As we approach the release of RiMS Racing – a brand new motorcycle simulator – there are a few things you should know.
We’re looking forward to a fresh take on bike games, and we’ve already had the chance to go hands-on with an early build – but now we are just a few weeks away from the release, here’s a quick guide as to what to expect.
What is RiMS Racing?
RiMS Racing is a motorcycle video game that simulates riding on the track and also the maintenance and upgrades off-track.
What platforms is RiMS Racing on?
RiMS Racing will be on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.
When is the RiMS Racing release date?
19th August 2021 is the European RiMS Racing release date. The game will release 24th August in the Americas.
If you pre-order the European Manufacturers Deluxe Edition, Japanese Manufacturers Deluxe Edition and Ultimate Edition you will gain 48-hour early access.
For the Nintendo Switch, the release date is 16th September 2021.
RiMS Racing track list
- Nürburgring Grand Prix, Germany (Circuit)
- Silverstone, UK (Circuit)
- Fuji Speedway, Japan (Circuit)
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, USA (Circuit)
- Paul Ricard, France (Circuit)
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Canada (Circuit)
- Zolder, Belgium (Circuit)
- Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain (Circuit)
- Suzuka, Japan (Circuit)
- Monsanto, Portual (Circuit)
- Great Victora Desert, Australia (Road)
- Passop San Marco, Italy (Road)
- Carretera Sa Calobra, Spain (Road)
- Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway (Road)
- Million Dollar Highway, USA (Road)
There are 10 circuits and five road courses included in RiMS Racing. The road courses can also be run in a reverse direction. The Bahrain International Circuit is a pre-order bonus.
RiMS Racing bike list
- Aprilia RSV4 110 Factory 2020
- BMW M 1000 RR 2021
- Ducati Panigale V4 R 2020
- Honda CBR1000RR ABS 2019
- Kawazaki Ninja ZX-10RR 2019
- MV Agusta F4 RC 2019
- Suzuki GSX-R1000R 2019
- Yamaha YZF R1 2020
RiMS Racing includes eight motorcycles in total, with the aim being to upgrade, manage and learn about each bike with a high level of detail. There are over 500 licenced spare parts and 200 customisation items in the game, which is the focus, as opposed to a high number of motorbikes.
Who is developing RiMS Racing?
A new development team based in Milan, Italy, called RaceWard Studio is creating RiMS Racing.
Career Mode
RiMS Racing will feature an in-depth career mode, where the player must progress through a series of challenges.
During the progression, bike maintenance is key. Parts will wear down over time, and any damage you receive will carry into each subsequent race unless you apply new parts.
Parts cost money, and money is earned through successful race results. You will need to balance expenditure with your income.
There are also skill points to be spent on team personnel performance within the ‘Research section of the game – although, skill points will never directly affect bike performance to keep on-track authenticity.
Your overall aim is to become the best rider, but also take your favourite motorcycle on a development journey
Game engine and handling
RiMS Racing uses KT Engine by Kylotonn, which is the basis of the TT Isle of Man Ride on the Edge games. It’s being used primarily to create the visuals in RiMS Racing – however, the motorcycles and handling model is new from the ground up and specific to the game.
The title is very much pitched as a simulation, so making sure you manage your braking points and corner apices will be key. There will be a suite of rider assists, but switching them off, using the front and rear brakes and manual gears is also available.
There will also be a focus on race strategy. Selecting the right compound and maximising the pitstops, that utilise quick-time events, could be key to a good result in longer events.
What is the Motorbike Status Check (MSC)?
The Motorbike Status Check (MSC) is an in-race menu that shows real-time wear to bike parts. This may be useful if you’re struggling with your motorcycle’s performance during a longer race or want to check the condition of components after a fall.
You can, of course, check parts and then swap them out for new ones in the main game hub outside of events.
Editions and DLC
There are four flavours of RiMS Racing – the standard edition, the European Manufacturers Deluxe Edition, Japanese Manufacturers Deluxe Edition and Ultimate Edition.
The European Manufacturers Deluxe Edition includes:
- ”The Bloody Beetroots Specials” DLC (1 livery and 1 suit)
- The Career Pro Starter Pack
- The ”European Manufacturers” pack, which includes 3 rider suits, 2 liveries and 76 Performance parts for Aprilia, BMW, Ducati and MV Agusta motorcycles.
While the Japanese Manufacturers Deluxe Edition includes:
- ”The Bloody Beetroots Specials” DLC (1 livery and 1 suit)
- The Career Pro Starter Pack
- The ”Japanese Manufacturers” pack, which includes 3 rider suits, 4 liveries and 76 Performance parts for Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki motorcycles.
The Ultimate Edition includes everything from both Deluxe Editions plus an additional Nolan X-Lite helmet.
The Bloody Beetroots EDM music group will be providing the in-game soundtrack, with original tracks specially written for the game. The “Bloody Beetroots Specials” DLC includes a motorbike livery for the Ducati Panigale V4R and a full riding suit in the EDM artist’s colours thanks to a collaboration with Dainese.
Full review
We have a full review of RiMS Racing now available to read, and you can watch it in video form below.
