RiME Review (Switch) │ Through the Good RiMEs and the Bad

Here's my review of Rime for the Nintendo Switch! Also I spent like a half hour trying to come up with a good pun for the title and that's the best I could come up with.
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/ arlostuff
TWOOTER: @ArloStuff
BOOKFACE: ArloStuff
INSTAGRAHAMS: ArloStuff
"Reloaded Installer #11" by LHS.
/ @lhschiptunes

[@NintyPrime]

Unfortunately, this isn't surprising. It actually runs very poorly on PlayStation 4 too. The game literally chugs one very platform, making you feel like it's got nothing to do with the hardware, rather really, really bad optimization.

[@thefilmdirector1]

runs fine on my PC at max settings. it probly isnt optimised for weak hardware which would explain why the console versions are all bad, but no real complaints on the pc end that ive seen anyways. The games kinda meh anyways so console owners arent missing much

[@kelimusprime]

it runs worse on PC than on PS4, like really bad, and my PC is running an i7 and a GTX1080

[@edwardelric8418]

GTX 1080's havent been out for 2-3 years to make that claim. Stop trolling.

[@kelimusprime]

Every game I have runs flawless on my pc, Witcher, Dragon age 3, DOOM, are all pretty GPU demanding games, it's the game not my pc and not my PS4

[@amihartz]

+Walther Penne Did you just say the PS4 is a tablet??

[@TheArloFanCommunity]

Happy 3rd anniversary on KZbin!

[@ArloStuff]

Apparently I COMPLETELY forgot it was my anniversary!

[@cam8842]

Arlo HI

[@bigtimehardline03]

You know EVERYTHING about him don't you?

[@TheArloFanCommunity]

What would you do without me Arlo? ;)

[@AlphTime]

Arlo does that mean no special!?!?!?

[@alexanderchilton911]

If your port isn't optimized, don't release it. 4 was honestly a generous score.

[@nitehood108]

You think RiME is bad? Look at freaking NBA 2K17. I honestly can't believe there are people with low enough standards to actually buy something with so little care put into it. The size of a SAVE FILE is just a little bit smaller than the ENTIRETY of Super Mario Odyssey. THAT'S poorly optimized.

[@criticalhard]

Alexander Chilton See how AMAZING La noire runs on the Switch... This rime crap is a middle finger in the face to those who waited for it.

[@Logicotion]

You do realize it is 6 years old? you would expect it to run smoothly if not somethings wrong.

[@84warhead]

From what I'm seeing in the comments, the game runs like shit on other platforms as well, not just Switch.

[@SkitBitProduction]

Everyday radish Doom run pretty good

[@BradyPartain]

Best review of switch rime on KZbin I've seen, lots of detail.

[@Allen.Always]

YES! A NOTIFICATION FOR AN ARLO VIDEO! Time to watch another review FOR MARIO ODys.....

[@sku5088]

The hype building for Arlo's Odyssey review is beginning to rival the hype for the game itself

[@Lipbuzz]

I predict 7/7. hahaha...HAHAHAH

[@zapazoid8451]

Um

[@SuperTallBird]

Could not agree more.

[@atomicmelodies]

lol what is he gonna say that hasn't already been said

[@Beos_Valrah]

Um... no.

[@user-iw2je9ol1c]

I get they're a small studio but it's kinda sad when BOTW can have a sprawling expansive full to the brim world with framedips being pretty damn uncommon, and this game can't even keep a decent fps when the graphics aren't very impressive and the areas are much smaller

[@criticalhard]

Hana La noirr m, doom abd skyrim do pretty amazing too.

[@mintstasteslikefresh3461]

criticalhard skyrim isn't out yet

[@thefilmdirector1]

streamers and youtubers have it and some i watch have already said they played with the port a bit and it runs 100 percent like all other versions

[@TravisOutlaw674]

You convinced me that the cons outweigh the pros. Thanks, Arlo.

[@aiaikawa4012]

Travis Hickey Honestly, I just played it on my Switch and though it has many issues, I loved the game a lot

[@aiaikawa4012]

Travis Hickey Honestly, I just played it on my Switch and though it has many issues, I loved the game a lot

[@MrServantRider]

I love the fact you fulfill a super unique niche of reviewing games specifically in reference to how they perform on the Switch compared to other consoles, while still giving an actual review of the game itself. I really really need this niche filled lmao

[@lyianx]

Sad to hear about the poor performance and control issues. Hopefully they are able to smooth those out with patches or something.

[@BrandonBlume]

Thanks. I was curious about this game for my Switch. I'll steer clear now.

[@jerrytotten3733]

Well, this is one preorder cancelled.

