Author Topic: Racing Sim (Read 1457 times)

Nash · « **on:** June 17, 2003, 02:47:10 PM »

Well... the scattered mentions of racing sims by the folks here who play them have peaked my interest enough to give racing a go. The problem is, I can't remember which are worthy and which I should avoid.

Tonight I wanna pick up one racing sim and one steering wheel/pedals kit. What do you recommend? The ability/ease to race online is a big factor also.

(er, I *do* remember now that GPL is supposed to be a winner, so I'll have a look out for that. Which other besides that one then).

Saurdaukar · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2003, 02:52:21 PM »

F12002 gets my vote. Many very, very well done mods for the game after you get tired of the very, very well done box game.

I use the Microsoft Sidewinder wheel and pedals. Im not a big fan of "force feedback." I think a more accurate description would be "failed idea."

That LFS game Funked is always talking about is free (the demo at least) but I tired of it quickly.

There are other notable games, but at around $20 for F12K2, you get a great F1 sim and a boatload of other modifications as well. (GTR, 360 Challenge, M3 Challenge, Turbo Cup (in works I think), countless downloadable cars from MiniD's pride and joy to the Enzo.)

We should set up an F1 or GTR AH server some night this week.

funkedup · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2003, 03:08:32 PM »

I just got F1 2002 and I'm pleasantly suprised.

Live for Speed is really entertaining, and free, and has very good close online racing: http://www.liveforspeed.net

Rally Trophy is my other favorite, but probably only available on eBay or another online source.

Racer and Netkar are also good free sims, but I don't care for Racer's physics / FF support, and Netkar doesn't support multiplayer or AI opponents yet.

I have a Logitech Wingman Formula Force wheel which works great, but I think it's not in production anymore. They have new version called the Momo Formula Foce or something like that.

The ACT Labs wheels and pedals look really great if I was buying now.

FF wheels are great on games that have good support for them, like LFS or Rally Trophy. On those games you get a great feel of what all four corners of the car are doing, and you can actually feel understeer or oversteer or a wheel locking like in a real car. Some developers don't get it though, so on some games it's not even worth having it. But you can always disable the effects and just run the wheel in spring/damper mode. For me it's worth it to have the FF for the really good games.

Wanker · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2003, 03:19:20 PM »

GPL gets my vote. I don't understand why some folks don't like force feedback support. With the right settings, it is fabulous in GPL. In fact, I can't think what driving without FF would be like after having it for two years.

I use the Logitech MOMO wheel/pedals. Here's a pic:http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?page=products/details&CRID=13&CONTENTID=5025&countryid=19&languageid=1

With all the mods and new artwork that the GPL community has produced, I can't see GPL dying out anytime soon. I've been racing online every week for two years with the GROWL league, and it keeps getting better each time. You can find GPL for about $10 now in stores, or at chipsbits.com

MrCoffee · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2003, 03:39:34 PM »

I dont have alot of experience with racing games but I played some F1 games with my Logitech FFB wheel. I dont like the FFB wheels, would recommend a standard wheel with heavy spring load like a Thrustmaster, Logitech non FFB, or one of those fancy expensive heavy duty wheels. I think the brand was Thompson or something but I cant find it anymore on the internet.

EDIT: Yep, see below.

funkedup · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2003, 03:43:51 PM »

I think Mr. Coffee is talking about the Thomas Super Wheel: http://www.thomas-superwheel.com/
I know these guys from way back in the Compuserve Indycar Racing Association days (93 or 93). I have not tried one of these wheels but I understand they are really great.

Revvin · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2003, 03:47:12 PM »

F12002 gets my vote, it's a pretty decent F1 sim but it's worth the price just for all the great mods that have been mentioned above with the GT2002 add-on being the most noteable for it's high quality...so good that I would have been happy to pay for it. I also like the odd game of Nascar Racing 2003 Season and Grand Prix Legends. I had Live for Speed on my system for a while but also bored of it after a while, it's good but it's hardly ground breaking.

I don't understand those who dislike FF wheels, GPL with the right settings is simply amazing and probably the best implementation of FF in any sim. I've tried different wheels since buying my first many moons ago which was a Thrustmaster T1. Looking back I can't believe how basic it was, a tacky hard plastic wheel and bungee cords to centre it. One wheel that did last me for years was a Sidewinder FF wheel (gameport) but my current wheel (Logitech MOMO) is the best yet. I thought the MS wheel was good but the FF on this wheel is great and the accuracy superb. When I bought the MOMO I was in the middle of a pretty tight hot lap competition with a friend on Colin McRae Rally 2 and was worried it might take me some time to get sed to the new wheel, on my first go I broke my own lap record as I was able to find the corners and balance the car much easier with the accuracy of the MOMO. The same was true with Nascar Racing, going three abreast used to be a little tricky but with the MOMO I found I could hold the groove much better and go round three abreast piggy in the middle and not dink the others. It's expensive but the FF and accuracy are second to none IMHO as is the gorgeous thick leather wheel.

MrCoffee · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2003, 03:51:31 PM »

>I don't understand those who dislike FF wheels

My Logitech FFB is ok, my only gripe is that it doesnt pull strong enough back to center position. I mean a moving car would tend to pull the wheel back to center I think. The FFB stuff is ok actually but I think the centering of the wheel is more important. Even with setting set to max, there isnt enough force centering the wheel. Thats why I think I should have gotten a TM instead.

Cabby44 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2003, 04:04:08 PM »

What banana said. GPL(or NASCAR 2003) + Logitech MOMO FF wheel/pedals are the only way to go especially if you want to race online........

C.

Nash · « **Reply #9 on:** June 17, 2003, 05:21:25 PM »

Great advice!!

Thanks tons... it's super helpful. Sounds like I better get all three (F12002, Nascar Racing 2003, and Grand Prix Legends). I look forward to joining y'all online shortly.

gofaster · « **Reply #10 on:** June 17, 2003, 05:27:10 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Saurdaukar
F12002 gets my vote. Many very, very well done mods for the game after you get tired of the very, very well done box game.

I use the Microsoft Sidewinder wheel and pedals. Im not a big fan of "force feedback." I think a more accurate description would be "failed idea."

I second the motion. EA's F1 sims are more than just an F1 sim once you d/l the sports car packs for it. Check out http://www.rsdg.net for starters.

MS Sidewinder wheel and pedals - $50 - all I need. Don't bother with FF.

SKurj · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2003, 05:51:00 PM »

looks like all bases are covered, I don't need to add anything +)

SKurj

Revvin · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2003, 06:25:21 PM »

Try this site for news on available and upcoming mods for F12002.

Nash · « **Reply #13 on:** June 17, 2003, 07:58:08 PM »

Just got back from the store.

They didn't have F12002 or GPL, so I'm going to have to look somewhere else for those.... prolly tomorrow. I did get Sierra's NASCAR Racing 2003 Season though... I hope that's the version you guys are talking about.

Also, I picked up one of them fancy shmancy Logitech MOMO Force Feedback wheels and pedals. I sure hope it turns out that I like racing sims.

Just going through the process of setting everything up now. Thanks again for the help... but don't be suprised if I pop back in here every now and then to ask stupid questions.

Reschke · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2003, 12:10:58 AM »

Thats a really nice wheel there (the Logitech MOMO). I personally have a Logitech FF wheel and NASCAR Racing 2002 and 2003 (personal favorite is 2003). I think you will be pleased and you should look for GPL soon. I think that you will find that car sim racing is nearly as addictive as online flight sims are.