Mountain Bike Games: A Fun and Healthy Way to Enjoy Cycling
If you love cycling but can't always hit the trails due to bad weather, lack of time, or other reasons, then mountain bike games might be the perfect solution for you. Mountain bike games are virtual simulations of riding a bike on off-road terrain, where you can race, jump, slide, and perform tricks on your screen. They are not only fun and exciting, but also beneficial for your health, skills, and motivation. In this article, we will explore what mountain bike games are, how they work, what their benefits are, and what are the best ones to play in 2022.
What are mountain bike games and how do they work?
Mountain bike games are video games that recreate the experience of cycling on mountainous or hilly terrain using a specialized bicycle. They can be played on various platforms and devices, such as computers, consoles, smartphones, tablets, or virtual reality headsets. Some of them require a compatible bike trainer or sensors to connect your real bike to the game, while others can be played with a keyboard, mouse, controller, or touchscreen.
mountain bike games
The history and evolution of mountain bike games
Mountain bike games have been around since the late 1980s, when the first titles such as BMX Simulator (1986) and Paperboy (1988) were released. However, they became more popular and realistic in the 1990s and 2000s, with games like Downhill Domination (2003), which featured licensed riders, bikes, and tracks; MTX Mototrax (2004), which introduced freeride and online modes; and Trials HD (2009), which added physics-based gameplay and user-generated content.
Mountain bike games reached a new level of recognition when they became an Olympic discipline in 1996 at the Atlanta Games. Since then, many games have tried to capture the thrill and challenge of cross-country racing, such as Cycling Manager (2001), Pro Cycling Manager (2005), and Tour de France (2011).
In recent years, mountain bike games have become more diverse and immersive, thanks to advances in graphics, sound, physics, and artificial intelligence. Some of the most notable examples are Descenders (2019), which features procedurally generated worlds and rogue-like elements; Shred! 2 (2018), which stars professional rider Sam Pilgrim and allows you to perform insane stunts; and Lonely Mountains: Downhill (2019), which offers a relaxing and scenic ride through nature.
The types and features of mountain bike games
Mountain bike games can be classified into different types according to their gameplay style, focus, and genre. Some of the most common types are:
Downhill racing: These games emphasize speed, adrenaline, and risk-taking as you race down steep slopes against other riders or the clock. They often feature realistic graphics, physics, and damage systems that make you feel every bump, jump, and crash. Examples include Descenders, Downhill Domination, MTB Downhill Simulator.
User-generated content and modding: These features allow you to create your own content and share it with other players, such as tracks, bikes, riders, or scenarios. You can also modify the existing content and gameplay to suit your preferences and style. Examples include Trials HD, Descenders, Lonely Mountains: Downhill.
Virtual reality and motion control: These features allow you to experience the game in a more immersive and realistic way, using a VR headset or a motion controller. You can feel like you are actually riding a bike in the game world, with 360-degree vision and feedback. Examples include VR Bike, Down the Mountain VR, MTB Freeride VR.
What are the benefits of playing mountain bike games?
Playing mountain bike games is not only fun, but also good for you in many ways. Here are some of the benefits of playing mountain bike games:
They improve your fitness and cardiovascular health
Mountain bike games can help you burn calories, improve your heart rate, and strengthen your muscles. They can also improve your coordination, balance, and reflexes. Some games require you to use a real bike and a trainer or sensors to connect to the game, which makes the exercise more effective and realistic. Even if you use a keyboard, mouse, controller, or touchscreen, you can still get a good workout by moving your body and engaging your core.
They enhance your skills and confidence on the trails
Mountain bike games can help you learn new skills and techniques that you can apply on the real trails. They can also help you overcome your fears and challenges that you might face on the trails, such as steep drops, sharp turns, or obstacles. By playing mountain bike games, you can practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment, without risking injury or damage to your bike. You can also improve your confidence and self-esteem by completing goals, earning rewards, and competing with other players.
