Racing games at Respawn. Options

[I.esus]

Yo.
Are many people here interested in playing racing games at Respawn?
I'm considering taking my G25 (just got a G27 Wheel Stand Pro for it - www.wheelstandpro.com.au), in hope there's some people that might want to play some multiplayer GTR Evolution, GTR2, DiRT2... I dunno (please, no GRID).

If there's not much interest (which is what I am assuming), I imagine GTR is out of the question, as it'd just be boring.
DiRT2 however, could still be interesting with few players, and is pretty fun with a wheel, yet still playable with a keyboard.

So, any players here with a wheel who'd be down for racing...? And if not, anyone down for some DiRT2 or something at some point?

[serpentine]

Yo.
Are many people here interested in playing racing games at Respawn?
I'm considering taking my G25 (just got a G27 Wheel Stand Pro for it - www.wheelstandpro.com.au), in hope there's some people that might want to play some multiplayer GTR Evolution, GTR2, DiRT2... I dunno (please, no GRID).

If there's not much interest (which is what I am assuming), I imagine GTR is out of the question, as it'd just be boring.
DiRT2 however, could still be interesting with few players, and is pretty fun with a wheel, yet still playable with a keyboard.

So, any players here with a wheel who'd be down for racing...? And if not, anyone down for some DiRT2 or something at some point?

I've got a G25 also.... Space is the issue for me and the fact I'm already lumping a heavy box..... PLus i find the Wheel crap on a 22" screen.... Projector at home is shaweeet with the racing games....

I'm happy to be convinced though ; )

I've got Dirt 1 and 2 and Grid are the main ones i play... well just bought dirt2 waiting for it and a few games to come down on steam....

Incidentally have you found a decent clutch based game for the PC ?? Test drive unlimited i've got and gotten rid of but any others....

[I.esus]

Clutch based... try GTR 2, Race 07/GTR Evolution, Live For Speed, rFactor.

GTR2 is the number 1 FIA GT racing game, while Race07/GTR Evo (Evo is an expansion to Race) are mostly touring cars. Live For Speed sucks, I think... the cars feel too floaty... and rFactor is too mod-heavy.

They're all sim racers, so be careful if you're used to rubbish like GRID where it feels like you're driving floating boats.

Space was my issue also, until I got this wheel stand pro.
Mostly got it in preparation for GT5 in November, but it works well for my PC too.
No more setting up and packing away the wheel. Just unfold the stand and plug it in!

Despite how it looks, it's really quite stable.

[serpentine]

Looks cool and compact.... I've seen the fancy ones for 600AU...

How much and where did ya get it from (if ya don't mind me asking ; )

Cheers
Chris.

[I.esus]

$276 from wheelstandpro.com.au!
There's a cheaper one, at $258, but it has thinner bottom bars where the pedals sit (pedals are held by a bar underneath and a screw... it doesn't budge though, despite how heavy they are), and it's not quite as wide.

I got the more expensive one (G27 model) as opposed to the G25 model, for a little more stability.
Both stands can be used for either the G25 or G27, so it's really a matter of personal taste/requirements.

The best part is, when it's not in use, the vertical bar just folds down and you can lean it up against the wall.

You can find various videos, and reviews and stuff on YouTube if you're interested.

[serpentine]

Cheers mate, I must admit it looks like the bar coming down from the steering wheel would get in the way of the Clutch / brake ?? or is it not a problem ?

See ya at Respawn....

I'll bring the games so if ya keen drop me a line...

Cheers
Chris.

[I.esus]

Nah, the bar isn't an issue at all.
I thought the same thing when I first saw it, but after reading reviews (which also addressed the possible issue), and using it for myself, it's quite good, and hasn't gotten in the way at all.

Find me on DC++ at Respawn and if I have it with me, you can come try it out if you like.

Is anybody else here interested in some LAN racing?

[Micah]

I love racing games

PM me on DC at respawn. "Micah".

[I.esus]

I will if I remember.
What do you play/have you got?

[Micah]

I will if I remember.
What do you play/have you got?

