The launch line-up of the Nintendo Switch continues to evolve and grow, with FAST RMX by Shin'en Multimedia being a recent addition to the 3rd March line-up. A 'remix' of the excellent FAST Racing NEO, it's an exciting one for fans of the original fast-paced racer as it will add new content and improved performance to a successful formula.
Keen to learn more about the launch title we caught up with the studio's Manfred Linzner to discuss new content and get into detail on performance improvements, modes and the game's price on the Switch eShop.
FAST Racing NEO was an impressive release on Wii U in late 2015, but at what point did you decide that you'd remix it for Nintendo Switch?
It was at the meeting with Nintendo when we got introduced to the Switch. Everyone realized FAST was simply a perfect candidate for the Switch. It would use all the new tech of the Switch and Nintendo already knew and loved the original the Wii U game. They were pretty happy we decided to bring it to the Switch.
When you switched development to the new system, what were your early impressions of the hardware and development environment?
The hardware was already quite advanced when we started working on it. It made a very solid impression right from the start. When we got the final devkits (which are very close to the retail version) it felt simply perfect to play our game on them. From this day we knew the Switch would win the masses. It was simply so satisfying to use all the control options and to switch seamless between console and mobile mode.
When we finally got the final devkits (which are very close to the retail version) it felt simply perfect to play our game on them. From this day we knew the Switch would win the masses.
The development environment is very modern and easy to use. It finally made it possible to create FAST RMX in roughly only a year.
What sort of technical improvements have you been able to make in terms of your graphics engine and so on?
First of all we were able to drop all the tricks that we needed to make FAST Racing Neo run at 60fps at all. So the image quality of FAST RMX is much higher then FAST Racing Neo. We also improved the rendering resolution from 720p to 1080p. We also took this chance to create a complete new user interface to make better use of the higher resolution.
This new user interface is even quicker and more responsive then the original which is a perfect fit for a racing game.
Most of the tracks from the Wii U version got improvements for better lighting and more special effects. We also added a new GRAPHICS option to the Pause menu. There you can toggle effects like 'Dynamic HDR Exposure' and 'Chromatic Aberration'. The first one allows a much higher dynamic range of brightness on the screen. You have to see it in action. It makes the game much more lifelike. The 2nd effect emulates how real lenses work on cameras and gives a nice touch of realism to the image. All these additions were not in the demo version that many people already played, because the demo was created last year.
Can you outline the performance people can expect in terms of framerates, and how they differ in 2 to 4 player splitscreen / multiplayer?
Our goal was to deliver always 60fps, no matter if console or mobile mode, and no matter how many players in splitscreen. To achieve that we render in 1080p @ 60fps with dynamic resolution scaling. So we always have the perfect balance of high frame rate and maximum graphics quality.
Can you outline the core content for those that don't know, such as the number of tracks and vehicles?
We have a massive number of 30 tracks, and each track has its own setting. So it's like 30 tiny worlds to explore. And we really mean 'worlds' because each track is so unique. We also have 15 anti-gravity vehicles to unlock and 10 cups to complete. So even when you come from the original Wii U eShop version you will experience almost twice the content!
What options do players have for control configurations, such as Joy-Con, Pro Controller and so on?
I think we covered it all. We support single Joy-Cons, we support Pro Controllers, we support the Joy-Con Grip and even motion controls with any controller. And you can even swap controllers while playing!
Can the player customise controls in any way to suit their play style?
Yes, that was a top priority. We thought the Switch controls offer so many possibilities and we wanted to allow the players to play how they think it works best for them. You can change your controller mappings any time. You can even boost by pressing on the Controller Stick. Works great when using a single Joy-Con!
HD Rumble gives you the impression you are really 'on the track'. You feel when you bump into something, and you really feel 'where' it happened in regard to your vehicle.
HD Rumble is an impressive new feature on Switch, can you tell us how that's implemented in FAST RMX?
HD Rumble is really cool. I think FAST RMX is one of the first games at all that makes use of it. HD Rumble gives you the impression you are really 'on the track'. You feel when you bump into something, and you really feel 'where' it happened in regard to your vehicle. You could even try to close you eyes and play blind just by that feedback. You also recognize just by HD Rumble feedback if you drive over a jump-pad or if you get propelled by a boost-pad. We think its really something novel and thats a lot to get more immersed.
