The full potential of the current generation
Milestone’s speed series Ride was created to celebrate two wheels and fuel passion for riding. Over time the character of the series grew, earning a warm place in the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts. The Ride 5 development team aims to keep refining the formula while preserving strengths, smoothing out rough edges from the past, and injecting plenty of innovation. The mission has been a clear success and here is why.
The full potential of the current generation
Compared with the previous installment, Ride 5 brings a fresh graphic design that shines on modern generation consoles and PC. The new structure emphasizes visual polish, with tracks rendered in greater detail and asphalt presented in a more believable way. Motorcycle models closely resemble real machines in every detail, from mechanical parts to bodywork and decorations. The look of the bikes has been boosted by a renowned team of digital artists who used photogrammetry and CAD models supplied by manufacturers. This combination yields stunning fidelity and a noticeably more realistic render.
The care extends beyond visuals to the riders themselves. In the equipment descriptions, details such as helmets and overalls are meticulously represented, especially in animations. Movements of hands and arms while steering, and the positioning of feet on the pedals, are all crafted to enhance realism. The standout feature is the Dynamic Weather System. Three dimensional cloud fronts are rendered realistically from any viewpoint and during races. For the first time in the series, the Milan based studio implemented real time road and air temperature calculations to create natural weather changes during races. Sun exposed areas rise in temperature while cloud cover and rain decrease. These shifts influence performance, particularly tire wear which is simulated with greater precision.
Demanding with all audiences
As with earlier titles, Ride 5 demands a solid learning period to feel fully secure on the bike. The game also introduces new accessibility options. An upgraded package eases the learning curve and helps less experienced riders gain control through assisted braking, cornering, automatic steering and throttle, ideal line suggestions and other tuning options. This AI assisted system is highly scalable, allowing even beginners to enjoy the experience from the first steps with neural aids that adapt to any skill level.
New career paths extend the depth of the experience. The developers refined handling physics and reworked suspension and braking simulations. Speed and tilt angle dynamics have been redesigned to align with reference models and classes. For the first time in the series, fans can explore an Orbit mode narrated in perfect Spanish, guiding players through a four stage Tour that includes championships and various race formats such as individual races and time trials. An optional route called Unlimited Challenges adds four difficulty levels unlocked by completing the main path at higher degrees of challenge.
Players gain access to a substantial collection of over 270 authentic racing motorcycles from 20 officially licensed manufacturers and up to 30 tracks. The roster also includes 10 rival riders, each with distinct personalities, backstories, and bikes. For example, Charles Nolan races a Suzuki GSX R 600 from 2005 and becomes available after defeating him. Trials in single race and time trial modes remain among the strongest ways to learn riding styles, explore bike categories, and push performance to new limits.
At the end of each race group the rider earns credits, experience and bikes. Credits can be spent on more powerful machines, upgrades for existing bikes through the customization system, or cosmetic items for the rider. The Career path rewards some of the toughest bikes at the end of races, acting as incentives for future challenges.
Split screen and cross play
Ride 5 prioritizes freedom in how players build their motorcycle careers. The race creation mode lets players become directors, crafting unlimited scenarios by selecting race types, engine classes, tracks and AI opponents, and even creating new skins for bikes, suits and helmets. Scoring rules and formats can be customized, and editors enable personalizing motorcycles and outfits. All creations can be shared online across platforms.
Online play expands the experience with cross platform lobbies for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. Split screen returns for local multiplayer in a focused melee racing mode.
Maximum longevity
Rather than aiming for a yearly release cadence, the developers intend to sustain a long lasting experience. The Race Creator tool enables players to craft their own events with configurable logos, names, formats, and race structures. Driving assists, event type, driver count and scoring modes are all adjustable. The customization options also extend to AI riders, with customizable bikes and outfits and even selectable opponents in great detail.
Results
Ride 5 delivers speed with a broad selection of bikes and tracks, a rich set of modifications and a refreshed presentation that should please two wheel fans. Overall the fifth entry demonstrates a confident evolution that keeps the core appeal while expanding scope and depth for both veterans and newcomers alike.
- Title: Ride 5
- Type: Speed
- Release Date: 08/24/2023
- Platform: PC, Xbox Series X S, PS5
- Developer: Milestone
- Producer: Milestone
- Distributor: Plaion
- multiplayer: yes
- Language: Spanish
- Audio: Spanish
- PEGI: +3
- Price: consult