Milestone has dropped a welcome surprise for all motorbike racing fans
Yes, you read that right; SBK, the SuperBike World Championship racing series, is making a return later this year. With so much recent gaming news, you may have missed this wonderful nugget of information and the recent trailer from developer Milestone SRL.
Given the close ties developer Milestone has with MotoGP and its long-running series of games, it is possible that this could just be a reskinning of the latest MotoGP game, evidenced by the inclusion of the A.N.N.A Neural AI system. That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, as MotoGP is a great game in its own right, but if you’re hoping for something radically different it may be worth keeping your expectations in check.
Although the two series have different calendars of circuits that they visit, there is some crossover between them, such as Philip Island and Catalunya. The SBK championship for 2022 will only be contested over 12 rounds, however, so we hope they add plenty of additional tracks beyond the official twelve.
Of course, if you’re an SBK fan, none of these comparisons matter; You’ll be getting an up-to-date SBK experience with the current riders, bikes and tracks. After ten years without anyone picking up the license, this is sure to be gladly received by fans.
Although details are scant at the moment, we wouldn’t be surprised if they threw in a bit of ‘classic SBK’ content to pad things out. We’ll have to keep our eyes on the news for future updates, but with the release just a few months away it shouldn’t be long until we find out more.
The team at TGA are big fans of the old SBK games, so we’re willing to give Milestone the benefit of the doubt and see if they can pull it out of the bag.
“10 years after the last release, the historical franchise is back with the Official 2022 WorldSBK Championship, featuring the typical Tissot-Superpole session and many features for the most realistic SBK video game experience ever.
Race in the boots of the greatest riders, with the official bikes and tracks of the current season. Have fun with the immersive Career Mode managing your team and evolving the Development Tree, live a tailored gameplay experience thanks to the Neural AI A.N.N.A System, and customise every aspect of the race with several Editors for your rider and bike. Challenge other players in epic multiplayer races and choose settings and rules for your unique SBK experience.”
Saddle up your Superbike and show what you’re made of while racing in the official 2022 WorldSBK™.
After ten years, SBK returns with a title more immersive and engaging than ever, created with the contribution of real riders to make you experience the thrill of competition!
TAKE PART IN THE 2022 WORLD SBK
Take on the official 2022 championship choosing from among 24 riders, prove your worth throughout the 12 stages, and reach the top step of the podium. “
A WEEKEND OF RACES
Do you want to conquer first place in just a weekend? Dive into three days of free practice, Tissot Superpoles, and races to test your skills and triumph in constantly changing situations.
START YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING NUMBER 1
All that’s needed is a signature on the right dotted line, and you’ll be able to start your career in the Superbike world: improve your reputation to join the best teams and hire professionals to form the perfect staff which will support you all the way to the top of the podium! Don’t forget about your bike: you’ll be in control of every parameter – from suspension management to engine improvements – so that you can succeed in creating the Superbike of your dreams. “
A REAL EXPERIENCE
Hit the tracks with your favorite motorbike, manage fuel levels, and pick the right tires to take full advantage of the most challenging situations. Every choice matters, as you will be facing competitors made even more fierce and unpredictable by A.N.N.A., the neural artificial intelligence system based on machine learning.
MULTIPLAYER
Race your friends in a Superpole or a simple race session in the new Multiplayer mode. But don’t stop there! You can also set your personal best in the time trials, so you can send your name to the top of the Leaderboard!”
SBK 2022 is scheduled for release on the 15th of September 2022 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S & Steam.
