Chris Murphy
Gran Turismo 7 is nothing less than essential. It sits in a class entirely on its own and is truly a benchmark that other racers must aspire to raise
Ultimately, Ride 4 is a rare beast: a motorcycle racing game with the potential for mass appeal and difficulty that is open to all. Personally, while I am a fan of racing games in general, I have always struggled with vehicles of the two-wheeled variety. They have been so unforgiving and can be quite isolating, requiring far too much effort for the casual gamer. Not with Ride 4 though. This is a genuinely fun and well-crafted racer with the potential for immense longevity, both in single player and multiplayer. As motorcycle racing games go, this very well might be the best I have ever played.
Dirt 5 is a mixed bag; it’s a graphically exquisite experience with a flawed progression system and a lack of in-game rewards. However, it does excel in core gameplay and is enormously fun with a gentle learning curve and a great variety of race modes. If you are in the market for a fun and great-looking rally racing game that does away with all the “simulator” gubbins, Dirt 5 is well worth a look—foibles and all.
As the behemoth that is Gran Turismo 7 looms in its March 4th release slot, GRID Legends offers a more user-friendly and arcade-like racing experience. One without the intricate minutia of the GT franchise. What it lacks in realism and subtlety it makes up in graphical bombast, sheer fun, and customization options.