[@jerrytotten3733]

True, but I have Amazon Prime. Discounts are amazing.

[@austinmartin2927]

Parzival dude, if you haven't been able to buy a Nintendo Switch yet, either you don't have the money, or you are just not trying to find one. They are in stock everywhere. Walmart, Best Buy, target, GameStop, etc. they all have consoles in stock

[@DrAnimePhD]

Stop preordering video games

[@jerrytotten3733]

DrScaphandre no.

[@MrGuy__]

"Will this long-awaited indie title wind up in the figurative trash can, or it will it artsy-fartsy its way into my heartsy?" Arlo, I love you.

[@MrMathGames]

This review is excellent. You kept getting right to the point, and didn't go on for too long about anything. In particular, there were no noticeable parts where you started talking a mile a minute to get through a lot of stuff in a brief time, which has been a huge issue in most of your recent reviews. Find that magic touch that made this review work so well and keep doing that.

[@pro2gamer]

Whoever made the Arlo Direct animations deserves a raise.

[@rogeriopenna9014]

This game did run well on my computer. And it's a masterpiece with the saddest ending ever. If you are a parent then, you will cry for like 10 minutes at the ending. Crying with a smile at your face. Just by remembering it (finished it 1 year ago) I already got teary eyed. And the gameplay is pretty good. But yes, I agree those framerates on Switch are a fun killer.

[@darkymcsoulface7057]

Wait, this isn't Super Mario Odyssey! The Bamboozling Never Ends!

[@funnysillyclown]

That Arlo Direct animation had me in tears. How do you do it Arlo?

[@hurricane1nox]

que

[@mccloaker]

You had me expecting an animation

[@ransomlinder6018]

Truly

[@wastingtime2380]

I like you arlo. You're funny, i love watching your videos when i relax.

[@soulrodriguez1045]

3 years ago this channel was started.... jeez I feel way older now, time sure flies by!

[@gayluigi6495]

4 KZbinrs that I'm subbed to posted Rime reviews today lol. Arlo, Nintendo Life, RGT 85, and GameXplain.

[@PhaethonCrafts]

I actually sub to all of them as well xD!

[@adamotlewski3799]

Do you ever think about doing a behind the scenes video? I know the whole point is the mystery of who you are and Arlo is the puppet, but honestly it's really cool and unique and I'd love to see how you actually do it. Also your content is always great and entertaining so it's not just a gimmick, which makes your channel so awesome.

[@cubedmelons876]

Don't worry, Switch owners. The PC version isn't much better. There are some games like this and ARK: Survival Evolved that just run like shit no matter what hardware you throw at it.

[@bigz4349]

Zachary Jones That's disappointing to hear. I was holding off on getting it on PC for a Switch port, but I might pass it now.

[@cubedmelons876]

Because not everyone cares about performance.

[@StormsparkPegasus]

I haven't played this game yet (my computer has a 6700k and a 1080ti) but I've heard the framerate can get chuggy sometimes even on computers like mine.

[@wummrs]

Nah, ARK runs perfect on my 1070 and i5 maxed out. For lower end PC's just turn down the shadows and you will be fine.

[@haiche8267]

i have a gtx 1080 i7 7700k. Its acceptable when you look at its framerate, but when the game stutters it's almost impossible to concentrate.

[@Astro_Crunch]

I'll never get tired of your review titles

[@TheGeekFactor]

That frame rate is killing me

[@LightsAcapella]

Thanks Arlo, great as always!

[@MrGuy__]

Jeez, Arlo man! Your last video was barely 4 days ago AND you're working on the Odyssey review! You're gonna work yourself out!

[@RawDealCo]

thanks Arlo,, the most wholesome tell-it-like-it-is guy on KZbin

[@Kain2k7]

Thank you for giving me this well-presented review. Like you, I have had my eyes on this game for several months. I had the option to play it on other platforms, but I withheld because I thought it would be a perfect game for the Switch. After watching this review, I can now say that I will likely just end up getting it on Xbox One during a sale. It's boggling how there are performance issues on this port.

[@jevawoah]

happy anniversary!!

[@UubTay]

I'm not sure which I'm more excited to see: Arlo's Odyssey review or that damn animation for Arlo Direct.

[@zagqueenofchaos8352]

gotta say the transition to the arlo directs are always so beautiful, who did you get to animate them?

[@andrewpannelli8016]

I am looking all these Rime reviews at the moment, it lets me know it's on the way. I been waiting for this for a while. I was kinda hoping there was some battle in it though. Oh well, I can deal with puzzles just fine.

