Delabs, the cryptocurrency gaming division of South Korean game developer 4:33, has introduced a preview version of its upcoming PC game, Rumble Racing Star (RRS). The game is a multiplayer racing title that features eccentric characters riding lawn mowers. The game draws inspiration from popular NFT collections like the Bored Ape Yacht Club, Pudgy Penguins, y00ts, and Goblintown, offering players the opportunity to unlock a variety of characters.
The game's mechanics are simple, involving only the use of arrow keys and ctrl and alt keys, making it accessible to both young children and casual adult gamers. The user interface, reminiscent of Fortnite and Fall Guys, may appeal to younger players. However, the game's simplicity may also lead to quick boredom and less replayability for more mature players.
RRS distinguishes itself by offering character abilities that can instantly alter the course of a match. For instance, the Pudgy Penguin character can freeze others on the map, while the Bored Ape character can transform another character into a banana. However, some abilities take a long time to charge and can feel overpowered, leading to frustration among players.
The game is still in its early stages and could benefit from a more skill-based design. The game maps currently feel too simple, with most of them being mere reskins of the same flat, short loop with minor variations.
RRS plans to use the Ethereum sidechain network Polygon for its cryptocurrency elements. While the game's crypto plans are not yet finalized, a Delabs representative stated that RRS will use crypto to facilitate "a creator economy, decentralized governance, and interoperability." Earlier this year, Delabs released membership NFTs called the Adventure Pass, which offer holders exclusive in-game items, NFT airdrops, a single-season battle pass with unlockable content, and other perks.
Rumble Racing Star is set to offer a closed best test in mid-August and an open beta for players this October, with a full launch scheduled for the end of 2023.
