If you’re not out riding, the best thing to do is turn on your console and pretend you are! We take a look at the best motorcycle video games on the market today. From TT road racing to motorcycle gangs, the variety in our rankings means there’s a motorcycle game for whatever mood you’re in.
1. Ride 3
Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Released: November 2018
For ages 3 years and over.
If you’re a fan of variance and creativity, Ride 3 is the game for you. You have the choice of over 270 bikes from 30 market-leading manufacturers, riding them on 30 different tracks and roads around the world. From GPs and Supermoto tracks, to the city and the countryside, Ride 3 definitely offers something for every bike loving gamer. The variety of bikes available means you can build the garage of your dreams while modifying your bike with over 1,200 customisable parts. The creativity element of the game does not stop there, you can personalize your rider profile, clothing and riding style.
The career mode is greatly addictive. This is where you compete in racing events and challenges to earn points in order to unlock new bikes, and modify accordingly. This mode again comes with great variety, ensuring you will be able to experience almost every combination of bike class, track, event type, and difficulty level.
The brand new AI, physics and collision systems means that even for those that have played previous Ride games, the handling may take some getting used to. It has to be said however, these improvements make the game even more realistic; and once you get the hang of it, you won’t be able to put the controller down.
Other improvements from previous versions include even more realistic graphics, and more freedom to be creative with the new livery editor.
All in all, Ride 3 is your best bet for an all-round motorcycle experience, with plenty of content and unlockables, we can’t see you getting bored of this game anytime soon!
2. Isle of Man TT: Ride on the Edge
Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Released: March 2018
For ages 3 years and over.
Frustratingly the release of this game was delayed from November 2017 until March 2018 – however; it was well worth the wait. The graphics on the brand new Isle of Man TT game are second to none. From branding on the bikes and leathers, to details on the pubs and houses which you drive past at breath-taking speed, everything is spot on. If you’ve ever been to the Isle of Man you will be sure to recognise the roads in which you rode down, or the campsite where you stayed. If you’re considering racing in the TT, or are interested in simply learning the course – this game will enable you to do exactly that. For those that know the circuit like the back of your hand, you will excel at this game once you have the controls sussed.
In terms of the controls, they do take a bit of getting used to. Like most games you can change the settings to make it easier to get round corners, although you will almost definitely crash at the Quarterbridge roundabout on your first few goes. Taking sharp corners very slowly is the only way to stay on the bike, this adds to the realism of the game. In contrast, you are still able to go full throttle on the straights and reach great speeds with your favourite riders.
Career mode will take the realism to the next level and enable you to compete against the likes of John McGuiness and try to rack up as many race wins as possible. The fun does not stop there, with various courses available to play – some being fictional such as the West Sussex 4000, means once you’ve mastered the Mountain Course there’s plenty more gameplay options at your fingertips.
We are sure you will love this game, getting to know the controls and course may be frustrating at first, however after you’ve got everything mastered you will feel like a professional road racer tearing up the Isle of Man.
3. MotoGP 18
Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC & Nintendo Switch
Released: June 2018
For ages 3 years and over.
Love everything MotoGP? With every rider, bike and track from the 2018 MotoGP Championship featured plus over 70 legendary riders from MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, this game is sure to meet your GP needs. The addition of the brand new Thailand Chang International Circuit means there are now 19 different tracks for you to compete on.
The most impressive area of the game is without doubt the Career mode in which you can compete in the Red Bull Rookies’ Cup, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP. Simply create your own racer and away you go. You’ll find it much easier to compete in the Rookies’ Cup, and it’s wise to take this opportunity to upgrade your rider’s skills – which, naturally, happens with good performances and results. As you go through your career you’ll be able to upgrade your machine with development points, which is essential when trying to compete with the frontrunners.
If you’re after experience before heading into career mode, there is always the option of time-trial mode, a great way to get used to the handling before beginning your career!