Descenders: extreme downhill freeriding game
Shred! 2: stunt bike game featuring Sam Pilgrim
Lonely Mountains: Downhill: minimalist mountain biking game
Downhill Domination: classic PS2 mountain bike racing game
Zwift: online cycling and running game
Riders Republic: massive multiplayer outdoor sports game
Mountain Bike Xtreme: realistic mountain bike simulator
Pumped BMX Pro: arcade-style BMX trick game
Bike Unchained 2: downhill and slopestyle mountain bike game
MTB Freeride 2: first-person mountain bike game
Bike Mayhem Mountain Racing: downhill racing and trick game
Stickman Downhill Motocross: side-scrolling bike game with stickman characters
Bike Blast: endless runner bike game
Moto X3M Bike Race Game: physics-based bike racing game
Bike Race Free: multiplayer bike racing game
Dirt Bike Unchained: off-road motorcycle racing game
Mad Skills BMX 2: side-scrolling BMX racing game
Bike Baron 2: platformer bike game with level editor
Trail Boss BMX: 3D BMX adventure game
Touchgrind BMX 2: finger-controlled BMX game
Bike Stunt 3D: extreme bike stunt game
MTB Hill Bike Rider: downhill mountain bike game with realistic physics
MTB DownHill: Multiplayer: online mountain bike game with various modes and maps
Real MTB Downhill 3D: challenging mountain bike game with realistic graphics and physics
MTB Project: mountain biking trail guide and navigation app
Trailforks: mountain bike trail database and map app
Strava: fitness tracking app for cyclists and runners
Komoot: cycling and hiking route planner app
REI Co-op National Parks Guide: app for exploring national parks by bike or foot
AllTrails: app for finding hiking and biking trails near you
Mountain Biking UK Magazine: magazine for mountain bike enthusiasts
Dirt Rag Magazine: magazine for mountain bikers of all styles and levels
Mountain Bike Action Magazine: magazine for mountain bike news, reviews, and tips
Pinkbike.com: website for mountain bike news, videos, and community
Vital MTB.com: website for mountain bike reviews, ratings, and videos
Singletracks.com: website for mountain bike trails, gear, and news
IMBA.com: website for International Mountain Bicycling Association, a non-profit organization that advocates for trail access and conservation
MTBR.com: website for mountain bike reviews, forums, and classifieds
Bikerumor.com: website for cycling news, rumors, and reviews
Cyclingnews.com: website for cycling news, results, and live coverage
Mountain Bike Skills Course: online course for learning and improving mountain bike skills
Mountain Bike Maintenance Course: online course for learning how to maintain and repair your mountain bike
Mountain Bike Training Program: online program for improving your fitness and performance on the bike
Mountain Bike Coaching Service: online service for getting personalized coaching and feedback from a professional mountain bike coach
Mountain Bike Podcast: podcast for mountain bikers of all levels and interests
The Singletrack Sampler YouTube Channel: YouTube channel for mountain biking adventures, tips, and reviews by Alex Chamberlin
Seth's Bike Hacks YouTube Channel: YouTube channel for mountain biking hacks, experiments, and fun by Seth Alvo
BKXC YouTube Channel: YouTube channel for mountain biking trails around the world by Brian Kennedy
They provide entertainment and challenge for all levels of riders
Mountain bike games can cater to different levels of riders, from beginners to experts. They can also offer different modes of gameplay, from casual to hardcore. You can choose the game that suits your skill level, interest, and mood. You can also customize your bike and rider to match your personality and style. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the scenery, or push yourself to the limit and test your skills, there is a mountain bike game for you.
What are the best mountain bike games to play in 2022?
There are many mountain bike games available on the market, but some of them stand out from the rest. Here are some of the best mountain bike games to play in 2022:
Descenders: A realistic and thrilling downhill racing game
Descenders is a fast-paced downhill racing game that features procedurally generated worlds, rogue-like elements, and realistic physics. You can choose from four teams with different styles and goals: Enemy (stunts), Arboreal (off-road), Kinetic (speed), or Special (bonus). You can also customize your bike and rider with various items and accessories. The game has a career mode where you have to complete various objectives and challenges while avoiding losing all your lives. The game also has a multiplayer mode where you can race or freeride with other players online.
Descenders is available on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android.
Shred! 2: A stunt-filled and action-packed game featuring Sam Pilgrim
Shred! 2 is a stunt-based game that features professional rider Sam Pilgrim and his signature tricks. You can ride through over 40 levels across different locations around the world , such as Whistler Bike Park, the Grand Canyon, and the Alps. You can perform over 720 tricks and combos, from flips and spins to tailwhips and grinds. You can also create your own levels and share them with other players. The game has a realistic physics engine, dynamic camera angles, and stunning graphics that make you feel like you are riding with Sam Pilgrim.
Shred! 2 is available on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android.
Lonely Mountains: Downhill: A relaxing and scenic game with beautiful landscapes
Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a minimalist game that lets you ride through four mountain ranges with 16 trails. You can explore the mountains at your own pace, or try to beat the time and score challenges. You can also unlock new bikes and outfits as you progress. The game has a low-poly art style, soothing music, and ambient sounds that create a relaxing and immersive atmosphere. The game also has a night mode where you can ride under the stars and a photo mode where you can capture your best moments.
Lonely Mountains: Downhill is available on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch.
How to get started with mountain bike games?