[@guyknaan1674]

congradulation Arlo. Your channel is 3 years old

[@slashingkatie7872]

Honestly I’m glad I got this on Steam for $20. It’s a fine game but there’s no reason to shell out $40 for a six hour game. You’ll get more out of getting Stardew Valley on Switch. Also the PC version was laggy as hell thanks to Denuvo.

[@defeqel6537]

If Denuvo was enough to bring it down, then there are probably problems elsewhere too.

[@jiggles.3397]

If a game has Denuvo you are better off pirating it, I am not saying you should, but people have to speak with their wallet.

[@thefilmdirector1]

i was about to say my copy runs fine then i realised.......... yeah mine doesnt have the DRM issue *ahem*

[@amihartz]

If you're paying full price for new games, you're doing it wrong. The game is $31 for most normal people, and $10 of that is the soundtrack.

[@My1xT]

Jiggles denuvo has been removed quickly enough after it's been cracked

[@Amberanimegirl]

I've recently purchsed the game because of the pandemic and needed something to do, and I am not sure if they've fixed the frame rate or its because this was my third game for the switch. But I did get a huge update that came along with the game before I played it, so it might be fixed now. I still haven't finished it yet, but I am getting through it

[@izrealtruefelicis3309]

How was the game? I just recently bought it on switch and it’s coming in soon. Was it fixed a little?

[@TheIrishDino]

2 reviews in 4 days? Woo!

[@shotguntornado]

I almost hope you never get that sweet Arlo Direct animation, because your descriptions of them are better than it ever could be.

[@DarkLordofTheRizz]

If Doom barely chugs on the switch as well as the tech demo for skyrim, how the hell does this low res nightmare sloth along so badly?

[@thecultofcaged]

PapaWill poor optimization I know there an indie Studio but dang they couldn't downscale it at all

[@DarkLordofTheRizz]

jet 217974 True, considering Bethesda's record for shit streamlined RPGs after Morrowind but good open world games across all ports, I think the switch should be a cakewalk for them.

[@DarkLordofTheRizz]

jet 217974 I guess not enough experience for this indie game

[@Kezsora]

Also, Doom runs at 720p which can really boost framerate.

[@DiscostewSM]

Here's the thing. The original developers didn't port the Switch version. It was outsourced to Tantalus.

[@ashton7308]

Wait a minute, this isn't super Mario Odyssey! I've been bamboozled again!

[@jaronaustin8301]

Better frame rate in DOOM? Lol

[@benoitbourque344]

Jaron Austin the frame rate in doom is very acceptable.

[@Captain_Neckbeard]

Jaron Austin Just seeing gameplay of the Switch version of Doom made me sick. Usually 30fps doesnt bother me, but that game is too fast and performance dependent that I would not recommend it at 30fps.

[@DankLonk1980]

Jeremy Seal Everybody has different sensitivities, I myself rarely ever feel sick from frame rate.

[@nikkcade4481]

Everything I see online is in 30 fps so I'm used to it.

[@benoitbourque344]

Jeremy Seal I am a PC gamer with a 3000 dollars rig and I bought Doom on my Switch for the portability factor and I am having a blast with it.

[@thisisjustme100]

This comment is made for no Rime or reason.

[@voiceranger2]

RiME doesn’t pay Put the RiME in the Coconut No RiME or reason The RiME has come to make a decision Glorious puns! Happy 3rd Anniversary Arlo! And though I’m probably late on this one, congratulations on joining the staff of Nintendo Force Magazine! Will this be a regular thing or was it a one off? I need more headcanon!

[@EricRounds]

Thanks for this honest review. You’ve saved me time and money. I’ll wait until they fix the frame rate and action controls.

[@citrusnx8283]

Very good review! Rime looks very interesting but it's unfortune to hear the game running bad on Nintendo Switch, as that is the PERFECT platform for it! As for the Arlo Direct with very beautiful animations, I'm looking forward to eventually see the Super Mario Odyssey review!

[@ransomlinder6018]

This game had such a cinematic feel while being so much a game.

[@oisinmurray3970]

Nintendo Life and Arlo uploaded at nearly the same time(rhymes with RiMe lol). *CONSPIRACY*

[@linkyen5613]

GameXplain too!!!

[@oisinmurray3970]

And RGT 85! WHAT IS THIS WITCHCRAFT?!