Im good at GRID (i won the last comp)

Also have dirt 2 installed. I have the other games, just not installed. you can also add me on steam "Reprezent" and we can talk about it some more

[Rangers]

I.esus,

What is wrong with GRiD? You said please not grid. Grid is a great game.

[I.esus]

Great game if you like driving with horrible, floaty car physics.
Ever tried playing it with a wheel? It's about 10x more noticeable... but it's still there with a keyboard/controller.

In short; It's just really bad.

I like racing sims mostly, but I make exceptions for games like DiRT 2 which is still somewhat arcadey, but also plays well with a wheel.
At least it kiiiinda handles realistically, the cars should just slide way more than they do at the moment.

[Rangers]

I have none of this floaty ness with GRiD that you have. Sure i dont have a wheel to play with but at the same time if it's that bad i would notice it. Maybe you have just tried to mess around too much with the settings on your game, and made it worse?

[I.esus]

Maybe you just don't notice it 'cause you don't know what a real car racing sim is like.

[That Commander]

I find I like racing games more than shooting games, and not just because I generally suck at shooting games

I've got a copy of Need for Speed III Hot Pursuit. Would any body be willing play that next lan?

Cheers

[That Commander]

Hmm. I guess not.

Guess I will have to update my racing games/sims library.

Cheers

[I.esus]

If you're into the Need for Speed series, and enjoy the cop chases, give Most Wanted and Carbon a shot.

[That Commander]

Thank you, I will, and the other game suggestions in this thread. That gaming wheel looks the goods by the way. I had no idea there were clutched based games.

Cheers

[That Commander]

Hello again,

Trying out the suggestions in this thread, I downloaded the rFactor demo

I couldn't wipe the grin from my face. The amount of times I lost control. I figured, being used to Flatout2 physics. Plus the engine noise sounds great. The game feels very realistic.

And of course, a some Australian modders have made a Ford XY GTHO Phase 3 available

Cheers

[Kitfox]

BLUR

[I.esus]

BLUR

Die.

[priorax]

Why? Blur was awesome fun at v17

[I.esus]

If you read the OP and other posts, you may get a subtle hint of my dislike for arcade racers.

[SirSquidness]

Blur is not a racing game.

It's a ... something else.

[Jen]

Blur is Mario Kart for adults (who may infact still be children)

[R4N]

Everyone who makes comparisons between blur and mario kart obviously haven't played wipeout

[I.esus]

Is there any more sim-racing interest around here?

[LolSauce]

Is there any more sim-racing interest around here?

Not really, a few of us tried to get some GTR2/Liveforspeed going once... But Respawn players tend to prefer their Grid/Flatout2

[I.esus]

Mmmh.

If we can get 5 or more I'd be up for GTR2 on a smaller track.

[That Commander]

I would like to try sim racers, but my demo experience with rFactor shows me that it will be harder to play without a wheel and accelerator, which can give precise steering and power control.

rFactor with a clutch makes for interesting play on a keyboard - either the clutch is on or it's off

I can't try other racing games/sims at the moment until I get past the 'Win2k is not supported' problem

Cheers

[I.esus]

Time to invest in a wheel, perhaps?

[That Commander]

Eventually, but at the moment I am sinking funds into an actual car

The Missus decrees no racing games until it's on the road

[I.esus]

*Cracking whip sound*

[Ezkaton]

So, being a racing themed Respawn coming up... can we get some SIM racing action?

[That Commander]

I'm game. Tax return came in, so I can afford to spend money now on things other than the car

I will hopefully have bought a G25/27 by October, and a few of the games mentioned in this thread.

Cheers

[dead_man]

So, being a racing themed Respawn coming up... can we get some SIM racing action?

the probley with SIM racing games at a lan like respawn is

A) not many actually play them
not many people bring a steering wheel to play them
C) not much room to setup a steering wheel.

i might be able to setup an unofficial comp, however most of the racing comp's this event will be of the arcade variety.

Dead_Man

[Danog]

Was Blur one of the games where you couldn't pirate? I have it for PS3, but that's not much use at respawn.