4. Valentino Rossi: The Game
Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Released: June 2016
For ages 3 years and over.
MotoGP changed things up in 2016, focussing on the legend that is Valentino Rossi. An added bonus from the usual MotoGP content is the historical challenges. The storyline is gripping and informative, which makes this game so different to any other riding game out there. You can experience the highlights of Rossi’s career from past to present, from taking his first MotoGP win at Brno to his victory in the opening race of the season in Losail.
This game is full of surprises and varied content, one minute you will be seeing Rossi over the line in Brno, and the next taking part at the Monza Rally in a rally car. All of this, added to a career mode in which you join the VR46 Riders Academy, starting at Rossi’s MotorRanch track on a dirt bike, then competing in the Moto3 and facing the challenge of moving up to the MotoGP, means the possibilities of this game are (almost) endless! It’s worth noting you can start off competing in the MotoGP if you wish.
5. DRIVECLUB Bikes
Available on: PlayStation 4
Released: October 2015
For ages 3 years and over.
Whether you purchase as an add-on to the DRIVECLUB car game, or purchase the complete game, DRIVECLUB Bikes is definitely up there in terms of all-round gameplay. As the name suggests, you’re part of a Club – a Club that you will travel around the world with competing at 78 locations in Tour mode. Your garage will grow as you win more races and gain regional trophies – which come with the objective of your Club taking over the world. With different locations around the world comes different weather, this is something DRIVECLUB does so well. You will find yourself riding in all kinds of weather at different times of the day (or night!). Given the variety of different courses and locations, it is quite surprising how good the graphics actually are.
What separates this game from the rest? Without doubt it’s the thrill of online competition and competing with your mates to get the fastest time around the track. You will find yourself racing against a friends shadow for hours, trying to break their record. The online fun does not stop there, you will be competing against other players Clubs, which will see you take-on rivals from all around the world.
In terms of the controls, DRIVECLUB Bikes will give you a license to go full throttle almost everywhere, with crashes limited and recovery time very short. This means it can be seen as less frustrating than other games out there. Although this may not seem so realistic, this game is a good way to let off some steam and speed your way to victory.
6. Grand Theft Auto V
Available on: PlayStation 4
Released: October 2015
For ages 18 years and over.
A game that needs little introduction, whilst it is not predominantly about motorbikes, it offers the variety of motorcycle heists, races and general riding – as well as the other (somewhat explicit) features and missions that every GTA guarantees.
While missions and objectives involve all kinds of transport – the motorbike sections are greatly enjoyable. Racing can be difficult as it is a little too easy to crash, although as the game is not for those under 18 it is hard to imagine anything less. There is a great range of bikes in this game, which you have the opportunity to simply wander the streets and take any bike you wish (although this will normally come with the task of out-riding the police).
GTA takes it to the next level with the Online Bikers update, which gives you the chance to purchase a wide variety of motorbikes which are different to those on your average motorcycle game. In time, you can find yourself creating a clubhouse and becoming president of a Motorcycle Club – which will see you having to protect your property from rivals and make money to fund your investments. You can pimp these beastly bikes to make them as intimidating as possible, as well as edit crew members appearance to ensure your Club are taken seriously and look the part.
7. MXGP3
Available on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch
Released: May 2017
For ages 3 years and over.
Fancy something a bit different to racing bikes, roads and tracks? Throw dirt tracks, indoor stadiums, motocross bikes and ramps into the mix and you’ve got MXGP 3. For years MXGP have dominated the motocross video game market, and MXGP3 is the best one yet, especially in terms of graphics.
Career mode is very much similar to your normal racing game, starting as a rookie and making your way up the ranks. You will be entered into the Motocross Grand Prix, competing at the 18 official worldwide locations where MXGP races take place. As well as this, actual riders and manufacturers are used, meaning MXGP fans will be in their element! You will have over 300 components to turn your bike into the ultimate motocross machine. Be warned though, the weather conditions can change mid-race, making races seem a touch more difficult and unpredictable.
