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Riders Republic bursts onto the scene with the same over-the-top energy that characterizes many “A Ubisoft Original” titles. Developed by nearly 10 studios, this open-world extreme sports game overflows with content, offering a dizzying array of activities that can feel almost overwhelming. Echoing the spirit of its predecessor, Steep, Riders Republic expands on the formula with even more freedom, variety, and exhilarating gameplay. However, it also carries some familiar Ubisoft baggage.

Navigating the Republic’s Rough Terrain

Tutorial Frustrations

A Lengthy Onboarding

What draws you to extreme sports? The adrenaline rush of hurtling down a mountain at 90 mph? The wind whipping through your hair as you wingsuit through canyons? Riders Republic delivers all of this, but only after enduring a tutorial that stretches to a painful three hours when 30 minutes would have sufficed. Like many sports games, Riders Republic features characters and radio chatter that try too hard to be “hip” and “relevant,” resulting in dialogue that’s more cringeworthy than cool. These forced interactions frequently interrupt gameplay, locking you in place while characters ramble on, a frustrating roadblock to the open-world freedom the game promises.

Always-Online Requirement

Another significant hurdle is the always-online requirement. Players in areas with poor internet connectivity are effectively locked out of the core experience. The only offline option, Zen Mode, offers a taste of free roam, allowing you to explore the map and choose your preferred sport. However, it lacks any races, challenges, or even a photo mode, leaving you to wander a silent, empty world.

Gear Grind and Microtransactions

Annoying CharactersUnsurprisingly, Riders Republic incorporates a loot system. While it lacks The Crew 2‘s colorful car parts, the functional differences between bikes and wingsuits are minimal, boiling down to choosing the highest stats. Character customization offers more creativity, with a variety of outfits reflecting the game’s rebellious spirit. However, many of these are locked behind sponsor challenges or, more frustratingly, a microtransaction store with rotating daily items purchasable with premium currency. While some items can be earned with in-game currency, they are often exorbitantly priced.

Soaring to New Heights

Freedom of Exploration

Unleashing the Open World

If you enjoyed Steep, there’s a good chance you’ll love Riders Republic. Once you escape the tutorial’s clutches, the game truly opens up, offering a sense of unbridled freedom. You can ignore sponsors and online activities, focusing on the events you enjoy. New activities unlock naturally as you progress, making for a seamless and enjoyable, if not perfectly intuitive, experience.

Seamless Sport Switching

Borrowing from The Crew 2, Riders Republic allows instant switching between sports, creating some truly spectacular moments. As you launch off a ramp, a quick button press deploys your wingsuit, letting you glide effortlessly across the landscape. This fluidity extends to the control scheme, which offers three options, catering to different playstyles. Whether emulating Steep‘s controls, mapping tricks to analog sticks, or using a more traditional button layout, the game prioritizes speed and style over pinpoint precision.

Seamless Transitions

A Playground for All Skill Levels

This accessibility doesn’t mean Riders Republic lacks challenge. The game rewards stylish landings and only penalizes truly disastrous crashes, similar to Forza Horizon. However, “Trial of Giants,” a challenging bike obstacle course, demands precision and skill. The game caters to various playstyles, offering everything from free-style trick events to intense races. Wingsuiting, in particular, stands out, requiring skillful navigation through canyons and tight turns. Rocket wingsuiting ramps up the difficulty with strategically placed checkpoints that demand precise control.

A Vibrant and Chaotic World

The world of Riders Republic feels far more alive and dynamic than Steep‘s, thanks to the constant presence of other players, even in free roam. Encountering a fellow rider in a panda suit careening down a hillside while you cling precariously to a cliff edge is a common occurrence. For those seeking social interaction, the 64-player races offer a chaotic, if sometimes frustrating, experience due to player collisions.

Seamless Transitions

Conclusion: A Republic Worth Visiting

Despite its flaws, Riders Republic’s breathtaking open world, diverse activities, and sheer sense of freedom make it a compelling extreme sports experience. The stunning visuals and exhilarating gameplay provide ample opportunities for exploration and self-expression. While the lengthy tutorial, always-online requirement, and microtransactions detract from the overall experience, Riders Republic ultimately delivers a thrilling and rewarding playground for adrenaline junkies.