Lets face it: getting on a motorcycle whilst the winter pummels the roads into a frosty submission isnt something most Britons would consider. Many prefer the warmth and convenience of the car with its comfortable seating, controllable heating and your choice of entertainment. Luckily though, if youre still yearning to hit the road on two wheels this month, there's the option to simply stay indoors and enjoy careening around on two-wheels via a controller instead. Motorcycling has a venerable history in video games from early arcade racers through to the growth of more simulation-style video games and although never a genre to burn brightly alongside Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo, still carves its own niche with on-road and off-road games. From classic arcade racers to stunt riding and significant simulators of the 2000s, there's a wealth of retro racers alongside more modern serious racing experiences you can relive to feel the thrill of the road. Whats more, a significant number can be picked up cheap as chips, too, as the best seem to have been released between 1985 and 2006. Here's the biggest and best you need to find again...
7. Hang-On 1985 (Arcade/Sega Mega Drive)
Blistering speed! Road signs a-blur! Chasing the white lines of the road, weaving and darting with the agility of a frantic cat after a favourite toy; this is perhaps the finest and earliest incarnation of motorcycle street racing on the list, and was best enjoyed using the arcade cabinet. You could test your theoretical knee-skimming abilities without endangering your actual kneecaps by leaning on the ridiculously sublime and yet utterly loveable giant plastic motorbike. The road would spaghetti itself all over the place and your eyes followed, occasionally roving over the screen to scan a passing advertisement. Then, blam, eradicated by an unseen passing car because you were too busy ogling the signage. Just like the risks of real life. Ne'er fear! Climb atop your bike once more, injury free, and race on towards that beautiful SEGA horizon. This really should have made as a secret unlockable bonus in the equally lovely Outrun 2. Yu if youre reading get in touch with SEGA and build it into the forthcoming Shenmue III post-haste.
Bryan Langley’s first console was the Super Nintendo and he hasn’t stopped using his opposable thumbs since. He is based in Bristol, UK and is still searchin' for them glory days he never had.
