Motorcycle sim TrackDayR adds enhanced trick controls and arena tracks

It’s been a while since we covered TracDayR in any detail, but the MadCow-developed motorcycle sim has continued developing into an all-encompassing two-wheel experience.

Not only have more bikes and tracks been added since our previous look at the game last year, but the Italian studio has also added a whole new mode: downhill mountain biking.

If that sounds unhinged, then you’d be correct, but in an entertaining way.

Regardless, the game’s latest update is grounded more in reality…  Actually, when I say grounded…

Better trick controls and trick-focused mode

The trick system in TrackDayR has been overhauled, with a simplified control system. Players now have to hold LB (or L1 on PlayStation controllers), with combinations on the right stick used to initiate a range of spectacular supercross-style jumps, grabs and other acrobatic moves.

The revised trick system has also led to the creation of a Freestyle Motocross (FMX) mode, where players receive points based on their in-air prowess.

New arena tracks

Fortunately, two new FMX-focused tracks have been added to the game to make the most of the new mode, named ‘T-Games Stadium’ and ‘T-Fhighter.’

As ever, the locations are based on real-world venues, with T-Games Stadium a facsimile of a typical X Games arena, where big ramps equal big air for FMX competitors. 

More interestingly, the other arena is heavily based on the historic Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, made famous by the Red Bull X-Fighters stunt competition. 

The track, a literal bull ring transformed into a freestyle rider’s dream, is still used as a traditional bullfighting venue today, replete with baying capacity crowds. A full-time switch to motorcycles would be more entertaining in my opinion.

Reworked Hell of Sand circuit

The update also sees the ‘Hell of Sand’ track receive some attention with a re-jigged layout available to try. MadCow also highlighted its continued work on TrackDayR’s physics, explaining its use of kinematic steering to provide an authentic two-wheel experience.

The system, which simulates how a motorcycle’s geometry dictates its cornering behaviour, is much more complicated than typical bike games, which often rely on technology designed for car-based titles.

No doubt we’ll see more of this as TrackDayR continues to develop.

Are you looking forward to grabbing some mad air in TrackDayR’s new update? Let us know in the comments below.