Of course, fancy visual styles are not the only part of a game that makes it special. But they certainly do help immerse players into the worlds that they see on their screens. With that being said, it’s time to dive into ten moments from our time with current-gen experiences that have stood out enough to make us put down our controllers and gape in awe at what we were witnessing.

#10. Horizon Forbidden West’s Stunning World

From the very first frame of Aloy’s latest adventure, it was obvious that this was a world that was designed with a lot of care and attention. The Decima engine powered a world in which the flora, fauna, weather, and terrain all came together to create an experience that was sure to catch the eye and showcase the PS5’s graphical prowess in all its glory.

And don’t even get us started on the machines! The Tremortusk blew us away when we found one in the wild, while the Thunderjaw’s deadly ferocity was all the more resplendent with its next-gen makeover when compared to Zero Dawn.

Guerilla Games’ smart use of its opening credits to showcase the new world it had created for Aloy to explore was a display of sheer creativity and attention to detail that continues to be among our most memorable moments in recent years – it helps that it was made even better by a somber, haunting melody to accompany the montage of what the Forbidden West was set to offer.

#9. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’s Madagascar Set Piece

Nate and Sam’s adventures found a new lease of life when Uncharted 4 was remastered for the PlayStation 5 as part of Naughty Dog’s Legacy of Thieves collection. The studio certainly knows its way around a grand set piece, but the sequence but Nate and Sam’s desperate attempts to shake off an entire convoy of armed vehicles while on a motorcycle is one that we could replay over and over again.

With the improved graphics and a buttery smooth framerate courtesy of next-gen hardware, this chase sequence was an incredible showcase of what next-gen hardware could do even on older games. Every busy street, muddy road, or exploding vehicle was rendered in perfect detail while the tension of the chase added to the scene instead of being a distraction.

The flames from Nate’s crashed vehicle seemed all the more dangerous on next-gen systems, while Naughty Dog’s penchant for charming banter between its characters despite overwhelming odds made this sequence one that we will talk about for a long time to come.

#8. Ride 5 On A Rainy Day

Although we recommended that owners of the previous game give this one a pass, that does not take away from the fact that Ride 5 was an absolutely stunning addition to the next-gen lineup. It can be hard for any studio to truly nail down a first-person point of view considering the amount of detail that it would need to include in order to create an immersive and authentic experience.

Thankfully, Milestone s.r.l. was up to the task, crafting a motorcycle racing simulator that was perhaps easier on the eyes that it was on our hands considering its steep learning curve. However, taking a bike out for a spin was a treat, especially when the game’s excellent visuals and weather systems came into play.

Riding out in the rain with the game’s first-person view enabled gave us enough reasons to stop and take in the sights, racing be damned. Drops of rain bounced off our helmets, droplets impacting visibility, while the track shimmered with reflections just like a wet road would in real life. It continues to mesmerize us anytime we decide to hop on a fast bike and get to a race on its authentically designed tracks.

#7. Enter the Sandman in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

As if taking control of not one but two webslingers wasn’t enough, Insomniac Games’ new and improved take on New York City was an absolutely stunning sight to see in the early moments of Peter Parker and Miles Morales’ new adventure.

Taking on the Sandman meant that the Spider-Men would need to make each swing and leap count, and the game did not hesitate to showcase its incredible particle physics and ray-traced reflections at every turn. It was almost too good to be true, making us marvel at how far next-gen systems could raise the bar for visual flair and graphical fidelity in modern gaming.

It was on par with Uncharted 4’s bike chase, and perhaps even more thrilling considering that we were in control of actual superheroes in a game that truly made us feel like them as early as its opening sequence.

#6. Aiming For the Sky In Microsoft’s Flight Simulator 2024

Honestly, this list would be incomplete if we didn’t include Microsoft Flight Simulator 24’s breathtaking visuals that brought a lot of technical wizardry to the table in an experience that would thrill even the most seasoned pilots while completely baffling newcomers with its level of detail and realistic take on what piloting aircraft would feel like.

Microsoft’s extensive attempts to establish authenticity certainly paid off with a level of detail that had us wanting to stay up in the clouds for as long as we could, admiring the world below us in a way that no other flight sim has managed to replicate in the years since its release.

For anyone looking to show off their next-gen setup, this game is definitely one that can do it justice.

#5. Akira Kurosawa’s Magic in Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Despite Ghost of Tsushima making its debut on last-gen hardware, Sucker Punch’s rendition of Tsushima Island contrasted the poignant and desperate tale of Jin Sakai with a beautiful world that was worth every drop of blood that the honorable samurai shed for it. Perhaps it was even worth his gradual abandonment of honor and tradition in favor of tactics that brought the Mongol army to its knees.

We dived back into Tsushima with glee when the Director’s Cut was released, and leaping on to Nobu (as we will always remember him) to rush through a field of flowers was even more breathtaking considering the PS5’s buttery smooth framerate and penchant for enhancing last-gen experiences.

Ghost of Tsushima continues to be among our favorite art styles and is a visual treat for anyone looking to experience Jin’s adventures for the first time, or perhaps dive back in for another bout with Kotun Khan’s forces.