[priorax]

Danog: www.cdkeys.com.au That has Blur CD Keys for AUD$23
You can play LAN without making an account (what you need the serial for), however with this you lose achievments (well, stickers) and online play.

[Ezkaton]

So, being a racing themed Respawn coming up... can we get some SIM racing action?

the probley with SIM racing games at a lan like respawn is

A) not many actually play them
not many people bring a steering wheel to play them
C) not much room to setup a steering wheel.

i might be able to setup an unofficial comp, however most of the racing comp's this event will be of the arcade variety.

Dead_Man

Yeah, I figured as much, but if we can even get just a handful, I'm sure the wheel-users could work something out and set up their own games.

[Ezkaton]

Okay, so...
I am wondering who is interested in some sim racing at v18?
Perhaps GTR2, since that's probably the easiest to get going (even if a little visually dated now, but also arguably one of the best).

The whole L-row in the seat reservations allow a the extra space for wheel setups, if last Respawn is anything to go by, so if the pre-payers who are interested in some proper racing could snag those, they wouldn't have to worry too much about where or how they'll set up a wheel.
(Any admins around feel free to correct me if I got the wrong aisle letter!)

[oohms]

*diagram may not be to scale

[Ezkaton]

*diagram may not be to scale

if last Respawn is anything to go by

[Jen]

Ezkaton,

The seating sizes have not changed. The diagram and seating arrangement has due to some equipment changes on our part which won't impact on your gaming experience in the slightest. The L row, is the same as A B C and D for example because nothing has changed. The diagram not being to scale means nothing when the original table size is identical to the prior events.

You're quite welcome to use your steering wheel at the event, my suggestion would be, stick your keyboard on your case whilst using the wheel, or interchange them as you need them to conserve your space.

Just to sum up, no one seat, row or allocation is bigger than the other.

Jeffy

[Ezkaton]

Lies. Look at my seat booking.
There's plenty of room there for wheel setup when there's nobody sitting directly behind you.

My G25 is also attached to a Wheel Stand Pro, broooo.
Meaning keyboard doesn't have to go anywhere, and the wheel never touches the table.

The seats and tables don't need to change, nor was I ever implying that they have... I am saying, at previous Respawn events I have attended, the L-row, as it is now known, has had much more room behind the players, due to being used as a wider walkway for people to bring in their PC and equipment without squeezing down aisles of fatties in high back chairs.

[Tak]

Okay, so...
I am wondering who is interested in some sim racing at v18?
Perhaps GTR2, since that's probably the easiest to get going (even if a little visually dated now, but also arguably one of the best).

The whole L-row in the seat reservations allow a the extra space for wheel setups, if last Respawn is anything to go by, so if the pre-payers who are interested in some proper racing could snag those, they wouldn't have to worry too much about where or how they'll set up a wheel.
(Any admins around feel free to correct me if I got the wrong aisle letter!)

I'm in for this, sim racing needs more rep. GTR or Rfactor would be great for this. An Rfactor V8 Bathurst would be amazing =)

I'm also curious if anyone is interested in an F1 2010 tourney (that is if it has LAN =/)

[That Commander]

... An Rfactor V8 Bathurst would be amazing =) ...

I second this - but can it be 1970s Bathurst with the Ford XY GTHO?

[dead_man]

AGREED!! however since i dont have rfactor does anyone know any similar game's with a more arcade feel to them

[Tak]

I was thinking more using this mod =P

V8 Supercars 2010 rFactor

[Ezkaton]

Mmm, I really don't like rFactor's force feedback, or its entire menu system... but I'm down for some V8 Supercars mod (in the meantime I'm gonna have to have a play around with the FFB settings).

@That_Commander: I also have the 1972 Bathurst Legends mod with the XY (and Torana, etc), but to be honest, it's pretty bad. The car models suck, and the cars feel terrible, 'cause they're so ooooold.

Personal preference, though.

I am also down for F1 2010 (if it's good). I bought it on Steam on Saturday for $36, and it's out on the 23rd or 24th. Enough time to get a little practice in before Respawn.

