VRIDER is an formally licensed Superbike World Championship VR recreation reaching Quest and Steam this 12 months. Learn on for our full impressions.
Developed by Humorous Tales and revealed by VRAL Video games, VRIDER mixes arcade and simulation racing parts. Providing solo play towards AI racers, time trials, on-line multiplayer, and the power to race “ghosts” of different gamers’ greatest laps, that comes with twelve circuits, all the 2023 season’s racing groups, and 5 superbikes from Ducati, Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, and BMW.
After I first realized about VRIDER, I used to be intrigued. I’ve by no means pushed a real-life bike, and the identical might be stated in VR. Between F1 23, GRID Legends, and Gran Turismo 7, I am extra accustomed to 4 wheels than two, however these experiences are sometimes barely restricted. I’ve at all times needed higher interactivity from the motive force’s seat, one thing I discovered in V-Speedway and Neodori Infinity however not often wherever else.
After taking part in VRIDER at GDC 2024, what instantly stood out is the way it would not go for normal joystick controls like many VR racing video games use. You maintain every Contact controller like grabbing a handlebar for steering, utilizing the left set off to brake and the appropriate set off to speed up for pleasing interactivity. VRIDER additionally affords extra real looking “twist” controls for accelerating and braking by twisting every controller, which is appreciated.
Throughout my demo on Quest 3, I did two full races towards one other 9 AI drivers and these controls imply there is a studying curve that took getting used to. What’s notably good is how VRIDER tries mirroring driving a real-life bike past merely inserting you on the bike in first particular person. Transferring left and proper affords extra exact turning whereas ducking behind the windshield can improve acceleration. You’ll be able to’t fall off the bike by leaning too far, however that does not imply you may’t crash into partitions or opponents.
Even on this preview construct, VRIDER exhibits appreciable polish and Humorous Tales’ sturdy VR-first design method superbly performs to Quest’s immersive strengths. The sound design additional enhances that, like listening to the wind as you progress away from the middle of the windshield. I am additionally advised the HUD might be toggleable, whereas extra superior non-compulsory settings for simulation followers embrace rear wheel traction or turning off the steered racing line.
As for efficiency variations, VRAL Video games CEO & co-founder Rodolfo Saccoman says the crew has been “laser-focused on expertise parity” between Quest 2 and three. Whereas the writer did not affirm any specifics like refresh charges, I am advised Quest 3 house owners can count on the next framerate and extra polished in-game graphics.
VRIDER reaches Quest App Lab quickly, whereas the complete Quest Retailer launch is deliberate for Summer season 2024. In early entry, VRIDER will solely comprise solo content material and half the tracks for a reduced value, and on-line multiplayer is not going to be obtainable till the complete launch. A SteamVR model will observe in This autumn 2024.