#4. The Crushing Darkness of Hellblade: Senua’s Saga’s Opening

Ninja Theory’s follow up to the innovative and harrowing experience it brought its players with Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice showcased a new level of visual fidelity and even more ambition than its predecessor in terms of how it aimed to present Senua’s declining mental state and her determination to bring justice to the Northmen who wronged her.

While every other entry on this list had us staring with excitement and wonder at our screens, this one brought deep blacks and incredible moonlit reflections to an opening sequence in which the sea and night created an atmosphere that was so oppressive it gave us the shivers despite us being safe and sound in our coziest chairs.

Senua’s struggles against the violent tides that sank her ships and her subsequent, desperate attempt to get to safety as the opening credits played out were a benchmark for how next-gen hardware could be used to bring realistic visuals to life in modern gaming. It helps that the game’s incredible audio design and a poignant narrative worked in tandem with its graphical grandeur to bring an experience that we wouldn’t hesitate to dive into again, chills and all.

#3. Death Stranding 2’s Introduction to Sam and Lou

We all knew Hideo Kojima’s latest masterpiece was going to make it to this list. But the manner in which it did continues to astound us. After a brief recap of events in the first game presented largely in black and white, grand and sweeping vistas that showcased the Decima Engine at its finest worked well with Kojima’s cinematic chops, creating an opening sequence that brought us back to Sam and Lou as they rested atop a mountain.

Taking control of Sam as he attempted to navigate the treacherous terrain to reach his new hidden home was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing the size and scope of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach right off the bat while allowing Kojima to introduce aerial cameras and an honestly astounding level of detail to the world he created for his players.

It will continue to be an opening sequence that has us smiling each and every time, not just for the nostalgia it brings but for the immense beauty and spectacle of it all.

#2. The Dimensional Rifts in Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

With our titular heroes being sucked into a journey that literally takes them across the space-time continuum thanks to Dr. Nefarious’ attempt to take control of the Dimensionator, Insomniac’s take on Dimensional Rifts in this vibrant title earns it another place on this list.

The worlds between worlds shine with colors that pop out at players while innovative puzzles ground their visual flair in a solid gameplay loop that made us slack-jawed at just how far next-gen hardware had taken one of our favorite franchises.

Rift Apart is the perfect blend of light-hearted humor, charm, and graphical flair, making each Rift we tackled a very memorable experience.

#1. The Matrix Awakens and Its “Unreal” Showcase

Epic Games gave us one of the most authentic recreations of The Matrix when it utilized the power of Unreal Engine 5 to showcase just what it could do given the right tools. The city that the demo took place in, along with faithful recreations of chase sequences had us wondering if we were simply watching footage from the original movies instead of a digitally recreated version of those events.

The demo blurred the lines between the real world and video games in a way that only Death Stranding 2 has managed to imitate with success. It is what keeps us very optimistic that next-gen gaming hardware is only getting started with what it can eventually bring to the table.

And that wraps up our picks for moments in recent years that had us stunned at what next-gen hardware could bring to life. Here’s to many more of those moments, and a whole lot of fun to be had as we bring them to you!

MotoGP 24

Unlike many annual sports titles MotoGP developer Milestone strive for meaningful improvement with every iteration, and MotoGP 24 is the biggest leap between versions since the Italian studio took over in 2013. Principal of these changes are bike physics, especially the feel of the rear brakes into corners and the stability of the 2-wheeler as you accelerate out. Competition is fiercer too: adaptive AI and penalties dished out from stewards to any rider on track – not just the player – fosters centimetre-close, front-wheel-to-rear-wheel racing.

]]> 605140 https://gamingbolt.com/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-wild-hearts-and-more-coming-to-ps-plus-extra-premium-in-august Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:08:39 +0000 https://gamingbolt.com/?p=596089 It’s a big month for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers, with Sony announcing the latest additions to the service’s Game Catalog. Starting August 20th, both tiers can download The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Cult of the Lamb, and Sword Art Online: Last Recollection for PS4 and PS5.

PS5 players gain access to the Standard Edition of Wild Hearts, Koei Tecmo’s ill-fated action RPG, and Ride 5. On the PS4 side, there are PS Plus re-releases like Watch Dogs 2 and Naruto to Bortuo: Shinobi Striker alongside Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet, and Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization.

If that’s not enough SAO, Premium subscribers gain exclusive access to the PS3 version of Sword Art Online: Lost Song, playable on PS4. Everyone else can settle in with TimeSplitters, TimeSplitters 2, and TimeSplitters: Future Perfect for PS4 and PS5. Finally, PS VR/VR2 users can experience Vacation Simulator. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, especially for titles leaving the service.

#10. TT ISLE OF MAN: RIDE ON THE EDGE 3

Owing to its very nature as a hardcore superbike racing sim, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 is not, like its predecessors, a game with widespread appeal, but for fans of the sport and racing sims in general, there’s a lot to love here. Its rough production values, lack of variety in content, and less-than-stellar visuals do leave a little something to be desired, but with incredible physics and driving mechanics, a rewarding sense of challenge, and incredible sense of speed, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 has an excellent foundation.