We understand there's some pleasing news about Hero Mode, can you fill us in on that?
HERO MODE is our reference to the excellent F-ZERO games and it's nothing for the faint hearted. In this mode your boost energy is also your shield energy. So you need to play very different then in the normal mode. The boost pads will also load up your energy just like in F-ZERO. We hope this mode will be a great extra for all the players that remember how hard games were decades ago but also how satisfying it was to win!
In FAST Racing Neo we added the HERO MODE as a late unlockable, but we realized that many players want that extra challenge right from the start. So when you finish the first cup you can hop right into it.
Are there any changes to the online multiplayer that fans should know about?
Of course we have again an online mode with up to 8 players included, but we also added a local multiplayer mode!
Up to 8 Nintendo Switch systems can also join into a local multiplayer match, with each player owning a copy. When testing that mode at Shin'en it was simply no work, we had too much fun with it!
Do you have release details to share?
We are happy to announce the price for the game here at Nintendo Life.
FAST RMX will cost only 19.99 USD/EUROs! Grab it at launch!
Finally, do you have a message for our readers on your hopes for Fast RMX on Switch?
We hope everybody will feel the fun we had making this great game for you!
We'd like to thank Manfred Linzner for his time - FAST RMX will launch on the Switch eShop on 3rd March.
Comments 159
Sold
Any news on a physical retail version?
alright alright i'll buy the game again I guess
I never played this on the Wii U. Pretty sure I won't get it at launch, but it seems like a good filler game between the big Ninty releases.
$20 is a great price. Shin'en rulez!
20? Yes. Yes I will. Loved NEO and this is...yes. My 3 games on launch day are complete.
Dang, this is making me want to get a Switch at launch.
Alright, Manfred, you got me. Tripple-dipping on this one. Not at launch, though, just in case we get a physical version of the game.
I've heard the difficulty has been reworked as well. Does anyone know about that?
Digital only? Jeez, what a missed opportunity. :[
Good luck to them.
I was sold on this without knowing the price, but at $20 it's definitely Day One for me. I just wish there was a physical release.
So excellent, and the price is right. I will absolutely be getting this game. Heck I'd love to see them bring Nano Assault over to Switch too. I'd buy that again in a heartbeat.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE was that a positive comment? O_O
I'm sold on it.
UK price?
Oh yeah! I'll be getting this because I don't feel like buying MK8 again. Even though that too was a great game.
Day one for me! Looks amazing.
Think I'll be buying this again.
Let them worl together with Nintendo tp make a Fzero.
FAST RMX is available at launch AND its price is only $20! Redout is priced at $40 and it won't be available until after Mario kart releases. I imagine most people will only get one of these two futuristic racers and FAST looks like the easy choice now. Way to go Shin'en!
@JaxonH Why do I feel like this is going to cut into your Zelda time?
@BLP_Software Well there ya go, maybe your day will end on a high note. (I'm about a dozen tweets behind, been busy doing real life stuff.)
Loved NEO and got 100% in it (no DLC purchased though) so I'll definitely be getting this. I think I'll just get Zelda and Snipperclips at launch, but I probably won't be waiting too long to get it.
Day one for me. Beautiful and fast, HD Rumble and the new graphics modes are exciting.
I'll definitely pick this up when I get my Switch. Good to hear it utilizes all the new features.
@Manjushri Didn't you even read the article? All the improvements they've made over the WiiU version?
"Most of the tracks from the Wii U version got improvements for better lighting and more special effects. We also added a new GRAPHICS option to the Pause menu. There you can toggle effects like 'Dynamic HDR Exposure' and 'Chromatic Aberration'. The first one allows a much higher dynamic range of brightness on the screen. You have to see it in action. It makes the game much more lifelike. The 2nd effect emulates how real lenses work on cameras and gives a nice touch of realism to the image. All these additions were not in the demo version that many people already played, because the demo was created last year."
$20?
Day one, baby!
Day 1, no doubt about it. Hope for DLC and a physical edition in the future.
$20?! Sold. Missed Neo on the Wii-U, can't wait for this on Switch.
$20, that's the magic number for me.