Since it's made by Codemasters, it should be okay with a gamepad or keyboard as well.
They've said it's a sim, but Codies always cater to the masses as well.

Also, everything should be restricted to cockpit view, for overall fairness.
(I hope you can remove the steering wheel in F1 2010, like you can in most racing sims... it's a little silly having a wheel in front of you and another one on screen, spinning around and being distracting...)

Pit speeds, safe exits, and blue flags should also be enforced.





EDIT: I have found some information regarding F1 2010.

Highlights being;
- Difficulty settings and assists to cater all players, so good for both the sim and arcade crowd.
- Every steering wheel will be fully supported and the team are aiming to create a great experience for both controller and wheel use.
- LAN play is present.
- ALL MP modes are 12 players max (this is 99% since 7th April 2010.) [I find this disappointing... 20 would be nice]
- The PC version of the game will use Games for Windows Live.

And the most amusing...
- Laser scanned grid girls are present.

Apparently 7 lap races are classed as "endurance". So I hope you're able to set a custom lap number... 'cause 7 laps is laughable. I'm thinking 20-30 laps (depending on the track) should be standard.

[Tak]

The F1 2010 mod on rFactor is sex =)

Pad is fine for racers anyway, you just don't press the sticks all the way in when turning/accelerating/braking =P

[Ezkaton]

I'll have a look.

I only have the 2006 one, I think.
Does the mod come with all the tracks required?

I just gave V8 2010 a shot, I really dislike those cars, man. It's like trying to drive boats on ice.
Actually I kinda dislike rFactor in general. The FFB puts me off SO much.

GTR Evolution is so much better.
iRacing smashes them all, but that's an online-only game with a subscription service... so no iRacing at Respawn.

[That Commander]

...I just gave V8 2010 a shot, I really dislike those cars, man. It's like trying to drive boats on ice.
Actually I kinda dislike rFactor in general. The FFB puts me off SO much...

Race with a keyboard. It has no force feedback issues at all

On the subject of GRiD I've finally been able to have a go at it, and I'd describe it's handling as 'Flatout2' like.

[Ezkaton]

Yeah. Now try playing GRID with a wheel... it's like 10x worse than Flatout 2.

[dead_man]

Yeah. Now try playing GRID with a wheel... it's like 10x worse than Flatout 2.

GRiD with a wheel isnt to bad, try playing FO2 with a wheeel using a manual gearbox against oohms though

or use a steering wheel in HAWX

[R4N]

Yeah. Now try playing GRID with a wheel... it's like 10x worse than Flatout 2.

GRiD with a wheel isnt to bad, try playing FO2 with a wheeel using a manual gearbox against oohms though

or use a steering wheel in HAWX

We all know deadman is quite mad. Steering wheel in hawx....

[That Commander]

Yeah. Now try playing GRID with a wheel... it's like 10x worse than Flatout 2.

GRiD with a wheel isnt to bad, try playing FO2 with a wheeel using a manual gearbox against oohms though

or use a steering wheel in HAWX

So you use manual in Flatout?

For me, I find it's the only way to (adequately) control the Bullet GT - using the gearbox as a form of power control

[dead_man]

Yeah. Now try playing GRID with a wheel... it's like 10x worse than Flatout 2.

GRiD with a wheel isnt to bad, try playing FO2 with a wheeel using a manual gearbox against oohms though

or use a steering wheel in HAWX

So you use manual in Flatout?

For me, I find it's the only way to (adequately) control the Bullet GT - using the gearbox as a form of power control

i never really did it often due to the space a wheel uses at a LAN, however iv started using manual again in flatout2 and am pretty happy for it.

ill also point out I hardly ever touch the NOS

[oohms]

So you use manual in Flatout?

For me, I find it's the only way to (adequately) control the Bullet GT - using the gearbox as a form of power control

I use the handbrake + nos as a stabiliser - focusing more on car control than speed

[Ezkaton]

Yeah. Now try playing GRID with a wheel... it's like 10x worse than Flatout 2.

GRiD with a wheel isnt to bad

LIES! HIDEOUS LIES!

