RIDE 4 Announced for Release on October 8, 2020

The latest in the motorcycling franchise from Milestone will be available this year, with RIDE 4 announced for release on October 8, 2020. It’s being published for the PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, with no mention of the next generation consoles as yet.

The RIDE series is a little unusual in focusing on roadgoing motorcycles, rather than a race series (e.g. Milestones’ own MotoGP 20, MXGP 2019 and Monster Energy Supercross 3). Since the first title was released back in 2015, the roster has slowly expanded, with Ride 2 featuring around 200 bikes, and Ride 3 growing to 230. And each game includes both modern and classic examples for any bike enthusiast to enjoy.

There aren’t details on the motorcycle roster for RIDE 4, but the video and images clearly show a Honda VFR750R RC30, which was the World Superbike homologation model in the late 1980s, an MV Agusta Brutale, the current 2020 Yamaha R1, and MotoGP-derived, limited edition 2020 Yamaha R1M.

The Amazon listing currently lists 176 bikes and 30 tracks, for what that’s worth. Which suggests there may be lots of plans for DLC releases. Ride 3 had a total of 12 free DLC packs, and 14 paid DLC packs between released in November 2018 and now, so it seems likely.

And Milestone have partnered with both Yamaha Motor and Bridgestone for RIDE 4. Which should mean a big range of current and vintage examples from the Japanese manufacturer are included. Yamaha started back in 1955 and have produced a wide range of iconic motorcycles in each era since. So hopefully we’ll also get older machines like the two-stroke RD350 and the classic original FZRs.

“Racing and adrenaline have been part of Yamaha DNA since our foundation, 65 years ago. This is why it has been almost natural to partner up with one of the biggest names of the global motorcycling gaming industry – Milestone. We strive to give excitement and emotions to our customers and to all motorcycle lovers, always staying close to what “revs” them inside. With Milestone and RIDE4 we also innovate our approach, reaching out to new fans, that have a shared passion for motorcycle – be in the virtual or the physical world, the love is one and we welcome these riders to our family. Being among the pioneers for the rising eSports world (with Trastevere73 as official Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider) we bring our involvement in gaming to the next level with RIDE4 and the variety of unique activities planned on and off-line for the following year” Paolo Pavesio, Marketing and Motorsport Director, Yamaha Motor Europe.

So that’s all we know about the motorcycles included in Ride 4 so far. But what about riding them?

Well, the game will have a completed renewed Career Mode, which will put you into ‘fast-paced challenges all over the world’, and end with ultimate championships on the most powerful sportsbikes. The new version lets you control how you progress from local to international leagues, with different events and challenges.

And there will also be a new Endurance mode. This sounds especially interesting, as it apparently allows Milestone to boost the level of realism with dynamic lighting and weather conditions, plus pit stops for tires and fuel management.

If that means we can live out the dreams of competing on legendary classic sports bikes in events like the Suzuka 8 Hours and Bol d’Or, expect lots of motorcycle fans old enough to remember 1990s racing to be very happy indeed.

Both bikes and tracks should look even better than in previous games. All the bike models in RIDE 4 have been built from the ground up using original CAD and 3D scans of real bikes to carefully reproduce even the smallest details of each machine. Including the cockpits, which not only feature all the original elements and working dashboard data, but even replicates the effect of vibrations on the oil reservoir.

As you might expect, there will be various ways to customise your bike and riding kit. As well as enhancing the performance with upgrades.

RIDE 4 will now have tougher and more intelligent AI opponents, using the same Artificial Neural Network Agent (ANNA) system that Milestone have utilised for MotoGP 20. And human online multiplayer has been imporved with the intorduction of dedicated servers.

“When we launched the RIDE franchise our main goal was to create a unique IP for all two-wheel lovers; today – five years later – the astonishing realism of its visuals, the depth of its gameplay and the great partners we’re working with, confirm we’ve worked in the right direction to create the ultimate two-wheel racing experience”, said Luisa Bixio, CEO of Milestone.

So with RIDE 4 announced for release on October 8, 2020, you’ll have another chance to build your dream motorcycle garage. And it should look even better than in previous RIDE games.

You can pre-order RIDE 4 in physical format from Game, and Amazon. It’s not currently listed on any of the digital stores, but expect it to appear on Steam soon.

And keep tabs on all the RIDE 4 news, here.