Now all I need to know is Shovel Knight's price. Then I can go get some eShop cards! The current eShop cards work with Switch, right?
This, Zelda and SnipperClips should make the Switch launch a great one for me! Just need to sell my PS4 to cover the cost now...
I have the Wii u version with the dlc, and it is an amazing game, I played it religiously until I finished it. I can't decide if I want to get it for the switch. Anybody know how many tracks does it have that are brand new?
I will be grabbing this day one. Very excited since I skipped the Wii U version.
I've discovered why Bomberman R is a great game; Everything looks so cheap in comparison.
Seriously, buy this game, it was amazing on Wii U. I'm sure this version will be even better. It's a day one download whenever I get myself a Switch.
I meant to pick up on Wii U but never got round to it, really need a Wipeout fix and this should fit the bill.
i wish they would offer a discount for wii u owners
@MarcelRguez Triple dipping? Maybe I missed something, but this game has only been released once before...
@manu0 That's how I feel about Mario Kart 8: Deluxe as well D:
@rk3388 that too! lol
@thesilverbrick he probably bought the retail release again
Im actually going to pass for 19.99. Yeah im being Cheap. I would rather get it around 9.99 or might even go up to 12.99 seems a bit pricey especially if Nintendo is going to charge for online services later on. I will hold off on a sale.
@manu0 Gotcha. Didn't realize there was a retail version.
@thesilverbrick europe only because the eshop attachment rate here is abysmal compared to US and JP lol (meaning that A LOT of people never access the eshop in europe even once)
Im wondering if they are going to start jacking up prices in tne Eshop now and also charge an online fee
I already have it on wii u but the hero mode might persuade me to pick it up again when I get a switch. Hopefully there'll be a physical option by then.
@thesilverbrick Digital + Physical.
TWO SPEEDS!
Fast! and WAY TOO FAST!
@saturn_hero It's explained in detail underneath the following question in the article:
"Can you outline the core content for those that don't know, such as the number of tracks and vehicles?"
In short, it is almost twice the content of the original, and with all the extra options and graphics modes, still well worth considering, even if you've already played the original...
@GrailUK I would like to know that too.
I am very interested, but I will wait for a physical release.
Own it on Wii U... I'm double dipping!
@GoldenGamer88
$24.99
http://yachtclubgames.com/2017/02/specter-of-torment-and-treasure-trove-initial-release-date/
For some reason Nlife forgot this. LOL. Looks like a good deal considering that there are 3 campaigns now + body swap mode with another campaign and battle mode on the way.
@rjejr
Only long enough for me to purchase it:)
I want a physical version.
Day 1 purchase for me
So it looks like March 3rd will be a physical copy of Zelda and a download of this. And that should take care of March...
Day one!!
It's games like this that make me want to go entirely digital like I am on my 3DS but then I'm tempted to go physical because of those great retail boxes the games come in. I am only tempted because there seem to be a lot of digital only games coming to the Switch and if part of my collection is digital why not go entirely digital?
As if the original game ($14.99) and it's DLC ($4.99) wasn't already a steal. All that, plus more content, with LOTS of improvements, all for the same price? Sold!
Can't wait. Shin'en, I love you guys.
Sounds great. I'm thinking of getting a switch late 2017
Sold. Neo was awsome, so if this is better... Shinen, please ask Nintendo if you could get the licence to make a new F-Zero!!
Well, for that price...sold.
Absolutely sold. Will be getting it day one.
Never played the Wii U version, and digital-only doesn't deter me, so this is a possible buy for me.
@manu0 I had street fighter 2 on my snes, hope I get the new one for free!
Neo was great. My only problem with it was that godforsaken desert. It killed everything every single time.
That godforsaken desert...
All kinds of sold
Adding it to my day1 pile.
@Manjushri "yeah I read it. None of that promises any more polish to the UI and online matching and DLC implementation and matches disconnecting etc etc etc."
Yeah, but what translates to those problems remaining? Look, you're on this page, so you're at least interested. With that being said, I think it's best for you to further investigate into its UI and multiplayer aspects before making a final decision. If the game turns out well, you don't want to be the only one of your friends that doesn't own a copy.
@Manjushri Did we play the same game? Best looking title on the console.
I loved Fast Racing Neo on the Wii U and also Nano Assault and Art of Balance.