#9. MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS: THE OFFICIAL VIDEOGAME 6

Milestone has a grip on the bike racing simulation genre in a way no other developer in the industry does, and Monster Energy Supercross 6 was yet another feather in the developer’s cap in 2023. From significant improvements to the physics and handling systems to an impressive level of polish and attention to detail, from a solid selection of new and returning modes to a much stronger balance between authentic simulation and accessible fun, Monster Energy Supercross 6 is a promising glimpse of how the series can continue to improve with future instalments.

#8. MOTOGP 23

MotoGP 23 is a perfect example of how a game can benefit from a bevy of iterative improvements as much as it can from a smaller number of radical revolutions. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, it builds on its predecessors’ foundations by making notable improvements across the board, from the new Career mode to the introduction of more newcomer-friendly mechanics, while continuing to exhibit the same authenticity and love for bikes that Milestone’s games are so often associated with.

#7. LEGO 2K DRIVE

A Mario Kart-inspired open world arcade racer making use of the Lego license? With an elevator pitch like that, any game is bound to turn its fair share of heads, and LEGO 2K Drive mostly makes good on its promises. Though it can feel a bit shallow and repetitive, the underlying systems and design deserve credit. Maps are colourful and tightly designed, driving mechanics are tight and strike a nice balance between skill and accessibility, and vehicle building and customization in particular can offer up hours upon hours of enjoyment. It may not have been a revelation, but LEGO 2K Drive is a solid enough racer than genre fans of all ages can enjoy.

#6. RIDE 5

Yep, another Milestone-developed bike racing sim, and easily the one that impressed us most this year. The RIDE franchise has continued to push the envelope with its visuals, authenticity, and technical achievements with each new instalment, and RIDE 5 didn’t disappoint on that front either. On top of that, with notable improvements to the Career mode, the addition of new elements like Rivals and your very own HQ, the introduction of dynamic weather, a new Race Creator option, and a continued push for accessibility and approachability, RIDE 5 once again proves why Milestone’s franchise is the undisputed king of bike racing sims.

#5. THE CREW MOTORFEST

After two instalments in the mainland United States, with The Crew Motorfest, Ubisoft’s open world racing franchise took players to the island of Oahu, and it turned out to be absolutely the right decision. Courtesy of a much more varied, vibrant, and colourful world that is teeming with gorgeous vistas to take in, The Crew Motorfest benefits from excellent festive vibes that make it a much more engaging experience, while a smart, new structure for the main content and improvements to the driving mechanics also make for more enjoyable racing mechanics. It might not be the competitor to Forza Horizon’s throne that it was perhaps being positioned as, but it’s still a hell of a racer that fans of the genre will enjoy.

#4. F1 23

Codemasters’ annual F1 franchise has been one of the best racing sim experiences around for a long time now, and 2023’s instalment was another predictably excellent one. With its loot-driven F1 World experience, F1 23 offers a different flavour of content than most of its predecessors have been known for, while the return of F1 21’s story mode, Braking Point, also proves to be a triumphant one. That, combined with improvements to the underlying driving mechanics made for an excellent all-around package, even if the game does still feel a bit stagnant where its visuals and Career mode are concerned.

#3. EA SPORTS WRC

The WRC license switched lanes to Codemasters and EA Sports this year, and the former leveraged its expertise with rally racing simulators to deliver another excellent outing for the licensed series. EA Sports WRC captures the adrenaline-fueled thrill of rally racing better than most other games have managed in the past, while it also offers a smattering of contents across its many modes, tracks, vehicles, and more. Admittedly, the experience can be dragged down at times by issues such as bugs and a few modes that feel a little undercooked, but by and large, EA Sports WRC has laid down an excellent foundation for Codemasters to build on with future instalments in the years to come.

#2. HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2: TURBOCHARGED

The fourth Milestone-developed game to earn a place on this list, and without a shadow of doubt, the best of the lot. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is an excellent evolution of its already solid predecessor. That sense of speed and arcadey thrill that the first game boasted is not only present and accounted for here, but shining brighter than ever before, while also touting stunning visuals, incredible track design, a vast array of customization options, and new driving and movement options like jumps, dashes, and more. Ultimately, it’s an iterative improvement rather than a radical one, and the single player offerings do leave a little something to be desired, but the final product is one that improves on the first game in some key ways.

#1. FORZA MOTORSPORT

The Forza Motorsport franchise had been dormant for longer than most would have expected, but in 2023, it finally made its comeback with what was billed as a reboot. Whether or not it turned out to be the undisputed king of racing sims might still be up for debate, thanks in large part to a divisive new structure for its campaign, but there’s so much else here that we can’t help but be impressed with. New weather effects, a healthy offering of content (especially in the multiplayer department), stunning visuals and attention to detail of the sort that only this franchise can manage, crucial improvements and tweaks to the moment-to-moment mechanics- the list goes on and on. Even though it doesn’t hit the highs that many of its predecessors are remembered for, Forza Motorsport is still a triumphant return for Turn 10’s long-running franchise.

