Computer games/racing sims

[DAVID PATERSON]

I'm posting this in the racer's forum because I'm specifically after the opinion of posters with actual racing experience. Have you tried any PC/console racing games/sims? Did you find them realistic? Do you think they offer any benefit to a real racer?

[Racer X]

Right now I have Sports Car GT. It is an old game, but it is still very good. Various people have created newer cars for the game which you can download. This keeps the game going strong. Next year a new game called World Sports Car is quoted to be the best sim ever. More on these can be found at http://www.speedsims.com

[yelwoci]

I learnt Spa using 'The Official F1'

and I sometimes use Grand Prix legends to remind myself what heros those guys were!


IanC
CSCC Grp1 Mazda RX7

[DAVID PATERSON]

I've found the dynamics of Microprose GP and GP2 to be rather realistic, when so many other games, like GT or NFS are so ridiculously wide of the mark, that you wonder if the game designer has ever driven a car, let alone raced.

[Racer X]

When you say GT, do you mean Gran Turismo?

[DAVID PATERSON]

Yes

[Racer X]

The only problem that I see with GT1 is major oversteer problems. GT2 is slightly better though.

[M Coupe]

Grand Prix legends is still the best sim you can buy for the PC, for the Nordschleife, the full Spa circuit, Rouen and Kyalami, as well as the pure silverstone.

[Saph]

Colin McRae 2 on the playstation is good fun. Select the Sierra Cosworth and use a steering wheel......power slide your way all the way around the stages! It's actually quite fun and reasonably authentic compared to my somewhat limited experience of rear wheel drifts.

TOCA 2, which i purchased just to learn the layout of the tracks, is not as much fun to play. It might be realistic but i've never drove a touring car so i don't know!

[Racer X]

Saph, the only problem that I have with TOCA 2 are the starts and the rain.

[fogz]

I havent played too many pc games or similar
I have found some games good for learning track layouts but as far as playing them I am absolutly hopeless due to one major reason NO GRAVITY no sensation of speed no cornering, braking or accelerating g forces compared to the real thing
Does anyone else have this problem?

[Steve Hart]

Yes and I hate them all for exactly that reason. Even the best give you such an unsatisfying, almost anaesthetised experience. Definitely good for visualising a circuit layout, though.

[Saph]

Racer X - the starts are confusing, in one car you can shoot right to the front from the back of the grid whereas in another car you lose ground. The rain ???...seems ok to me?
What sorta times you getting?

Steve and Fogz - yes i know...the biggest problem is lack of sensation etc. A decent steering wheel can offer variable resistance, choose the 'cockpit' view etc but it's still no substitute. Still what can you do! Build a mock up a-la a professional flight sim trainer maybe!
These games are good for a laugh, nothing else. Hey! It's a proven fact though that reaction times can be honed by games......thats my excuse anyway!

[Mackmot]

Super 1 Karting is a very realistic game I have been told that GPL is like driving an overpowerfull formula ford

ToCA 2 is fun but why is there a formula ford with 5 gears

[fogz]

Thanks guys I think I will stick to the real thing from now on. :0)

[Binnas]

Here is a game that i have on my computer and that i think you would be pleased over too test.
http://www.stccspel.com

It´s realistic and has a lot of posibilities, and there will be a new version from this years races and the diffirent cars and teams.

All of the tracks is 100% realistic and i can say that because i have been driving on all of them.
Take a look at the site.

best regards
Richard Binnås