While the game is not perfect and has its flaws, it’s something a bit different to your average racing game and is worth giving a go, especially if you’re into MXGP.
8. Trials Evolution
Available on: Xbox 360 and PC
Released: April 2012
For ages 12 years and over.
A variant to your average racing game, Trials Evolution has many tricky obstacle courses that will get you thinking and eager to beat the clock. A lot of the time your character will be in the air, this is a result of the endless amounts of ramps and jumps that is required to complete levels. As with every obstacle style game, as you go further through the levels, the harder the courses become. This will then see you make hundreds of attempts to land a huge jump, which can be quite frustrating, yet so worth it when the near-impossible is achieved! New bikes and techniques are unlocked as you pass through the license tests, making more tricks and skills a possibility.
The sublime fictional backdrops really adds to the game. At some points seeming like a modern day Crash Bandicoot on two wheels with different backdrops for different levels, ranging from the sunny jungle to dark sewer drains. This game requires more persistence than the others shown here, yet there’s no doubt about it there’s something about doing front flips hundreds of meters in the air that is really quite thrilling!
9. Road Redemption
Available on: Linux, Microsoft Windows and macOS
Released: October 2017 (console versions to be released in 2018)
For ages 16 years and over.
If your games have to be realistic and near on perfect – look away now! While this game can be seen as rough around the edges (to say the least), the concept is exciting and entertaining. A modern day version of the 90’s classic Road Rash, where you would simply punch riders off their bike when overtaking them, Road Redemption takes this to the next level.
You will be part of a motorbike gang, fighting your way across the country through cities, the countryside and mountains. How do you progress? Like many games completing races will see you earn money to make improvements. However, opportunities to earn cash does not stop there, you are given challenges ranging from robberies to assassinations, which will see your virtual income increase. It is not just your bike this money can be spent on; you can upgrade your character and weapons.
The questionable graphics and lack of content means this game does not worry any games at the top of our table. Although, for its unique features and storyline it makes the top 10, after all – it’s a replica of a 90’s classic known for its simplicity and imperfect gameplay!
10. Tourist Trophy
Available on: PlayStation 2
Released: June 2006
For ages 3 years and over.
From the creators of the original Gran Turismo games, it may not have the graphics and features to compete with the modern day releases, however for those that love an old school racing game – this is perfect!
You can really tell the similarities between Tourist Trophy and the successful Gran Turismo classics, with the main difference being you’re on two wheels instead of four. Games today are jam packed with content and different features that may mean getting onto the track or road takes a while, Tourist Trophy is a no frills equivalent to those games. You can simply choose Arcade mode and away you go.
However, if you’re looking for a few more features (but far less than modern day games), TT mode is for you. This is a more basic version of the career mode seen in current day games – which still offers a variety of tracks and courses.
All in all Tourist Trophy is a rather stripped back version of the games being released today. It’s safe to say this game will be for a niche market of old school gamers who love motorbikes – if you fit into that category turn on your PS2 and give it a go!
BONUS: ROAD RASH
Available on: Sega Genesis
Released: September 1991
As we are focussing more on newer games with better graphics and vast amounts of content we have not included the game described by many as the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time). However, we recognise Road Rash as a timeless classic that is loved by the many, therefore could not leave it out!
When playing the game you not only race AI competitors, you intentionally knock them flying off their bike, whether it be by punching, kicking or barging them. The goal is to finish in the top 3 (or 4 depending on the version played) in order to proceed to the next level. As this is an illegal road race, you also have the challenge of dodging oncoming traffic to avoid a collision. As you progress through the levels the difficulty gets ramped up.
Road Rash is the definition of retro gaming and that is where the thrill of this classic comes from. Long live Road Rash!
One comment on “Top 10 Motorcycle Video Games”
Tosh! Road Rash on the Mega Drive is the only true bike game!