Ride is a fast-paced, arcade-style action game set in a future ruled by tyranny and evil. A lone Strider named Hiryu must use his sharply honed skills to fight for justice and peace, and defeat the Grandmaster, an evil dictator who has taken over the world.
Gameplay involves exploring 3D environments with 2D animations, performing new moves such as a double jump, backward somersault, and dash. The Cypher sword can be boosted to release homing plasma waves, while a Savage Slash attack provides random slashes. Players can collect bonuses to boost their vitality, increase their sword's power, or improve their game score. A Boss Gauge also tracks the energy of mid- and end-of-level bosses.