"For the RIDE series creating something that looks and feels real is a top priority, and with RIDE 5 we pushed the limit even further on multiple aspects."

The RIDE series has become strongly associated with pushing the envelope for visuals and fidelity with each new entry. What are the biggest steps forward that RIDE 5 is taking on that front?

For the RIDE series creating something that looks and feels real is a top priority, and with RIDE 5 we pushed the limit even further on multiple aspects. Technically speaking, the main one is represented by our new sky system that, thanks to using 3D clouds, allows us to reach a new level of realism, especially when the weather changes and it is possible to see the clouds moving in the sky (also shadowing the track), they start to stick together and become gray, and it may start to rain; we also have a new light system that simulates better the different light “time” during the day. Both features are easy to see when players will play the Endurance mode in which can also accelerate the day “time change”.

RIDE 5 is Milestone’s first current-gen exclusive. With that in mind, what were the biggest ways you’re leveraging the more powerful hardware of current-gen consoles with RIDE 5’s visual and technical aspects?

We took this decision because we don’t want limitations in terms of visuals, but also physics simulation. As I said before, all the weather and the sky simulations are the true big new technologies of this new chapter, but also looking at the past of the series, the bike recreation is something more life-like than ever for a bike game. The physics engine is pushed to the maximum offering a 60FPS simulation on current-gen platforms.

What can you tell us about RIDE 5’s new dynamic weather system? What sort of an impact will it have on the moment-to-moment racing action?

The dynamic and (if the player wants) random weather system transforms the racing into something more interesting and challenging, the unpredictability of the weather can be a key racing factor, especially during the Endurance races in which players can choose the right moment to pit-stop and change the tires. Even if it is not super fun riding in the rain, it is a cool challenge in the game.

Race Creator is a major new feature in RIDE 5. How extensive will the creation and editing tools on offer be? How much flexibility will players be afforced with their creations?

Our community wants to recreate famous racing from the past or have the chance to create in detail races or championships, and this is the kind of situation in which as a developer you have to understand what your audience wants. With this in mind, we created the Race Creator. Inside the Race Creator, it is possible to customize a race, or a championship choosing every little detail from the type of qualification (if you want the qualification) to each bike that can participate in the race and even their liveries – if you like you can personalize the helmet of the participants one by one. It is a big sandbox mode that allows the creativity of our community to recreate famous races from the past (like the Suzuka 8 hours) or funny championships from the present. The creations are sharable UGC, that are also composed of UGC, so this means that you can download a livery that you like using it in your creation and share your race.

"The RIDE series from the very beginning was all about the motorbike culture, in every chapter of the series we worked hard in order to offer players the presence and vibrant feeling of a motorcycle world."

What are the biggest changes and improvements being made in RIDE 5’s Career mode?

The RIDE series from the very beginning was all about the motorbike culture, in every chapter of the series we worked hard in order to offer players the presence and vibrant feeling of a motorcycle world. In RIDE 5’s career mode players start to race with few resources and “near home”, and the final objective is to become the RIDE Champion; in order to achieve that, there is a leaderboard with 500 other riders, something similar to the tennis ATP. Step by step, players start to make a difference in the race, they climb the leaderboard and unlock more prestigious events and challenges.

What will the addition of recurrent rivals bring to the table? How much of an emphasis will the game place on players creating their own stories against their rivals, and how will their different backgrounds affect that?

The Rivals are part of the equation when we speak about the RIDE leaderboard, Rivals are the most difficult to beat and aggressive riders from this world. The cool thing is they are in the ranking like the players, going up and down following their racing results. Every rival has his own story.

What can you tell us about RIDE 5’s new HQ? How much time will players be spending here, and what sort of a framework will it provide for the experience between races?

The HQ is the players’ base, starting with a small garage and one mechanic, players will get bigger crews and spaces progressing during the Career. Inside the HQ it is possible to buy, personalize, and edit bikes and the player avatar. The game features hundreds of licensed bike components such as exhaust, tires, rims etc., and hundreds of helmets, suits, and other gears for the rider. In the HQ is also possible to read the story of every manufacturer and bike of the game.

The RIDE series has always been known for its plainly apparent love for anything and everything to do with bikes, but that level of authenticity and detail has also perhaps acted as a bit of a roadblock for more casual audiences. RIDE 5 is, of course, introducing new onboarding features, but can you tell us how extensive they will be and what level of aid they will provide to those looking for a less hardcore experience?

We have a very hardcore core and lively audience that loves bikes and all the simulation, but we know from some times that we also have some people who follow our titles and like the idea of playing a bike game. Riding a bike and driving a car on the racetrack is completely different, not only because of the different number of wheels but also because the technique is completely different, learning is hard especially because when you make a mistake you fall, so it can be kind of frustrating. We this in mind we have worked on Neural AI (the same that we use for the opponents) based aids that simply guide the player to learn the game and enjoy the journey. With all the aids at max the game is very approachable, in our idea step by step players will reduce the aids following their skill progression until they find the best balance between fun and challenge.

