Each event in RIDE Fest has two objectives: a main objective and a bonus objective. The main objective is required to receive the minimum number of Fame Points, while the bonus objective is optional and much harder, rewarding players with the maximum number of Fame Points. Exclusive rewards are also available, making it worth finishing each section.
Bridgestone Riding School
For those who struggle in races or want to improve, the Bridgestone Riding School offers lessons and challenges. Players can watch instructors, try out different techniques, and compete to beat target times and unlock gold medals. Beating the instructor time also allows players to challenge a ghost in each challenge.
Editor and Cross-Play
The game's editor allows players to create their own bike liveries, helmets, suits, and stickers, encouraging creativity. Full cross-play is a new feature, allowing players to compete with others on different platforms. Monthly challenges notify players when their records are beaten by others.
Verdict
RIDE 6 builds on the series' strengths and makes the game more accessible. While it's still incredibly difficult, the new gameplay options and accessibility features make it more enjoyable for a wider range of players. The game's visuals, physics engine, and RIDE Fest career mode make it the best entry in the series so far, earning it an 8/10 rating.
- Pros: Beautiful visuals, two gameplay modes, RIDE Fest Career Mode, accessibility features
- Cons: Still incredibly difficult to jump into, rewind feature delay
