Rime: New Info About Switch Version and More Questions Answered

You shall ask, Tequila Works shall answer.

By Ryan McCaffrey

After a long slumber, promising puzzle-adventure game Rime has reawakened with our month of IGN First coverage. Now that you know what the game is (click that link if you need a refersher!), we're capping the month off by giving you a chance to ask the developers at Tequila Works any question you have about the game. As promised, here are the answers to your best questions!

CaleonesKarma asks: How is development on the Switch and would you have any future game release on the console?

The Nintendo Switch version is being developed by Tantalus, the studio behind the HD version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. We worked side by side with them to ensure the Nintendo Switch version is absolutely true to the original vision we have for RiME, and they are doing a terrific work indeed! We are really enthusiastic about Nintendo Switch and we are immensely happy about releasing RiME on that console, but it’s too early to discuss future developments. Let’s finish RiME first! :)

Joshmas asks: How long is the game?

The game length can vary significantly from player to player. It will largely depend on how much you want to explore the island and unveil all of its secrets (and we wholeheartedly recommend you do precisely that, as they serve to help flesh out the story) or just speedily progress through the game. On average, RiME can take anywhere from 8-10 hours for one play through, but it can also be a couple hours fewer or more. It really does come down to each player and their playstyle.

DougalsMD asks: Will the Nintendo Switch version release at the same time as the PS4, Xbox One, etc.?

There is still a lot of development to take into consideration, but we’re working hard to get the Nintendo Switch version ready for release at the same time as the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC versions in May. We'll have more info to share in the months to come.

chisberry asks: Will there be a physical release for Switch?

We’re currently working with Grey Box to check on the production pricing for cartridge Switch releases. We’ll ideally have additional information before long.

wwwarea asks: In a Chapter, is it possible to backtrack to previous areas? I saw gameplay but saw someone jump off a rock high up to reach the fox again and looked like you can't go back maybe.

Good eye! We have tried to design the island as an open space as possible. We have hidden a good number of secrets in each area, encouraging players to explore the environment, but bear in mind that RiME is not a sandbox. There are several places in the game where you won’t be able to backtrack unless you start a new game. You can always have a second run if you want to get all the Trophies/Achievements!

Theoquarius asks: Who came up with the name of the game? What was it inspired by?

Originally we wanted to call it Siren but it was already in use, so we brainstormed hundreds of different names that transmitted what RiME was. Most of them were awful, really awful. It was Bradley Crooks who came up with the name "RiME" as in "Rime of the Ancient Mariner", the 18th Century poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. (Or maybe you are more familiar with the Iron Maiden version…)

aandiorio4 asks: What was the name of the song you used in the most recent trailer? I NEEEEEED it!

It is a beautiful theme, isn’t it? It’s called "The Birth of an Island," by the incredibly talented David García! David composed the music for RiME, so if you enjoyed the trailer music, you’ll find that you’ll enjoy the many tracks in the game.

Tha_Reaper_84 asks: I feel that single player games should come back. Was really looking forward to this with PS4. Glad it's still being made. The soundtrack, will it be sold separately? Also physical copy of the game? Collector’s edition at all?

We can confirm that RiME will get physical editions for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. There are no plans for a Collector’s Edition. As for the soundtrack, we are hoping to release it in the future – in our opinion, David García’s work is nothing short of a masterpiece – but we cannot confirm any specific release quite yet.

darikooistra asks: The world you've built looks gorgeous. What are you doing to ensure it doesn't feel empty?

Filling it with emotions: life, wildlife is essential when you start this new, unknown world. Knowing you are not alone is essential. And if we give you a world to explore, then there must be rewards for that exploration! There are lots of secrets, collectibles, puzzles even unique moments for you to discover.

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