"We were happy about the players’ reception of the game, and we’ve already released our plan for the post-launch."

What frame rate and resolution will the game target on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S?

We have 60FPS on all platforms, 4K resolution on PS5 and Xbox Series X, full HD on Xbox Series S.

Now that RIDE 5 is out, what are your thoughts on its reception and its post launch support?

We were happy about the players’ reception of the game, and we’ve already released our plan for the post-launch. Rather than DLC and updates, we are keeping an eye on our community to listen to their feedback and bug reportings in order to work on it and fix it.

The first addition to the game will be the addition of two new bikes: the Husqvarna FS 450 and KTM 450 SMR. The two high-speed bikes are specially designed for players that might want to push their limits on the track.

Those interested in the paid DLC slated for RIDE 5 can pick up the season pass, which will grant players access to 33 new bikes, 6 new tracks, and will also provide a multiplier for the credits that players can earn in-game. With the addition of the content from the season pass, players will have access to a total of 270 different bikes, and 40 different tracks.

RIDE 5 was released on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC earlier this month, and features new 3D procedurally-generated clouds and a dynamic weather system. For more details about the game, check out our review. And if you’re concerned about performance, here’s our tech analysis for its PS5 release.

Ride 5 builds upon what came before not just in the gameplay department but also visuals, and it looks absolutely beautiful. There are a few minor rough edges here and there, but the end result is nothing short of extraordinary. Graphically, Ride 5 has the potential to stand its own ground against the likes of Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Horizon 5. We tested the game on the PS5, and here’s our complete technical analysis of Ride 5.

Game Engine And Overview

Much like Ride 4 before it, Ride 5 is also built using Epic’s Unreal Engine. Epic’s tech is a popular choice for AA developers but does Ride 5 utilize the full potential of current-gen consoles? Well, the answer is a bit complicated. When you boot up Ride 5, you might not notice any radical changes when compared to RIDE 4 as the developer seems to have adopted a more iterative approach primarily because both games largely feature the same underlying tech.

Everything from the lighting to the reflections and shadows has seen marginal improvements, weather effects look to be more intense than before and reflections seem to be using ray tracing – which would be a first for the series on consoles. Let’s discuss them detail in further sections.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are obviously the star of the show here. The developers’ love for these machines shines through in the careful rendition of over 200 sports bikes from a slew of popular manufacturers across the globe. Every vehicle has been recreated with astonishing attention to detail, and there’s a ton of geometric complexity within these models.

Bike surfaces are adequately shiny, and reflect light in a realistic fashion. We also get to see generous use of different physically-based materials for different parts of the bike’s body, and each material reacts differently to light. The engine does a great job of rendering different materials such as the leather seats and frames which are made of carbon fiber. Thanks to a complete adherence to physical based lighting, Ride 5’s bikes are visual stunners.

Tracks and Environments

Coming over to the tracks, Ride 5 features a vast amount of options when it comes to choosing where to race – and the environments look fantastic for the most part. The tracks look superb with high-quality textures, and the screeching of bikes leaves visible marks and smoke trails on the surface – which looks pretty realistic as well. The surfaces surrounding the race track are covered with rough ground, so skirting along that path results in thick trails and dense clouds of dust.

The asset quality is generally high across the board, and everything from the track itself to the stands flaunts a high number of polycounts. Of course, some elements don’t get the same treatment including but not limited to certain types of foliage and NPCs among others. These elements tend to stand out against the otherwise fantastic-looking environments which can break the immersion.

In a similar vein, we also noticed some detail swapping especially during daytime sequences – which can also be off putting for some players. But it’s also important to note that the developer has stated that some assets are yet to be fully polished out in the review build that we tested, so these issues might get resolved with a patch.

Weather Effects

Ride 5 features a dynamic weather system, and it makes for some interesting race scenarios. For instance, you might start a race on a sunny afternoon but the weather suddenly changes to overcast at some point during the race. And since Ride 5 is a physics-based racer, track conditions also affect gameplay variables like handling and stability which adds a new level of challenge to the races.

As was the case with Ride 4, weather effects are pretty realistic in Ride 5 as well. Individual raindrops can be seen accumulating on the bike body, and it looks really gorgeous, especially in the first-person camera view. These droplets seem to have physics properties, as they also slide along while you swerve your bike across sharp turns. Puddles of water also gradually form on tracks, making it a tad difficult to race.

Sky rendering is also an important aspect here and Ride 5 uses volumetric clouds in its presentation – but it can be somewhat inconsistent. Clear skies have only a few clouds scattered throughout the skyline, which tends to highlight the rather low quality of the volumetric meshes while overcast conditions have a higher number of clouds which looks a lot better thanks to their density.

Lighting And Reflections

Switching gears over to the lighting, Ride 5 utilizes the same global illumination method as seen in Ride 4 and it works to great effect over here as well. Direct lighting does a good job of aggregating a realistic picture, and the game also performs pretty well in challenging night-time scenarios where we get to see a ton of smaller light sources illuminating the track and surrounding areas.