[Ezkaton]

Commander, did you end up getting a wheel?

[Tak]

I'll have a look.

I only have the 2006 one, I think.
Does the mod come with all the tracks required?

I just gave V8 2010 a shot, I really dislike those cars, man. It's like trying to drive boats on ice.
Actually I kinda dislike rFactor in general. The FFB puts me off SO much.

GTR Evolution is so much better.

GTR Evo does beat it, but I was trying to keep in with the whole Bathurst theme =P

No more shitout 2 talk k thanks =P

[Ezkaton]

I have Bathurst + V8 mod for GTR Evo.

Among other Aussie tracks, like Surfer's, Adelaide, etc.

[That Commander]

I use the handbrake + nos as a stabiliser - focusing more on car control than speed

Interesting. I hardly use the NOS except in dire circumstances.

On another note, I get dismayed when people claim the Bullet GT has horrible handling - it actually has quite amazing handling. In reality players simply don't slow down for corners, and the Bullet goes reallllly fast, so the effect is amplified.

Commander, did you end up getting a wheel?

Not yet unfortunately, my main machine kicked the bucket two weeks ago, and I've basically spent all funds allocated for the wheel on getting a new machine. Still hoping to have a wheel by Respawn in October.

Will I still be able to compete even if I don't have one?

[Ezkaton]

Depends on the game, I guess!
I really hope we can get a good handful of players willing to roll in to Respawn rocking a wheel.

[Ezkaton]

F1 2010 is really looking the goods... got mine on Steam for $36.
Many people interested?

[That Commander]

I just had a go at the GTR2 Demo. Pretty good - the ability to steer with a mouse was interesting but I quickly switched back to arrow keys for control as the mouse is a bit awkward

But I must admit I am really beginning to enjoy playing rFactor

No demo for F1 2010??

Cheers

[Ezkaton]

Nah, no F1 2010 demo.
It WAS extremely cheap on Steam, but they bumped up the price to ~$60.

Been playing it the past couple of days, and I will most definitely play it at Respawn if others are interested in some races (shit, I'll probably play single player regardless). I'm liking it a LOT.

[dead_man]

Nah, no F1 2010 demo.
It WAS extremely cheap on Steam, but they bumped up the price to ~$60.

Been playing it the past couple of days, and I will most definitely play it at Respawn if others are interested in some races (shit, I'll probably play single player regardless). I'm liking it a LOT.

got F1 2010 and i just dont like the handling, just seems really bad in terms of handling...

maybe it will be better with a wheel

[Ezkaton]

Many people are having issues with trying to play with a keyboard, from what I'm reading.
Tried a controller?

It's very nice with my G25 (with deadzone altered to be 0%), I'm loving the game quite a lot.
Handling is very similar, if not the same as Ferrari Virtual Academy... Ferrari's simulator that was released not long ago.

It's just WAY harder to spin the car/lock the wheels, etc etc. in F1 2010.
Great game overall, imo. Runs nicely on my PC too (heaps of people have been complaining about performance issues).

I think there's an NVidia driver update or hotfix to fix up performance on their cards.
No problems on my HD4870, though.

[dead_man]

ill try a 360 controller tonight and see how it goes

deff not a keyboard racer

[Ezkaton]

I'm sure it'd be okay once you got used to it. It's not a sim by any means, but it sure is fun.

F1 is a bit fast paced, with a need for precision cornering. Not too good a combination for a keyboard I guess... Hope some people are up for playing at Respawn. I just hope people know what respect for other cars is... otherwise corner 1 will be a nightmare.

Races are never won on the first corner, however, they are often lost there.

[Chapo]

If people are serious about having some kind of sim racing event, I'll bring my wheel along. I play Live For Speed (S2 Licensed) but I have rFactor and DiRT2.

[Ezkaton]

I'm down for sim racing, but most at Respawn seem against it 'cause they suck, or something.
Though Live For Speed is pretty -okay- (I have S2 Licensed as well but don't enjoy it that much... lack of real cars and tracks + terrible sound = meh, regardless of car physics), I really dislike rFactor. The FFB always trying to pull to the side when I want to turn really puts me off, and the sound is TERRIBLE.
For sim-racing, I'm an iRacing and GTR guy.