[@MajoraMZC]

normally reviewers schedule the review for when the embargo lifts

[@Zouth]

I was watching Arlo when this was uploaded

[@myr_the]

Honestly I love Rime so much

[@VinegarAndSaltedFries]

Thank you, was Gunna grab this but heck nahhhh. You just saved me a decent amount of cash. Much Love Arlo

[@r0flcopter]

Great review, you hit all the points in a very manageable amount of time and was able to show examples for a lot of things. I was most worried about not getting a good enough sense of the gameplay and puzzles, and I understand not showing spoilers for some of the puzzles but it would have been nice to see the time you said you were wracking your brain for a puzzle only to realize that you just didn't know how to pick something up. I'm also personally getting sick of the whole, "mysterious place where you lost your memory and don't know what happened" cliche. It can be cool to explore around a new game but after awhile I need something to care about. The real killer is paying $30 for a 6 hour game. I'd love to support indie devs but it's just not worth it, especially in its current laggy state.

[@raifintune]

Great review. I was going to purchase this, but I will wait for a patch to fix those horrible frame rates

[@PinkKips]

was looking forward to this game, but... not so much anymore

[@wolfofdiscord7092]

i played the game on switch about a year ago and had no framerate issues

[@edgar_axel_abadia]

Arlo's review was from 2017....the studio correct all small issues including the framerate drop.

[@wolfofdiscord7092]

@@edgar_axel_abadia yeah was pretty obviosu that happened but all i can say is it mad my experience great

[@woes_me]

And preorder canceled. Thanks Arlo!

[@pedrito890]

Life saver

[@klwilson22]

Yeah im proba ly gonna cancel mine. :'( i wanted this to be good.

[@kxunaifn]

Walther Penne cuz then you don't have to worry about stock or issues. Are you dumb as toast, "Walther Penne"?

[@ferrosplice8460]

Hmmm, a mysterious world filled with magic, pictures to help the plot, a main character that wears a red scarf... could this be... A PREQUEL TO JOURNEY!?!?!?1?

[@CountMonsparkle]

You should check out "A Hat in Time", Arlo. I know you would love it since it's basically a mix of Sunshine, Wind Waker and Paper Mario.

[@ruzinus_]

I'm starting to think that Arlo may actually be a sentient puppet.

[@luigiiz3421]

Heyo Arlo, are you at all interested in taking a look at Wandersong? It’s an indie game that look gorgeous, fun, and unique, and it was just announced that it will be launching with a Switch port. It just looks like something you would proper enjoy, so I thought that I’d fill you in. :)

[@Volt790]

Hearing this review... wow, this upsets me. I've been looking forward to this for MONTHS & now hearing this... I'm just. Wow. I can handle weird controls & average graphics. But framerate dips & muddy graphics for games where I need to find secrets are killers for me, especially when the game depends on it. Pre-order gone. Thank you for the review, Arlo.

[@Okapi540]

Thanks for the review. I have been holding off getting this on PC or PS4 since its release in order to support a Switch release, and I'm bummed to hear it has performance issues on all three. I'll wait for a Steam sale.

[@8bitdiedie]

God bless Gaben.

[@PetarPopovac]

Love

[@lewa3910]

This sounds like how the ps4 version started for me at release. A few weeks and patches later and the game runs perfectly (although gameplay wise, i still hate how slow running is. The dodge roll doesn't even do anything accept for crouch you in a few places, it doesn't even help speed things up which in these large beautiful areas would've been so much more helpful). Hopefully they do patch it similarly on Switch, and sooner than they did on ps4 (seeing as it isn't out yet, maybe they can hopefully)

[@jaredlord4009]

I have not gotten a Switch yet, and RiME was one of the games I was considering getting for it when I finally get one. It looks like the sort of thing I'd dig. But, given what you've said, maaaaaaaaaybe I should just go for the PC version. (I do still plan on getting a Switch, because BotW, Metroid Prime 4, and other things, but I am more than content leaving RiME as a non-Switch type thing.)

[@ztothepunk]

How is it that a talking puppet is the most down to earth, reasonable, and appealing to me as an adult than most "human" video makers?

[@ob1slam]

When you see the issues with RiME, you appreciate the efforts put in to the port of DOOM for Switch.

[@M0JBK]

This is the best review for Mario Odyssey

[@gojizirra1018]

any Idead when the mario odyssey review might be coming out in particuler?

[@Mante_killa]

Or breath of the wild review lol

[@AdrianSeidelman]

Kinda sad that it turns out to be a bad port, I was looking forward to it. At least it makes it easier to choose what not to buy this week ?

[@minimanzero2262]

What games do you think rime took inspiration from (just interested)

[@codydalton6846]

MinimanZero2 The Witness, I would watch Joseph Anderson's video on it if you're interested

[@rickeyrocket1412]

8:24 I love the facepalm for the worst rating. xD

[@Thirteen13551355]

Arlo will be giving Odyssey a 7 for sure... You're becoming the next Jim Sterling!