Shadows are crisp for the most part, though you might be able to make out some shimmering artifacts here and there. Shadows aren’t cast for objects far away from the camera, and you might encounter rare instances of shadow pop-in while racing at high speeds as well.

As for the reflections, Ride 5 seems to be utilizing a ray-traced implementation which looks really good in action. Reflections on side-view mirrors are appropriately high resolution, this quality doesn’t degrade as you steer your bike along corners. Bikes feature shiny surfaces and as expected, light bounces off of them, which allows the players to see the insane amount of details that the developer has put into them.

Post-Processing, PS5 Parameters, And Conclusion

Finally, we come to the post-processing side of things. Motion blur is an important element of Ride 5’s presentation, and the implementation looks to be of high quality. As for the anti-aliasing pass, the game seems to be utilizing an FXAA-based solution. It does a good job of cleaning up the image for the most part, but you will be able to make out some jagged edges and artifacts if you peep in too closely.

As mentioned previously as well, Ride 5 retains the 60fps gameplay of its predecessor – and there are no graphical options to choose from in the case of PS5. You get an upscaled 4K image with a frame-rate target of 60fps, and the game does a good job of holding the performance in even the most demanding of situations. We didn’t notice any substantial frame drops in our tests, and we’re pretty satisfied with the performance on PS5.

Conclusion

Ride 5 is an iterative upgrade over Ride 4 – but that shouldn’t be seen as a criticism of Milestone’s latest project. Ride 5 boasts some fantastic visuals without compromising on its 60fps gameplay, and while it isn’t a flawless experience – it is definitely a worthy successor to what came before and is one of the best looking racers on the market.

While RIDE might not be an annual franchise, modern platforms did receive RIDE 4 in 2021. With a little over two years apart, the hope would be that RIDE 5 goes above and beyond. In certain design elements, that is absolutely the case. However, career mode leaves much to be desired in comparison to advancements in other titles like F1 23.

"With a little over two years apart, the hope would be that RIDE 5 goes above and beyond. In certain design elements, that is absolutely the case. However, career mode leaves much to be desired."

RIDE 5 is notably the first current-gen only title in the series. That’s important as we move further into the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S life cycle. Developers have clung to the past in hopes of retaining the largest audience possible while hindering their efforts by basing development on an outdated generation. RIDE 5 is visually impressive in some aspects, and lackluster in others. In terms of performance, however, the game is solid and runs at a high framerate. The bikes and circuit designs are flashy, vibrant, and detailed. The gravel and grass are notable both in their detailed textures and distinctions from the track and through the haptic feedback in the DualSense controller, something RIDE 4 did well, also. Everything looks all well and good until your rider removes his or her helmet. Human facial models are stiff, off-putting, and awkward. So, maybe just skip through those cut scenes and you’ll never have to see them.

The game’s presentation goes a step further with dynamic weather which you can switch on and off. The weather shifts organically and adds a stellar visual layer to each of the tracks. The water, the clouds, and the sky are all brilliantly realized as this weather system takes hold. It’s a slick new feature in the series – at least from a visual standpoint.

From a gameplay perspective, RIDE 5 endeavors to reach out to newcomers with substantial difficulty options and tutorial components. I noticed a significant difference in the mercy of the physics and the racer AI when switching between difficulties. Earlier this year, I reviewed another motorbike racer, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 – a painfully difficult motorcycle racing experience. The development team made it clear that TT was meant to be unforgiving to reflect the harrowing nature of the annual event. But in comparison, RIDE 5 is thankfully far more accessible to fans breaking into the motorcycle racing niche genre.

"RIDE 5 is visually impressive in some aspects, and lackluster in others. In terms of performance, however, the game is solid and runs at a high framerate."

There is a wealth of Riding Aids available to help newcomers get a handle on the gameplay. Players can activate auto-braking to help with taking curves and turns much less haphazardly. Furthermore, there’s always the “ideal trajectory” along the road for the best path to follow with regards to the flow of the circuit. The menus are simplistic and easy to follow. Nothing in regard to the layout of the options feels overbearing. There’s off-track assistance, the option for semi-automatic transmissions, and even a rewind feature. If you make a blunder taking a corner and you’d like to give it another shot immediately, you can hit the L2 button to rewind and do the moment all over. It’s a helpful way to practice and hone your skill level.

The game offers a wide range of customization options with several brands and bike models to shop for (or earn in competitions). Take your favorite bikes to the garage and upgrade parts with your earnings for a better shot at the gold. As you race and progress through your career, you’ll earn plenty of in-game currency to customize your rider and bike the way you want. I never really felt like I was lacking funds to do what I wanted to do in the moment. Also, you can edit plenty of details including your rider’s gear both inside and outside of the racetrack as well as liveries for your bike. But at the end of the day, I get it. This is all pretty standard fare. However, in comparison to other modern racing sims the most hardened players may still find that the customization options, and least where the bike hardware is concerned, aren’t quite as extensive as other titles in the racing genre.