I'll be picking this up as soon as it gets a physical release. I'm not purchasing anything over 1GB digitally for Switch. So glad they went back to carts.
@setezerocinco Me too. Hoping for an instruction booklet to go with it. I'll happily throw down $40 bucks for a cart - I'm just going physical only for the Switch.
Great interview, now I have to double-dip...
This is great. Definitely getting this day one! hope I can download it from eshop at midnight Australia time?
wasn't the original only like 15 bucks why is this 20,
Hm... Should the prospective NS adopter pay $20 for this, or $40-60 for 1, 2, Milk? A good F-Zero clone, or imaginary mammaries? Decisions, decisions...
@kamikazilucas Because ice cubes, balls, and milk. Or DLC, that too.
@PlywoodStick 1 2 switch has nothing to do with this
Oooh! I was interested in this on the Wii U and this seems like a bargain! I still think Nintendo should get these guys to help them with a new f zero XD.
$20 bills? Yes I think I'll give it a try, but I do hope there is a physical copy. If not, I'll still bite but I prefer cartridges. His sounds like a good title at a bargain price.
I only have kudos and thumbs up to give these guys.
@kamikazilucas Everything on NS has been price jacked, I just choose to blame the one game nobody asked for, that's supposed to justify the HD Rumble etc.
Wasn't even looking at this game at first but when I read motion controlled racing... SOLD!!!
So just to be sure, this has all the dlc correct?
So much for 'I'll be buying most of my games physically, I don't need a massive memory card...'
Liking the look of this game a lot, not too expensive either by the sounds of it. Just what the launch lineup needed.
@manu0 That would be a nice option. Maybe I will wait for a sale once I actually get the Switch. I even brought the DLC for the Wii U version. Or at least update the Wii U version for the AI changes.
I have to assume that at this price point they'll slay Redout. I considered getting one of the two, and my decision has been made very, very easy for me! Looking forward to checking this one out!
I'm actually glad I skipped this on Wii U, because it sounds so much better on Switch. F-Zero style racing via LAN across Switch consoles? Yes, please!
Is playing this similar to 200cc Mario Kart without powerups?
I never bought Neo, but I'm suddenly interested in this (possibly because just last week my wife and I finally got the last gold cup on 200 cc and we had a lot of fun doing it)
I loved the Wii u version and will be buying this for sure, but after reading the interview. They state they thought to bring it to the switch at a meeting with NINTENDO, and that NINTENDO loved the game in Wii u.
If that's the case I'm actually disappointed Nintendo didn't ask shinen if they wanted to use the F-Zero IP.
@Turbo857 motion is really hard in this game. Intact the game is hard in general
Sold,this and zelda day one.
@Manjushri Just because those issues haven't been mentioned in the interview, doesn't mean they haven't taken care of it. I suggest waiting for a review and looking at a couple of videos with online and offline play before making your final decision.
I was going to give this a pass and wait until Mario kart, but the more I see of it the harder it is to resist. The day one launch, split screen, had rumble support and reasonable price have me sold 😄
*HD rumble lol
definitely getting this game and also guys i heard switch can use afterglow headsets for chatting.
Shame there's no discount for those who bought digitally on the Wii U and wish to do so again on switch
@norwichred I agree.
@Manjushri Did you read about the new interface? And coupled with no DLC, no poor Wii U online with its online disconnections, I think all your main worries are covered, but it would probably be best to wait until after release to see reviews and if everything that frustrated you is fixed, then you might consider it.
But this so why paying for Switch online is going to make this game so great, Wii u online was so frustrating for me, I struggled to play Mario Kart 8 online, luckily Splatoon wasn't as bad.
@leo13 200CC is easier than Fast Racing's least insane difficulty (nothing easy about it). But it's insanely fun, even for my young kids who don't care that they come last in every race.
Man, as skeptical as I am about the Switch were I buying one when it launches RMX would be a day-one purchase.
I think that this developer has made the all time best move for their game, making it a launch title. With so little lined up for launch, the few titles available are getting so much publicity for free because the switch hype train is real
Why is this not a retail game?
Looks awesome and very cheap, will definitely buy it when I get a Switch.
