DUCATI - 90th Anniversary is a motorcycle racing simulation game released in 2016 that centers exclusively on the Italian brand's lineup of bikes. Players select from 39 Ducati models spanning seven distinct eras, starting with early machines like the 1954 125 Gran Sport Marianna and progressing through later icons such as the Ducati 996 associated with Carl Fogarty. The experience emphasizes realistic handling on both public roads and closed circuits, with a dedicated museum section that details the engineering and racing heritage of each motorcycle.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around selecting a Ducati from one of the seven eras and taking it onto the available tracks. Riders manage throttle, braking, and cornering on bikes that reflect their real-world characteristics, from vintage models with simpler mechanics to more powerful modern variants. The simulation aspects include physics that reward precise inputs during high-speed sections and technical corners. Tracks consist of five road routes that wind through varied landscapes and eight official racing circuits reproduced with attention to layout and elevation changes. One standout circuit is the Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli, a favorite among Ducati enthusiasts for its connection to the brand's history.
Controls focus on motorcycle-specific dynamics, such as leaning into turns and managing power delivery without the aid of electronic assists found in some contemporary titles. The museum serves as a separate interactive area where players examine technical specifications, historical milestones, and design details for every bike in the roster. This feature adds depth beyond pure racing by providing context on how each model contributed to Ducati's legacy.
Game Modes
Available activities center on single-player racing against AI opponents across the full selection of tracks and bikes. Sessions allow free selection of any era and model for practice or timed runs, with progression tied to completing events on the road routes and circuits. Multiplayer support enables online races with up to twelve participants, where players compete directly using the same Ducati lineup and track options. The museum operates as an always-accessible mode independent of racing, letting users browse entries at their own pace without time pressure or competition.
Events draw from the brand's past victories, encouraging riders to revisit circuits where Ducati achieved notable results. No additional layered systems such as career progression or seasonal events appear in the verified structure, keeping focus on direct bike selection and track performance.
Tracks and Bikes
The five country tracks cover diverse environments including mountain passes like Stelvio Park and coastal or scenic routes such as the French Riviera and North Wales. These provide longer, flowing sections suited to sustained speed. The eight circuits add precision demands with layouts that include Imola, Donington Park, Magny-Cours, Road America, and others. Each location faithfully recreates real-world geometry to highlight Ducati's racing heritage.
Bike variety spans from lightweight 1950s machines to high-output models from later decades. Players can switch freely between eras in most sessions, testing how handling evolves with technological advances in the Ducati range. This selection supports repeated playthroughs by offering distinct riding feels without requiring unlocks or external purchases.
Is It Worth Playing?
The game remains available on PC with both single-player and online multiplayer options intact. Current player numbers sit low, reflecting its 2016 release date and lack of ongoing updates or new content additions. Reception describes it as a focused but limited spin-off from the broader RIDE series, with strengths in the Ducati-specific content and museum but criticisms regarding overall depth compared to full racing titles. It suits enthusiasts seeking a compact simulation centered on one manufacturer rather than broad rosters or extensive customization.
Those interested in motorcycle history and straightforward track racing on authentic Ducati models will find the most value here. The combination of era-spanning bikes, road and circuit options, and the museum provides a self-contained package without reliance on external servers or frequent patches. New players should expect an older title's presentation and mechanics rather than modern standards in simulation racing.