Perhaps the game’s biggest fault, however, lies in its lack of a storied career mode. Sure, a career mode exists with some rather dull, monotone narration. But it’s far from the gripping drama we can watch unfold in other sports games’ career modes these days. In the racing genre alone, F1 23 features a killer narrative that highlights a specific team with great voice work, cinematics, and a look at their dynamic as they set out to achieve their hopes and dreams. It gives players something more to invest in that just the simplified structure of a race followed by another race in yet another championship. This is becoming an antiquated structure for seasonal or career mode play in sports games as gaming fans want more from the overall experience. Of course, I’m not speaking for everyone, as there are those who are perfectly fine just hitting the pavement one race right after the other endlessly. But in terms of keeping a brand fresh, modern, and inviting to newcomers beyond the addition of Riding Aids, RIDE 5 suffers in that regard. Its oversimplicity could make the experience feel rather stale for some who are looking for more than just another simulation in favor of a wholistic experience.

"In terms of keeping a brand fresh, modern, and inviting to newcomers beyond the addition of Riding Aids, RIDE 5 suffers."

Many fans want a reason to put down RIDE 4 and pick up RIDE 5. With the fifth entry in the series, it’s not enough to tweak the graphical presentation, the motorbike physics, the weather system, and add accessibility options. Potential buyers want to be enticed by a fresh gameplay experience. Racing is racing. That part will never change. But how it’s presented, and the mode of play offered to players through progression structures, further management options, or cinematic storytelling with a modicum of choice will all go a long way to keeping fans engaged in the long term and invite newcomers simultaneously.

This game was reviewed on a PlayStation 5.

Baldur’s Gate 3

It’s a testament to the kind of year that 2023 has been that Baldur’s Gate 3 is only one of many major releases. Nevertheless, Larian Studios’ tremendous role-playing game is a dream come true for Dungeons and Dragons fans. It offers a dozen classes, 46 subclasses, over 600 Spells, 11 races, 31 subraces and many more options to customize your character.

With a massive campaign that spans over 75 hours on a single playthrough with dozens of quests and multiple locations to explore, Baldur’s Gate 3 promises peak role-playing when it launches on August 3rd for PC.

Tower of Fantasy (PS4, PS5)

Hotta Studio’s Tower of Fantasy is an open-world action RPG, albeit with a sci-fi twist. As a customizable character, players travel the surface, learning more about the fall of civilization at the hands of Omnium, and battling all manner of threats. With four-player co-op, World Bosses and numerous quests, Tower of Fantasy also features an arena mode for PvP.

The combat also employs some interesting mechanics like equipping three weapons with different roles, building up charge and switching between them for more damage, and Simulacrums to transform into a unique character. Though currently available on PC, Tower of Fantasy arrives on August 8th for PS4 and PS5.

WrestleQuest

Wrestling video games are often simulations, rarely arcade titles, with the hottest talent. WrestleQuest takes a different approach, imagining the hero’s journey from the perspective of an up-and-coming wrestler in a fantastical pixel art universe. You start as a rookie and work through the ranks by training and learning from the greats like “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Andre the Giant and more.

As you customize your wrestler’s moves and entrance, you take on all sorts of opponents and fight alongside legends like Diamond Dallas Page, the Road Warriors and more. WrestleQuest launches on August 8th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Atlas Fallen

In a world where everything has become sand and humanity is oppressed, you play as an Unnamed and discover a magical gauntlet. With the ability to manipulate and weaponize sand, you embark on a quest to take down Thelos and restore humanity. Developed by Deck13 of The Surge fame, Atlas Fallen is more of an action-adventure title with three weapons – the Dunecleaver, Sandwhip and Knuckledust – that change shape as you accrue Momentum in combat.

They can further be upgraded with over 100 Essence Stones, encouraging experimentation. Atlas Fallen releases on August 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC, and on top of lasting 25 to 30 hours, the entire game supports two-player co-op.

Sprawl

Would it be much of a month without a retro-style FPS? Probably not, but even by boomer shooter standards, MAETH’s Sprawl looks intriguing. Set in a cyberpunk city, you control former special ops SEVEN, who seeks to escape and venture to the SPIRE, while a mysterious voice pushes her onward. Corpo forces oppose you, but thanks to the Icarus implant, you can wall-run and slow down time, slaying enemies with katanas, pistols and a shotgun. Sprawl is out in August for PC, with a more definite release date to be announced.

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

From the team behind Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun comes a brand-new strategy stealth title. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is set in the Golden Age of Piracy, as you venture the Lost Caribbean with eight crewmates, each possessing unique skills. You can freely select crew members for a mission and take any approach, utilizing new magical abilities to one-up enemies.