I mentioned F1 2010 'cause it's new, fun, looks great, sounds great, plays great, and has LAN functionality.
More people might be inclined to try it out, since it's relatively playable with a keyboard (using assists), and controller, along with a wheel.

[That Commander]

Oddly enough, the GTR games use the same engine as rFactor.

Sims can be played with a keyboard, you just have to learn how to steer always at full-lock

[Ezkaton]

Yeah it's wierd. The FFB in rFactor makes me want to punch babies... but GTR Evo's is probably the best, most customizable FFB I've seen in a racing game.

Tried mouse steering? I did alright with that in GTR2 before I got a G25.

[That Commander]

I did try mouse steering, but overall drove worse than I do with a keyboard.

I will be picking up a G27 this week - should improve my power and steering control ability quite dramatically. I am looking forward to the clutch and 6 speed shifter

[Ezkaton]

Awesome, man.
Grab F1 2010! Legit or from Uncle-T, shouldn't matter.

It's quite good in multiplayer, had a few games on Friday after work.
Doesn't use the clutch, or H-shifter (like a real F1, I assume) but it's damn fun.

Give GTR Evolution a shot too (can be found on Steam under "GTR Evolution Complete" for cheap -- comes with Race07, as GTR Evo is an expansion for it)!

[That Commander]

Alright... I just had a go at F1 2010. I played the Melbourne track and got stuck at a level crossing only kidding

It's definitely playable with a keyboard (note: braking assist off). I had to try pretty hard to lose control.

I had more trouble not crossing over the line and getting disqualified. Dunno about you, but I have trouble judging distance when right in the cockpit. Perhaps practice will cure that.

[Ezkaton]

Yeah I don't use cockpit cam on F1 2010... I can't see the track well enough. I use the next one, the cam view from just above the driver's head.

[Tak]

F1 2010 is great, it's hard to spin out unless you do something really dumb with all aids off. So it shouldn't be too bad for keyboard users with aids on =)

A tourney for this would be great though, I love this game

[That Commander]

Good news, my G27 arrived today.

Plugged it in and immediately lost control in Flatout2 since I am used to always turning full lock.

In short, the G27 is awesome. The H Shifter is fantastic. The better steering and power control makes rFactor much easier to play now.

Got some practice to do!

[Ezkaton]

Turn the steering lock up in your wheel settings in Windows, Commander (if not already). It allows for a much smoother drive.

I run at 360, most of the time. It's the maximum effective turning I can do without getting too tired, and keeping the ability to use two hands on the wheel most of the time (gear changes on the shifter excluded).

Games like GT5 default at 900 degrees... takes some getting used to, but it's a smoother steering experience overall. The default (180?) it's set to on PC is terrible.

@Tak - Good to hear, will you be joining in for some F1 at Respawn?

[That Commander]

Hmm, that's weird, I cannot find a copy of GTR 2 for sale on Steam or Gamesplanet. Guess I will go with GTR Evolution.

So at this point in time I have:

• rFactor (note: I own only the three default cars - dunno how that affects lan play)
• F1 2010
• DiRT2
• GTR Evolution

Cheers

[Ezkaton]

Yeah GTR2 is hard to find anywhere nowdays. It's okay though, GTR Evo has a mod which brings over all the GTR2 cars, and there's tons of tracks ported over as well.

If you want the ultimate test of patience and concentration, try Richard Burns Rally, with the RSRBR 2010 mod. It also has the best FFB in a racing sim, up there next to GTR Evo. Amazing (and ridiculously hard -- I've played it for over 60 hours and I'm still average at it and struggle to finsh most tracks without crashing) if you can look past the dated visuals.

I have all the required things for it, so if you want to take a look, just grab it all from me at Respawn.

[Ezkaton]

Haha, Commander! You never came back to let me know you wanted to race!
I went to see if you were at your PC once or twice, but once you were in the Flatout comp (I think?) and the other time you weren't there and your screen was turned off (and what a nice screen it was... lolz).