[@bloodywilson1014]

When is the oddysey review coming, i personally loved the game but i would love to her you're opinion Edit: Saw the direct

[@matipedia_]

I want to see a re-review on this since the patch!

[@Tman-gt7fk]

Matipedia it’s been patched

[@TheRamblingG]

Is it possible that your memory card is not as big as possible. I use a 32gb card and doom is jaw dropping. Your video is such a good review and I love the muppet. I hope I helped but you probably have a big card already.

[@AlvinEarthworm]

Considering Panic Button was able to port Doom onto the Switch with a near consistent frame rate, the developers releasing Rime like this is inexcusable.

[@jacobf.2224]

You have to wait until the end of your run animation before your button does anything? So like selecting objects in FFXV right?

[@Tsohartales1774]

The only thing I am going to say about Rime!. Its a great game, I really like the storyline in the game. And honesty the graphics are not bad. The game is not blurry on the Switch. It looks mighty fine on the Switch both in handheld mode and tv mode!. But its true the game in its self does freeze a lot, the controls can get alittle annoying at times and doesn't run the best on the switch!. But just look at the good of the game, enjoy that way!. I believe people are overlooking at the bad stuff of the game, preventing them to enjoy it!. Thanks

[@pastapangolin9261]

I'd love to hear your opinion on Abzu, one of my favorite artsy fartsy simplistic style game. The music and art direction are beautiful, and the story got me crying.

[@cartertoro8469]

Im bummed about the port problems but I want to play it looks so amazing

[@feuerstern3001]

I like your Arlo Direct animation. No nned to change it.

[@whomd2112]

What are your thoughts on the star wars battlefront 2 controversy?

[@drowningin]

damn i was looking forward to this. hopefully there is a performance patch in which case I'll get it then. way too many great games to bother with a bad port

[@Teh1AnnOwnLeeByukk]

This makes me want to wait out for your Skyrim and L.A. Noire reviews. They'll be my first graphic heavy 3rd party switch games. Pretty sure Bethesda and Rockstar will do a better job at optimization. Granted Bethesda already proved that they can make a solid running game like Doom but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Not in a hurry since I have a huge backlog of games on the Switch alone.

[@thaivillaluna2138]

Butternut squash? Yes please!

[@DiscostewSM]

Is it just me, or are those frame-rate jitters part of a background loading issue? Rayman Legends supposedly had this issue when it launched on Switch as you would play, but replaying a segment after dying fixed it, and now after a patch, it seems practically gone by folks who tried it.

[@Tael98]

Hey Arlo, I know this has nothing to do with the video, but have you played NieR: Automata? If so, could you consider doing a review? I know that you're very busy, but I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the game. Keep up the great work, good luck man!

[@Vashkey]

I think you guys should give the game a chance on other systems. I played through on Xbox One and i had a good time. The performance is still spotty but its not nearly as bad. I tried it out on Xbox One X and it runs smoothly there. If you like games like Ico I think itd be up your alley

[@starnate5597]

Yay new video!!!!!!

[@alexsouth9433]

Hey Arlo could you check the game after downloading the day 1 patch and maybe see if it has improved? Let us know. I really want to play this game if some of the issues you mentioned are fixed.

[@felinkh4692]

Please note, RIME is now free on the Epic Games Store until May 30, 2019. Cheers!

[@adamvancleave9200]

How did this get messed up on the Switch? I know it can run better. I cleared the collectibles and got the ending extension.

[@haydenford9498]

What you mentioned about interacting while coming out of movement, is a problem I have with Odyssey aswell. You have to stop running before you can talk to NPCs which is annoying because ill end up just jumping over them.

[@mpetrides]

Day One patch is out. Does it help??? My preorder (physical version) won’t arrive until next week-assuming I don’t cancel.

[@kasig2013]

Man, I reeeeeaaallllly hope they patch this game and make it run smoother, because I definitely want to check it out.

[@TravisOutlaw674]

Arlo, what are your thoughts regarding the game now that there has been a patch?

[@giusepperafykservodio651]

I didn't get it on PS4 waiting for the Switch version, what a disaster! Did Tequila Works say anything about a patch to make it run properly?

[@raldonthebrown5111]

Feel the rhythm Feel the RiME Let's give it up It's Nintendo Switch time

[@zidanetribal1406]

Glad I got this for free on PS+ a few years ago. Unfortunately I knew what the ending was going to be because the trophy you get for completing the first area completely spoiled it

[@yvonnedonohoe9557]

Anyone else have no clue this existed until this came out