In addition to cleverly executed strategies and split-second timing, you can pause the game and instantly rewind to a previous point to try something else. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew arrives on August 17th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Madden NFL 24

For the uninitiated, EA Sports’ Madden NFL series is its other golden goose that has proven a monstrous success year in and year out with even fewer changes than FIFA. However, as EA transitions from FIFA to its new EA Sports FC franchise, Madden NFL 24 offers several improvements. FieldSENSE returns for added realism and control; the AI is smarter and more reactive; Franchise Mode features Free Agency changes and new commissioner tools; and new modes like 3v3 Superstar Showdown promise some unique experiences. Launching on August 18th, Madden NFL 24 will be available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC with cross-play support.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk

Lethal League developer Team Reptile presents a spiritual successor to Sega’s Jet Set Radio – Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. As Red, players join the Bomb Rush Crew and compete against rival crews for turf, tagging spots and earning REP while executing all kinds of tricks, whether it’s inline skating, skateboarding or BMX. Police forces will try to stop you, and new members join the crew, backed by the tunes of Jet Set Radio composer Hideki Naganuma. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk arrives on August 18th for PC and Nintendo Switch.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Based on the 1974 classic, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a new asymmetrical multiplayer title, which previously published Friday the 13th: The Game. Releasing on August 18th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC, it sees Ana Flores, Julie Crawford, Connie Taylor, Sonny Williams and Leland McKinney searching for Ana’s sister Maria.

Of course, the Slaughter family, including The Hitchhiker, The Cook and good ol’ Leatherface aren’t keen on letting them escape. The victims must use stealth and complete objectives to escape while the killers stop them. It’s pretty straightforward and backed by plenty of realistic kills.

Fort Solis

This cinematic sci-fi adventure game from Black Drakkar Games and Fallen Leaf is unique in its immersion. There are no camera cuts, loading times or a HUD, and its story is composed of four chapters with an all-star cast featuring Roger Clark (of Red Dead Redemption 2 fame), Troy Baker (The Last of Us) and Julia Brown (World on Fire). As engineer Jack Leary, players venture to the titular Fort Solis for a routine inspection and find the crew missing. Strange events begin to occur, pushing Leary to the brink. Fort Solis launches on August 22nd for PS5 and PC.

Immortals of Aveum

Ascendant Studios’ magic-based first-person shooter has been five years in the making, utilizing Unreal Engine 5.1 for its stunning visuals and Michael Kirkbride of The Elder Scrolls fame to help craft its narrative. Set in the world of Aveum, with Lucium and Rasharm at constant war, players control Jak, a recruit in the Order of the Immortals who looks to take down the big bad Sandrakk.

As a Triarch, Jak can utilize all three Colors of magic in devastating ways. With several different spells and talents, tons of gear pieces, and a meaty campaign with plenty of side content, Immortals of Aveum could be a dark horse in a jam-packed month. It releases on August 22nd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

FromSoftware’s latest entry in the mech combat series begins with a clean slate, taking players to Rubicon 3, where megacorporations and factions battle over a precious resource Coral. As a mercenary pilot, you pilot a fully customizable Armored Core, utilizing different long-range and melee weapons while battling all manner of mechanized opposition in fast-paced combat.

Larger environments, seamless switching between projectiles and melee attacks, a new stagger mechanic, multiple endings and more await fans along with the return of the Arena when Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon arrives on August 25th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

It’s hard to keep a band of heroes down, especially the Heroes of Trine. Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief, and Pontius the Knight embark on a new adventure to battle the Clockwork army. As a 2.5D action-puzzle platformer with co-op support, players must use each character’s skills to traverse environments in unique ways (like using Pontius’s shield to skate across water).

A new combat system and bosses, more variety with skill quests, and an adaptive difficulty to encourage replay value await fans when Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy launches on August 31st for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

RIDE 5

If you’ve looked upon The Crew Motorfest or Forza Motorsport and wanted something more bike-oriented, RIDE 5 may be worth checking out. The latest in Milestone S.r.l.’s motorcycle sim franchise features over 35 tracks and 200 bikes to ride. This year’s Career Mode sees players working through various Rivals to make a name for themselves, braving the dynamic weather to succeed.

Along with extensive motorcycle customization, the Race Creator lets you shape custom tracks and scenarios while riding aids help ease newcomers into the experience. RIDE 5 is out on August 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle

As the sequel to Invader Studios’ Resident Evil-inspired Daymare 1998, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is a prequel with new characters, improved visuals and a revamped UI. It also features dismemberment, a la Dead Space, and a scanner for revealing items and puzzles in the environment. While it won’t compete with Dead Space Remake, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle may be an enjoyable blast from the past for fans of 90s survival horror when it releases on August 30th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

RIDE games have tended to pride themselves on their authentic visuals and the attention to detail they exhibit in the rides themselves, and that’s all plain to see in the footage shown off for RIDE 5 as well. The trailer also briefly talks about the game’s customization options, before talking about its new, dynamic weather system and how that will challenge players to change their strategies on the fly, based on the conditions at hand.

The trailer also talks about RIDE 5’s new user interface, its enhanced neural AI, the assists that will be available to players, before going on to detail the game modes on offer, including Career mode (which introduces AI-controlled Rivals), Endurance Races (which will now include mid-race saves and a rewind feature), and the all new Race Creator mode. Check out the trailer below for more details.

RIDE 5 launches on August 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.