If you are new to mountain bike games, here are some tips on how to get started:
Choose a suitable bike and trainer for your setup
If you want to use a real bike and a trainer or sensors to connect to the game, you need to choose a bike that is compatible with your device and game. You also need to choose a trainer that is stable, smooth, and responsive. Some of the most popular trainers are Wahoo Kickr, Tacx Neo, Elite Direto, and Kinetic Rock and Roll. You also need to install the software or app that connects your bike and trainer to the game.
Experiment with different camera angles and controls
If you want to use a keyboard, mouse, controller, or touchscreen to play the game, you need to find the camera angle and control scheme that works best for you. Some games offer different camera options, such as first-person, third-person, or top-down. Some games also offer different control options, such as buttons, joysticks, or gestures. You can try different combinations and see what feels more comfortable and natural for you.
Learn the basics of pumping, counter-pumping, and tricks
One of the most important skills in mountain bike games is pumping, which is the act of using your body weight and momentum to gain speed and control on the trails. To pump effectively, you need to push down on the pedals when going downhill or over bumps, and pull up on the pedals when going uphill or over dips. Counter-pumping is the opposite of pumping, which is used to slow down or brake on the trails. To counter-pump effectively , you need to push up on the pedals when going downhill or over bumps, and pull down on the pedals when going uphill or over dips. Tricks are the moves that you can perform in the air or on the ground, such as flips, spins, wheelies, manuals, or grinds. To perform tricks effectively, you need to use the right combination of buttons, joysticks, or gestures, and time them well with your speed and direction.
Practice on different terrains and difficulty levels
Another important skill in mountain bike games is adapting to different terrains and difficulty levels. Different terrains have different features, such as rocks, trees, mud, water, or ramps, that affect your speed, traction, and stability. Different difficulty levels have different challenges, such as obstacles, gaps, or enemies, that test your skills and reflexes. To master different terrains and difficulty levels, you need to practice on them and learn their patterns and secrets. You can also use the tutorial or training modes that some games offer to improve your skills.
Conclusion
Mountain bike games are a fun and healthy way to enjoy cycling without leaving your home. They can improve your fitness, skills, confidence, and motivation. They can also provide entertainment and challenge for all levels of riders. There are many types and features of mountain bike games to choose from, such as downhill racing, freeride and stunt, cross-country and simulation, multiplayer and online modes, user-generated content and modding, virtual reality and motion control. Some of the best mountain bike games to play in 2022 are Descenders, Shred! 2, and Lonely Mountains: Downhill. To get started with mountain bike games, you need to choose a suitable bike and trainer for your setup, experiment with different camera angles and controls, learn the basics of pumping , counter-pumping, and tricks, and practice on different terrains and difficulty levels. We hope this article has given you some useful information and inspiration to try out mountain bike games. Happy riding!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about mountain bike games:
Question
Answer
What is the difference between mountain bike games and BMX games?
Mountain bike games are games that simulate riding a bike on off-road terrain, such as mountains, hills, or forests. BMX games are games that simulate riding a bike on urban terrain, such as streets, parks, or ramps. Mountain bike games usually focus on speed, racing, and downhill, while BMX games usually focus on stunts, tricks, and freestyle.
What are some of the best mountain bike movies or documentaries to watch?
Some of the best mountain bike movies or documentaries to watch are Life Cycles (2010), which showcases the beauty and diversity of cycling; The Collective (2004), which features some of the most talented riders and stunning locations; UnReal (2015), which blends reality and fantasy in a surreal adventure; and The Moment (2017), which tells the story of the birth and evolution of freeride mountain biking.
What are some of the best mountain bike magazines or websites to read?
Some of the best mountain bike magazines or websites to read are Bike Magazine, which covers all aspects of mountain biking culture and lifestyle; Pinkbike, which is the largest online community and news source for mountain biking; Dirt Mountain Bike, which focuses on downhill, enduro, and trail riding; and Singletracks, which offers reviews, guides, and maps for mountain biking trails.
What are some of the best mountain bike accessories or gadgets to have?
Some of the best mountain bike accessories or gadgets to have are a helmet, which protects your head from injuries; a GPS device or app, which helps you navigate and track your rides; a camera or GoPro, which captures your rides and memories; a multi-tool, which helps you fix minor issues on your bike; and a hydration pack, which keeps you hydrated and carries your essentials.
What are some of the best mountain bike destinations or trails to visit?Some of the best mountain bike destinations or trails to visit are Whistler, Canada, which is the mecca of mountain biking and hosts the famous Crankworx festival; Moab, Utah, USA, which is the home of the iconic Slickrock Trail and other epic rides; Finale Ligure, Italy, which is a seaside paradise with diverse and challenging trails; and Rotorua, New Zealand, which is a volcanic wonderland with lush forests and geothermal features.
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