After launching last year for the Meta Quest VR platforms as the official World Superbikes game, more people take take to two wheels in virtual reality with VRider SBK out now on Steam VR and PlayStation VR2.
It’s developed by Funny Tales and features bikes, tracks and riders from the 2023 season for a total of 14 circuits and 23 riders, including Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu before his switch to BMW, and Jonathan Rea still on a Kawasaki. And the reintroduction of Bimota to the championship in 2025.
Putting that to one side, you get single play practice, quick race, hot lap, tournament and endurance modes. And then there’s multiplayer, with casual and competitive racing, along with ghost time challenges to rank up the leaderboards.
The online multiplayer can handle up to six racers, with cross-platform competition between the Steam VR and Meta Quest platforms. PlayStation VR2 headset owners will be limited to only racing against others on that particular platform.
Given that it’s 12 months since the Meta Quest release, it’s likely that the delay in appearing on other platforms was a licensing requirement. Which also explains why the bikes, riders and teams haven’t been updated. At least the tracks will be pretty similar, all pretty much still in use on the World Superbikes calendar.
As a motorcyclist, motorsport addict and sim racer, the other issue that’s been raised in reviews is the lack of counter steering. Motorcycle physics are difficult to replicate digitally, but essentially, at higher speeds you don’t turn the handlebars towards the apex. Instead, you actually push the inside bar forwards to tip into a corner. Which feels more natural in real life than when you try to explain it, but unfortunately so far VRider SBK have chosen not to try and implement that option.
On the plus side, VR is able to offer a more realistic experience, particularly when riding involves a huge amount of body movement and being able to look through a corner etc.
VRider SBK is available now via Steam and the PlayStation Store, as well as for Meta Quest devices. And keep up with any updates, DLC and more news, here.
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