Glad to see a racing game on the console, but please, Nintendo, we want car racing games too! (not just indies)
@MadAdam81 is the Fast Racing easy WAY HARDER than 200cc or just some harder?
Definitely double dipping on this one! I talked to one of the devs at the Switch event in NY and I came away so hyped! 1080p60 even on local multiplayer, overhauled motion controls (he agreed that the motion controls were awful on the WiiU), lots more visual effects, and more tracks than the core game + DLC (if my math is right, 8 more tracks than before, with improvements to the previous ones). And now, I can bring it over to a friend's place and we can play versus with only one system! Good times are coming!
Not even a question about the potential of a retail release? Thanks, NintendoLife...
Hey shin'en, please include the option to adjust volumes of music and effects. I love playing racing games to my own playlist, and I can with this game...other then that, I love this and might just double dip.
@Oat Yes, it has the original 16 tracks, all 8 DLC tracks, and 6 new tracks.
@saturn_hero There are 6 brand new tracks.
For some reason I didn't pick up on Wii U, will definitely get it for Switch.
Oh my, there's so much here. I bought FAST Racing NEO and its DLC on the Wii U and 100%ed it- twice. All that was $20. Now, I can play it on the Switch for the same price as what I paid for all the stuff on the Wii U? I would have already been sold. But no, they added 6 new tracks totaling a 10 cup- 3 race/cup game, with HD rumble, controller mapping, local multiplayer, better motion controls, slightly better online, hero mode right from the start, tons of controller options, 1080p 60fps gameplay, new visual effects, new ui, more vehicles, and I CAN PLAY IT ANYWHERE!!! Day 1, if it wasn't obvious already. I am so hype.
@Fbigabig Thanks mate.
I'm hoping Shin'en makes a third Iridion game!
Q: Can you connect two Switches to two TVs and play 8 players locally?
It's the same question I have for MK8.
I loved the games, and hope they've become the first of the switch LAN party games.
@leo13 I personally didn't find FAST Neo too difficult.I finished top 3 in the first 2 cups on the easy class on my second go at them.The medium speed cup didn't give me too much trouble finishing top 3 either. To unlock the next cup top 3 is enough.The original Fast Racing on Wii however gave me nightmares.A single error was so severely punished I never got much enjoyment from it. 200cc on MK8 I find too be much more difficult as the tracks are clearly not designed for that speed.
I'm sure a causal racer will have some difficulty with it but if you're at least competent with racing games I'm sure you'll get a lot of enjoyment from it.
Glad we are finally getting some more info. I'm really looking forward to this, definitely a launch pickup for me.
What is the game's size?
@OorWullie thanks!
Day One purchase for me then.
A little bit PR-y responses, but I'd be happy to try out the HD rumble with this interesting smaller game. It seems like they've checked all the boxes, even if Neo looked a little clinical in terms of the environment design.
I have the digital version with DLC on Wii U.But if the Switch version gets a physical release,I might double-dip.
Oh man....was going to hold out for the portable version of Redout, but hero mode just sold me. I've been itching for a futuristic racer for some time.
@I-U or if no one knows the switch file size, what was the Wiiu file size? Obviously an older game but it could give a rough estimation 🤔
I bought it digital then physical on the wii u, I will wait for a physical switch release
Impressive, looks like I can lock Switch in at 2.5x the power of Wii U, when docked anyways.
It will be interesting to see if it is full 1080P and how Switch will be able to maintain it with dynamic scaling.
i was always going to buy this, no matter what. fast racing neo on the wii u has settled many a money tournament among nephews and neices. i wonder if they will have mario kart style power ups but sci-fi'd like tactical strikes, seeker missiles, etc.
also, i think i will go for the hdr-ish setting instead of chromatic abberation. the latter is something we used to try to avoid when we shoot. i guess nowadays, it's the in thing along with lens flares, wrong exposure, etc. all the things you like when you're basic as fudge (clean alternative).
Wii U version is great. Can't wait to see the improvements. I love these guys! Hope that the Switch version sells a million copies
on the control configuration screen is that a white pro controller confirmed or is it just for aesthetics???
I didn't play the Wii U version, but this looks cool so I might get it.
@David_Dudeney I highly recommend it, I played the original on the Wii U and it was amazing so if this is the improved version of that, it's gonna be incredible.
