Spectrum: Winter is fast approaching and of course - with the right equipment, cycling can be fun even in difficult conditions. But to be honest: every now and then you prefer to stay in your warm, dry four walls. If you don't want to sit on the roller, but still want to have a little bike or biking feeling, you can use video games for mobile phones, tablets, PCs or consoles. We played a little test and tell you which games are worthwhile.
mobile phone / tablet
Tour de France 2016
Platform: iOS / Android
Price: € 3,99
Download: iTunes Store / Google Play Store
The official Tour de France game for mobile phones and tablets is similar to the well-known and popular PC / Mac game Pro Cycling Manager in terms of its gameplay. You manage and lead a team and give the appropriate instructions during the races. When to attack, when to speed up, when to hold back? The graphics are probably more functional, but the game should also work properly on older devices.
Bike Unchained
Platform: iOS / Android
Price: Free (in-app purchases)
Download: iTunes Store / Google Play Store
About a year ago, Red Bull released Bike Unchained, which is probably one of the best bike games for mobile phones and tablets. It is aimed more at MTB freaks, but those who otherwise feel more at home on narrow tires should have a lot of fun with the free game. The graphics are nice, the career mode keeps the motivation high for a longer time. That's fun!
Shred! Extreme mountain biking
Platform: iOS / Android / Windows Phone
Price: Free (iOS / Android) / €1,49 (Windows Phone)
Download: iTunes Store / Google Play Store / Windows Store
Another downhill game. Shred! Extreme Mountain Biking has been around for a while longer than its Red Bull counterpart, but it's very similar in gameplay. You try to reach the finish line as spectacularly and without falling as possible. Also the only bike game we could find for Windows Phone devices.
PC
For Cycling Manager 2016
Platform: PC
Price: € 29,99
The Pro Cycling Manager is one of THE evergreens among the rare genre of cycling video games. You take over one of the WorldTour teams (with original jerseys and names, by the way) and lead it through the season. Sponsorship contracts are just as important as training planning and tactics during the race. The training is a bit dry and tedious, but Pro Cycling Manager is the game for cycling fans.
MTB free ride
Platform: PC
Price: Free
Download
MTB Freeride is an indie game about throwing your big bike down spectacular mountains and trails on an open map. The graphics are quite good, the low system requirements allow the game to run smoothly even on older computers. The controls take some getting used to, but once you get used to them, MTB freeride is a lot of fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzBab2CSzOY
consoles
Tour de France 2016
Platform: PS4 / Xbox One
Price: € 29,99
Tour de France 2016 is the official console game for the Tour de France, but the name is a bit misleading: Contrary to the title, the entire WorldTour season with all races can be replayed here. The game comes from the same developer as the Pro Cycling Manager and also resembles it in a certain way. In contrast to the PC counterpart, however, the manager part is omitted on the console and the main thing is to make the right decisions for your team during the race.
Pumped BMX +
Platform: PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Wii U
Price: € 9,99
Pumped BMX+ might scare some people off with its very simple and brightly colored graphics, but there is a really fun game behind it. It's reminiscent of the blockbuster 'Trials' – you control your rider on BMX courses and not only have to time jumps and landings correctly, but also throw in the appropriate tricks and flying inserts. It's a lot of fun - if you're a Playstation Plus member, you get the game for free.