[That Commander]

Ah yeah,

Sorry about that - two things happened:
1. OpenTTD
2. Flatout comp

I spent far too much time in OpenTTD unfortunately. Then flatout dragged on forever. By the time that was done at 3am I'd had it.

I did play F1, DiRT, GTR Evolution and what I discovered was I am still very much new - you cannot just jump in and play without practic. I would have been zero challenge:)

Did anyone else play? I.esus?

[Ezkaton]

I.esus is myself... I went with a name change 'cause it's too much of a pain to say when I rock up.

That's all good, though... we spent tons of time in Minecraft. My first time playing it, and actually found it enjoyable when playing co-op, helping build something (a castle, for us).

But yeah, practice is good, though it doesn't matter if you're not much of a challenge. It's all good fun. I generally slow down when racing with others who are kinda new. It's more fun when I'm racing alongside somebody. Plus that way I can watch how you drive and give tips/feedback later on.

Maybe next time, eh?
Try and gather up some more interest too, I hope.

[That Commander]

Aha, I wondered I.esus stopped posting

Righto, hope you were not too disappointed at the lack of turnout. Though I am surprised no-one else at all played.

If I may suggest, what about some racing outside of respawn lan, organised through this forum of course.

[Ezkaton]

Yeah, I'm down for that.

You can find me on Steam, search the community for Ezkaton, and you'll find me under h.IV+[Ezkaton]!

I actually asked on DC once if anybody was interested in playing F1... but nobody responded to me...

[That Commander]

There is usually so much spam in dc++ that it probably would have been a drop in the ocean.

Righto, give me a little while yet, I have work to do on my car this week. Also, I am just getting used to GTR Evo and Dirt2. Believe it or not, I am finding the latter to be quite challenging.

I am liking the Koenigsegg CCX, it handles and sounds great and cruises very nice. Special mention though to the Lister Storm for having a 7L V12

[Guni]

Downloaded Flatout 2 and Grid at last respawn but not blur . Really into grid atm, im thinking of buying the steering wheel and pedals etc.

[Rangers]

Guni, i love GRiD. It's totally amazing. As you might see though at the start of this thread some people who think they know it all dont think GRiD is a good racing sim/game. They would probably suggest you're wasting your money if you're only playing those two games. however GRID IS AMAZING

gg yo.

[That Commander]

I do not think the quality of the game was questioned. I understand the issue was centered around whether the game was in the category of sim racing or arcade racing. GRiD is mostly in the latter category of arcade. But it is up to the player if they want realism or not.

I find I enjoy both forms of racing games. As they say, each to their own.

[Ezkaton]

GRID hurts my brain. The car physics are retarded. Don't bother using a wheel for GRID or Flatout 2, Guni. It's a waste, as the games play HORRIBLY with one. Rangers, GRID isn't even CLOSE to a sim. It's most definitely an arcade game. If it's good or not is entirely subjective, and it all comes down to what you want out of a racing game. If you want a boring career, and sub-par arcade-style car handling... GRID is for you. If you want realism, and proper car physics, look in the direction of the GTR series, iRacing, Richard Burns Rally, rFactor, Live For Speed, and so on.

@Commander: I like the Audi R8, in the (I think) GT Pro car category. It's a nice drive.

[That Commander]

Actually Ezkaton, I have been playing Flatout2 with the G27, and all things considered it is still quite playable. If anything, having the wheel and accelerator allows precision cornering. Just got to be quick at turning the wheel!

Otherwise, unfortunately Flatout is not able to take full advantage of the G27 (clutch and H-Shifter), so buying one to play Flatout would be a waste of money, when a sub-$100 one will do the job just as well.

(Note: this opinion goes against an earlier opinion I had that Flatout is harder to play with a wheel. I suppose I just had not practiced enough. I am still undecided whether it would be fair of me to enter the Flatout2 comp with a wheel or not)

[Ezkaton]

Yeah, I'm just not a fan of the game physics, so it's a pain in the ass for me to play it with a wheel, as I always try to apply real-world physics (ie: how a real car would react) to it, and that doesn't go down so well. Guess it just comes from too many years of sim racers.

