Top Computer Games For Bikers

Biking is a hobby that lends itself perfectly to video games. It’s fast, it’s cool, it’s something not everyone gets a chance to do, and it’s something that has always featured prominently in films. As such then, it should come as no surprise that many of the best computer games feature motorbikes heavily – and not just the games about scrambling or motocross.

But just because there are lots of games out there with motorbikes featured heavily doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re always going to be any good. Here we will look at the best motorbike games that are truly worth seeking out so that you can really enjoy the experience of riding without necessarily having to leave the house.

Shenmue

Shenmue is a classic game that has a true cult following among SEGA fans from the Dreamcast era. The game pits you as ‘Ryu’ wh is on a quest to avenge his Father. With a similar fighting mechanic to Virtua Fighter and a huge open world to explore already, SEGA decided that what the game needed to be complete was a slew of motorcycle challenges towards the end and a sub plot about a gang of bikers. Strange maybe, but brilliantly executed and a fantastic climax to a superb game.

Mario Kart Wii

It would be remiss to leave out the Wii and it’s awesome motion-control, and when it comes to Nintendo racing games there’s one that stands head and shoulders above the rest: Mario Kart. While it may not be the most life-like experience for motorcycle aficionados, Mario Kart is certainly one of the most fun and actually has a few bike-like vehicles to choose from.

GTA 3

Any of the GTAs could go here, but I still think that the original (original 3D version that is) is the best. And what’s more, you can now play the classic game in all its 3D glory on a smartphone on the tube. Again, not the most realistic bike experience but certainly a fun one. Who hasn’t imagined that they could do whatever they wanted with their bike – like say, see if you could use that other car as a ramp and jump up onto that bridge? Then blow the thing up…

Headhunter

Another classic Sega Dreamcast game, another cool hero on a motorcycle. It seems that Sega has something of an infatuation with bikers and why not? This time though the motorcycle

Excitebike 64

This is a classic Nintendo game that launched on the NES, remade for N64 and more recently the 3DS. Pull off cool stunts, drive around dirt tracks and generally… be exciting on a bike…

Joe Danger

A more recent entry for stunt fans. Joe Danger features great cartoon visuals and combines this with some spectacular stunts with addictive gameplay and tight controls. Again, it’s not exactly a simulation of the real thing, but it’s sure a lot of good fun!

MotoGP’07

If it’s realism you’re looking for and awesome speed then/graphics then the MotoGP is the place to go. One of the best motocross simulations on a gaming console and perfect for true motorheads who want to have an authentic experience and imagine that they are taking part in their favourite sport.

And of course there are many other ways that bikers can get their fill of speed and metal by playing computer games too. Stopping off at the local arcade for instance will allow you to sample a whole range of biking games that can be controlled by actually tilting on large plastic bikes – which are a lot of fun. Simulators also offer a unique experience for bike-lovers, giving you a change to not just watch the world rush past, but also feel the twists and turns as you’re thrown around in time with the movements on the screen. At the other end of the spectrum though there are also countless different throwaway mobile games you can enjoy on the move – the best of which take advantage of the motion sensors in your phones to allow tilt controls.

Likewise, bikers can also get a good amount of speed from games that don’t involve bikes at all. From the Wipeout games to the Sonic games, there are plenty of challenges on games consoles that involve speed heavily and all of them are worth seeking out.

There are plenty of great experiences to be had then if you’re willing to look for them, and plenty of ways to enjoy biking without the bike. And some of them aren’t even motorcycle games…

The author of this post, Miley Stevens, works for Pit Stop Parts and Apparel in Australia. She is an enthusiastic lady and she is ever ready to face and overcome any sort of challenge that comes her way.