In what is great news for fans of the fastest race in the world, the new trailer for TT IOM: Ride on the Edge 2 is crammed full of very interesting updates.
The original game had a mixed reception (although I personally loved it), with some gamers complaining the handling needed a lot more work, and I’m sure most would agree it could have used more features and gameplay elements.
What nobody could dispute is that the course from Ride on the Edge is the most beautifully rendered version of the mountain circuit that has ever been made. As expected, the graphics look exceptional once again. We would like to see the option of playing at either 4k/30 or 1080p/60 (assuming you can’t play at 4k/60), however, we will have to wait and see what the base frame rate is.
Using this amazing track as a starting point, they have completely revamped the handling and bike physics, and they have expanded on the original game in every way;
Bike tuning and upgrades are to be included this time around which has been a long-requested feature. In addition to having customisable and upgradeable parts, they will now suffer from wear and tear over the course of the race, making brake and tyre management an additional (probably optional) component to your race strategy.
If you paid close attention to the trailer, you’ll have seen a brief descriptor that says, ‘Motorcycle Steering’. If you look really close, in the text underneath it explains the principles of counter-steering in turning the bike. Hopefully, this means there will be a number of options for controlling the bike – some prefer that steering inputs move the bike itself, whilst others prefer the inputs to move the rider. It may sound insignificant if you don’t fully understand the concept but for any bike racing fans, you’ll know it makes a huge difference, so having this option will be a major plus point for Ride on the Edge 2.
Suspension and shocks have also been subjected to extensive refinement. The developers are promising an experience more akin to what the actual riders get, with more bumps and feedback from the road surface. While the roads in the original game didn’t feel flat in the way games like Forza can, it still needed more lumps and bumps to feedback through the controller. As long as it doesn’t throw you off your bike constantly, it’s a welcome addition!
Finally, if you were paying attention, you will have heard them mention ‘Open-World’. We can only speculate on just how open it will be, but a Snaeffel mountain course with all of the side roads and towns accessible for free-ride would be incredible. Although we can’t imagine it being fully off-road in the vein of Forza Horizon, having the gorgeous Isle of Man to explore would be a huge boon, and it opens the game up to new and creative gameplay options.
The bike physics have been rebuilt from the ground up to create ultra-realistic behaviour. The gyroscopic effect is now completely integrated for more precise steering, and speed wobbles have been added to alert riders that a fall could be imminent. The brakes and shock absorbers have also been redesigned. They now respond to all bumps in the road and create a riding experience that is much more faithful to what a real motorcyclist feels.
From the handlebars of your bike, shave valuable seconds off your time by using your opponent’s slipstream to pick up speed, and find the best line in bends to maximize your bike’s grip. Managing wear and tear of parts is also part of the game experience: the brakes, suspensions, engine and tyre temperature all need to be monitored for the best ride and to reach the finish line of the 60km circuit, especially if you complete all six laps of the race!KT Racing
Coming Q1 2020, we will have a full review of TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 when it hits the storefronts!
