TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 Review (PS5): Threading the Needle

The TT Isle of Man offers the most challenging racing experience across all racing games. The game is based on the Tourist Trophy in Isle of Man. Like being the most brutal and nerve-wracking race in real life, the game has been perfected to reproduce a similar experience. 

Developed by Lunar Great Wall Studios, Nacon Studio Milan S.R.L. and Published by Nacon, you can right now play TT Isle of Man: Ride on The Edge 3 on the PC, PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. 

Let’s dive into our TT Isle of Man Ride on The Edge 3 Review.

Simulation Perfect

The game developers claim that the many upcoming racers in the tournament play the game to familiarise themselves with the track. The 60km+ way has been carefully assessed along with multiple POIs and bends destined to provide a precise virtual tournament experience. The scenic routes and accurate bends with elevation make the tournament format one of the hardest. This, in turn, would be tough for anyone unfamiliar with the game or design.

The physics of the vehicle is one of the most well-detailed across all bike-based video games available. From particular details on controlling the ABS, TCS, AWS, etc., to understanding the tires’ health as per the remaining length of the race, the game takes the simulation experience seriously. Apart from the bike, you also get to choose from real teams and riders, along with a long list of superbikes you can choose from. This detail explicitly encourages players to pick racers and groups they support and are familiar with.

The game also allows you to utilize the multiple-camera setup. You can stick with the 3rd person chase cam, but if you want to take the experience up a notch, you can also choose the first-person experience. The first-person camera also allows you to cycle between an inside helmet and an outside helmet POV, and we are thrilled by the added detail.

As for the sessions, the game does offer multiplayer support, but across my multiple play sessions, I had never found a lobby that I could join. I felt sad that I couldn’t have the adrenaline rush of racing against real players, but the game seemed dedicated to a niche audience. You can choose from multiple practice and qualifying races for the primary campaign, similar to the actual event. Once you overcome the three primary objectives, you start your journey in the main event.

The learning part, however, is still the hardest and familiarity with the track is essential. It took me almost 26 minutes to do my first-ever lap around the map, with more falls than the minutes themselves. The correction space is practically minimal. Hence, each of our actions has to be implemented in the effort before the actual turn with the correct amount of recovery and speed so that you can maintain course without crashing. For every turn you slow down that you’re supposed to, you lose seconds that are hard to recover, and for every mistake that leads to a crash, you lose seconds that are permanently irrecoverable.

A Dated Environment

The game looks fantastic when cruising at 250kmph, with everything in a blur, and you’re desperately looking out for the next turn. The volumetric lighting could do better with modern graphics capabilities. The contrast is washed out in certain places, and the overall environment looks and feels like an old golf game.

The character and the bike are pretty accurately modelled and designed along with the physics, but the problem is everything apart from that. Starting from the NPCs, they are intended to follow a loop of animations, with a design suitable for someone standing kilometres away. But up close, they feel like lifeless PS2 characters. The marshalls are always on duty but never interfere, or the crowd cheering would stay the same should you crash next to them.

However, if your primary focus is racing, these external factors will not bother you. During races against other AI enemies, the rush is on the clouds. Since the roads are already highly narrow, imagine having to cruise through other players while making sure you don’t bump into them, all at a rocket speed of 200+KMPH on all stretches. Even one small mistake can eliminate your chances of winning.

At last, the game during rain may not look the best as per many standard games, but it elevates the experience it offers visually and with the bike reacting to the now more slippery roads.

Verdict

TT Isle of Man: Ride on The Edge 3 is a nerve-wracking high-speed, precision-based superbike racing game set on the actual tournaments of Traveller trophy at the Isle of Man. The accuracy of the physics and the newly introduced teams and liveries are a plus, but the disappointing graphics and lack of more content take a few points away.

Final Rating: 70/100