[That Commander]

Strewth, entered a race in GTR, in the Mini GT Rules Competition just to keep it simple.

Perhaps because I am an idiot, but I set it to 'Pro' to make sure things like Automatic Clutch, ABS etc are turned off.

At my best lap - that is if I go any faster I start losing control - the AI were a clear 10 seconds faster than me!

And watching them revealed quite slow cornering. Only thing I can guess is they've mucked with the drive train to make them accelerate to top speed quicker hit a higher top speed on the long straights. The map does have lots of straight sections. I suspect they have also changed brake settings to make them stop quicker. I'll back with my results...

Edit 1:
Okee dokee, in time attack mode, my findings: I increased 2nd through to 6 by two 'notches' (sorry I did not note down gear ratos), but kept 1st gear as is to allow quick take off acceleration. Took me down to being only 3 seconds slower. Still need to perform a run on default just to make sure I didn't get better at cornering.

Edit 2:
Confirmed: at the point of losing control, I was doing the Porto lap in 2:27 seconds, two seconds slower than when I had mucked with the gear ratios. So, car configuration makes a lot of difference!

It is probably these sorts of things, having to worry about brake bias, tyre pressure, gear ratios etc that turn regular racers off sim racing. But while it may be daunting to look at all the settings, fear not! For it would seem the good people at SimBin have included configuration files for each car, for each track. Load those and you are good to go.

Now I just have to figure out why I keep losing badly at DiRT 2...

[Ezkaton]

Yeah, the AI are fine in GTR (minus the whole "we don't know how to drive around you 90% of the time so we'll just slam into you" thing). Not really any magic AI cheating, most likely it all just comes down to your car setup, racing line, braking confidence, acceleration control/points, etc.


If you're not too confident with doing the car setups yourself, you can always load the Simbin setup, or go "online files" and download car setups on there. People can upload their personal setups and others can download and rate them.

As for DiRT 2... that game is ridiculously easy. Semi-arcadey car physics, so the driving part is easy. You just gotta be a little aggressive when racing AI, and keep it clean and fast in rally/trailblazer.

Look up at the track map often, too... it helps a lot.



You still didn't add me to Steam (as far as I know)!

EDIT: Which car were you using for the 2:27 at Porto?

[That Commander]

I was driving the Mini.
2:25 for Mini with taller gearing (2nd to 6th gears "+2" notches, everything else stock)
2:27 for Mini with stock settings.
2:32 for Mini with (apparently) very tired Driver.

"Losing badly" was probably dramatic - simple fact is I have a very hard time getting around the AI in the Baja maps - they don't like it when you hit them so I figured "agressive" style was discouraged - not that I am agressive anyway, I hate causing other drivers to crash.

Rally Cross I can't even keep up with them! I think I am too slow with gear changes. Also took me a long time to figure out there is no clutch in DiRT2. Whoops.

Actual rally is good because I don't have to worry about AI getting in the way.

I have not added you to steam yet as I would just like a little practice first. Keep in mind I've had the wheel less than 2 weeks

[Ezkaton]

Knocking into the AI in DiRT2 is nowhere near as dramatic as the game makes it out to be... doesn't really affect much at all.

Also yeah, clutch, haha... I think it works as a brake in DiRT2?

As for Steam, you don't have to race me right away, haha... plus it's all for fun anyway. Not competitive or anything. Just be good to get the whole adding thing out of the way so I don't forget.

Did some driving around Zandvoort today in the 2007 BMW E90 WTCC car (not the 'extreme' one), playing around with Fraps. Just racing 93% difficulty AI. Might upload it soon for fun. Didn't record an entire race, just two or so laps of fighting to get to pole... I almost had it and I went too hard into a corner and come off the track and spun on the last lap.

EDIT: Does this forum have some kind of video embedding feature/option?
Link for now... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3SOWzziNAQ

I slept about 3 hours last night, so I can't really concentrate on racing at the moment, but it's fun to make videos anyway.