TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 takes your motorcycling skills to the extreme. Take part in arguably the most dangerous race in the world, the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man.
Isle of man
TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 is a game based on a single race event. A choice that feels somewhat risky. Granted the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is known in the motorcycle community as being one of the most dangerous and therefore famous races out there. For those in the unknown, Tourist Trophy Isle of Man is a multi-day motorcycle event on the narrow streets of the Isle of Man. The British island is known for its idyllic scenery and long stretched roads. These roads are pretty narrow and traversing them with a monster of a machine between your legs is almost death-defying.
New and improved
TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 is more or less the same game as its predecessor but with a big upgrade. The event itself looks very realistic and less chunky than the first game. The extra races you can compete in before you tackle the actual event look way less bland than before. Previously these tracks felt like ordinary fillers to beef up the game and justify the price. Now it actually feels like part of the full experience (as it should be). The motorcycles all look extremely detailed to the point it almost felt like a real image as opposed to a digital representation.
Extreme realistic controls
Just like the previous game in the series, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 has extreme realistic controls. In essence, this means you’ll start out the game by falling and crashing a lot if you’re only used to more arcade type of racers. Controlling a bike in real life is not easy. I can only imagine controlling a superbike like the ones you use in the game are near impossible to control for someone uninitiated like me. Practicing on something as realistic as TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge might be the safest route to take. I fell about 50 times (there was even an Xbox achievement unlocked) in the first 15 minutes with the game.
Despite the controls being very realistic and thus very demanding, you can customize the way your bike controls in every way you want. Choosing to control your rear and front brakes individually and to shift manually all help to make this as realistic as possible but in the end, proofed way too hard for me. Changing these settings didn’t quite make me a smooth motorcyclist either but at least I had a chance. Anything like remotely hitting a pebble can throw you off balance which means you’ll constantly be on the edge with every turn. Taking the optimal route (which can be highlighted on the road) will be key to your success.
Road to TT Isle of Man
With single races, free roam and multiplayer options available, you’ll have plenty to do but the career mode is where the game really shines. In career mode, you take part in all sorts of events with the intent of getting an invitation to the TT Isle of Man. Performing well in the year leading up to the next TT Isle of Man will grant you all sorts of bonuses which can be used to have an edge on the next race. The company you choose to race for will have some demands too but overall you can choose your own path. Some races will grant you more perks and traits than others but will obviously be harder too.
Conclusion
With perseverance, you can get good at TT Isle of Man: Road to the Edge 2, but only the true road hogs will go through this much trouble. This game is for those who want a realistic representation of how a superbike controls. For its intent, this game is really good but feels way above my head.