As someone that loves racing games and played Fast Racing Neo, I highly recommend people buy this game, heck I'd even say it's worth buying a Switch over if you can get another game with it like Zelda.
@Manjushri Are you saying you bought neo?
20$?! that's like stealing the game from them,
meanwhile 1 2 switch...
And 20$ clearly indicates that it is e shop only...=( I like my games physical come on!
@Manjushri
"We also took this chance to create a complete new user interface to make better use of the higher resolution.
This new user interface is even quicker and more responsive then the original which is a perfect fit for a racing game."
So if you did read the article, you missed this bit.
Beautiful game and beautiful price!!! Take notice KONAMI!!!!
Shi'nen are so cool as people and devs that I may just buy it on that merit alone. How awesome I'm sure the game will be, is just a bonus.
I will be playing Wipeout on switch eventually and many other Sony games
@gamermole
Mario Kart 8 at 200cc is hard! I hear ya but ever since I first played Mario Kart Wii with motion controls, I cannot go back to analog stick driving. As long as the controls in FAST RMX are responsive, I'll be fine.
I prefer RedOut
20 bones and day one? That's a slam dunk y'all.
If it and similarly priced games do numbers, might really put the pressure on publishers to start waiving that Switch premium.
@Turbo857 if your used to motion then fair play. I just remember fast racing been hard with motion control
Yay for this
@samuelvictor I have a feeling the timing was the issue with getting it into retail. Betting this was just finished. Too late to go to press. I totally agree with you, though. The shelves could really use this to make the launch look better.
I wonder if the cards you can buy at some stores for digital downloads are going to be available for Switch. That could help in some places.
I haven't played this yet and I was thinking I'd look at it for launch day. At $20 there's no question, though. Might be filling that storage faster than I anticipated though. (SnipperClips is also on my radar... and Shovel Knight... )
I am sooo thrilled to get this day 1 and they were smart to make it happen. Would love retail cart but not for 2x the price. This game is tight size wise on WiiU so even with extra conten it should come in @ less than 2GB. $20 is a steal with the original DLC, 6 more tracks and new features its just a bargain. This game is toyal eye candy and fun to play as well so its a perfect launch title.
This is one of the few launch titles that offers all the versatility of the Switches different modes. You can play online, adhoc, split screen, 2-joycons, 1 joycon, pro, motion control or regular. Buy this if you want something to show off and play with pals as you take your Switch on the go in the early days.
My launch is set now with Zelda, Sensuna, FastRMX, and SnipClips......woohoo!
Never got Fast Racing Neo on Wii U, but I think this a great launch title for Switch. I may pick it up at some point, but Zelda will take up most of my gaming time.
@retribution ebgames is opening at 8am at leqst my store is with my preirder. Dont think theres a midnight launch.
Perfect. Will be picking this up Day 1 with Zelda: BoTW! I wanted a co op game I could play with my sister, and it looks like this will be it. I also never played it on Wii U so I am glad to have the chance to play it before Mario Kart 8 Deluxe dominates my racing fix like 8 did on my Wii U! Very glad it supports the single Joy-Con too as I won't have enough funds to buy another set of Joy-Cons day 1. 20$, great price! I was gonna get Super Bomberman R to play with my sister but not at a 50$ price point.
@bolt05
I live in robina on the gold coast. my eb is having a midnight launch
Never ended up picking up the Wii U version, but this one looks like a day one purchase for me. 1080p, 60fps, co-op, HD Rumble, and Hero mode, that's all I needed to know.
Even though I never finished the Wii U version I rellay loved the game. I'm defenitely buying this game... after i'm done with Breath of the Wild. ;- )
Well I plan on getting a $50 eshop card for the switch, so if shovel knight and I am Setsuna are both $15 then I will DEFINITLY be getting all of these........Oh wait, tax
@BLP_Software What are the other 2?
@Dark-Link73 same man. Same.
@retribution ooooh youre so lucky!
@LuigiMan123 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Snipperclips.
This should be a physical release, it would of been a huge asset top the launch lineup.
Day 1... damn with this and Shovel Knight Treasure Trove and all the physical games this is going to be one hell of a launch!!!
are there enough people playing MP on this to make the purchase worthwhile?
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