Racing game for learning real tracks? PS4/mobile/low spec PC
Discussion
Before an F1 race, I quite like "driving" the track to familiarise myself with the layout and the overtaking opportunities, braking points etc.
Up to press I've used GT Sport on the PS4 for a few races, but the track selection is very limited. I did download the demo of F1 2020, but even that is lacking a lot of the tracks from both the 2020 season and the 2021 season, and I have absolutely zero interest in the "management sim" aspects or in online play.
Can anyone recommend a game that has a better variety of real world circuits? Ideally including an F1 car or similarly rapid high downforce single seater to drive on them.
Gaming platforms that I have are PS4, PS3, various android and ios mobile devices, and a fairly old laptop that might just get by with older or less demanding games (ThinkPad T450s, i7-5600, integrated graphics, 8gb RAM).
A bit of googling suggests Project Cars 2 has a decent selection of circuits, and the PS4 version can be had for under £20 on Amazon. Worth a punt, or is there a better option?
Up to press I've used GT Sport on the PS4 for a few races, but the track selection is very limited. I did download the demo of F1 2020, but even that is lacking a lot of the tracks from both the 2020 season and the 2021 season, and I have absolutely zero interest in the "management sim" aspects or in online play.
Can anyone recommend a game that has a better variety of real world circuits? Ideally including an F1 car or similarly rapid high downforce single seater to drive on them.
Gaming platforms that I have are PS4, PS3, various android and ios mobile devices, and a fairly old laptop that might just get by with older or less demanding games (ThinkPad T450s, i7-5600, integrated graphics, 8gb RAM).
A bit of googling suggests Project Cars 2 has a decent selection of circuits, and the PS4 version can be had for under £20 on Amazon. Worth a punt, or is there a better option?
Definitely PC2 if you want a huge selection of tracks - I prefer Assetto Corsa personally, especially for 'lapping' (the physics feel more 'real' and whilst tracks are more limited, most are laser scanned)...
The PS4 Ultimate Edition can usually be found for 15 quid or so and comes with several 'modern' Ferrari F1 cars - I think the only tracks missing in that from this year's season vs. PC2 are Portimão, Monaco and Austin... You also get a Suzuka of sorts in PC2 vs a now out of date version of Zandvoort in AC.
The PS4 Ultimate Edition can usually be found for 15 quid or so and comes with several 'modern' Ferrari F1 cars - I think the only tracks missing in that from this year's season vs. PC2 are Portimão, Monaco and Austin... You also get a Suzuka of sorts in PC2 vs a now out of date version of Zandvoort in AC.
PC2 delivered yesterday, and I've spent a couple of hours messing around on it. First impressions are it's very different to Gran Turismo!
Took me a while to get the controller settings somewhere near right (I never got on with a wheel and pedals, would probably fare better with the seat and frame but reasons of cost, space and the fact that I'd be murdered by the mrs...). Initially it was almost impossible to stay on track, having become used to the much more forgiving feel of GT. With a bit of settings tinkering and practice I'm now merrily throwing a Ginetta around Barcelona-Catalunya with only occasional excursions off the tarmac
Hopefully work my way up to one of the fast single seaters before the actual race this weekend!
Took me a while to get the controller settings somewhere near right (I never got on with a wheel and pedals, would probably fare better with the seat and frame but reasons of cost, space and the fact that I'd be murdered by the mrs...). Initially it was almost impossible to stay on track, having become used to the much more forgiving feel of GT. With a bit of settings tinkering and practice I'm now merrily throwing a Ginetta around Barcelona-Catalunya with only occasional excursions off the tarmac
Hopefully work my way up to one of the fast single seaters before the actual race this weekend!
PC2 isn't really made for controller.
You could look at Assetto Corsa Competizione, this is a pretty full on sim based around the GT World championship (what was Blancpain, so GT3/GT4 cars) so you get the team names/liveries and the real tracks they run on.
The console port is somewhat rough around the edges in my view, but the sim boys rate the game highly. I think the PC version takes a decent spec to run it. Next gen console version on the way sometime this year, allegedly.
There is an additional pack for the British GT championship that adds another 3 UK tracks too.
You could look at Assetto Corsa Competizione, this is a pretty full on sim based around the GT World championship (what was Blancpain, so GT3/GT4 cars) so you get the team names/liveries and the real tracks they run on.
The console port is somewhat rough around the edges in my view, but the sim boys rate the game highly. I think the PC version takes a decent spec to run it. Next gen console version on the way sometime this year, allegedly.
There is an additional pack for the British GT championship that adds another 3 UK tracks too.
Crafty_ said:
PC2 isn't really made for controller.
You could look at Assetto Corsa Competizione, this is a pretty full on sim based around the GT World championship (what was Blancpain, so GT3/GT4 cars) so you get the team names/liveries and the real tracks they run on.
The console port is somewhat rough around the edges in my view, but the sim boys rate the game highly. I think the PC version takes a decent spec to run it. Next gen console version on the way sometime this year, allegedly.
There is an additional pack for the British GT championship that adds another 3 UK tracks too.
Assetto Corsa Competizione is superb! I play a handful of sims on PC and whilst I love the way all sims feel slightly different, and I enjoy that, I love this game! Went for the 3 extra Brit tracks, too OP. The cars feel easy to drive (I race with a wheel) so I imagine that would translate well to console/controller. You could look at Assetto Corsa Competizione, this is a pretty full on sim based around the GT World championship (what was Blancpain, so GT3/GT4 cars) so you get the team names/liveries and the real tracks they run on.
The console port is somewhat rough around the edges in my view, but the sim boys rate the game highly. I think the PC version takes a decent spec to run it. Next gen console version on the way sometime this year, allegedly.
There is an additional pack for the British GT championship that adds another 3 UK tracks too.
MX5noob said:
ssetto Corsa Competizione is superb! I play a handful of sims on PC and whilst I love the way all sims feel slightly different, and I enjoy that, I love this game! Went for the 3 extra Brit tracks, too OP. The cars feel easy to drive (I race with a wheel) so I imagine that would translate well to console/controller.
I love it too on my PS4 Pro, but as mentioned above, it is a little buggy/ blurry/ rough around the edges on console (I'm planning on switching to a gaming PC in the winter to enjoy it properly if I can actually find one in stock for sensible money!) and I'm not convinced a controller would allow the subtleties of that glorious physics engine to be felt - AC on the other hand runs like a dream, has most of the physics of ACC but with wide choice of car types.Ultuous said:
I love it too on my PS4 Pro, but as mentioned above, it is a little buggy/ blurry/ rough around the edges on console (I'm planning on switching to a gaming PC in the winter to enjoy it properly if I can actually find one in stock for sensible money!) and I'm not convinced a controller would allow the subtleties of that glorious physics engine to be felt - AC on the other hand runs like a dream, has most of the physics of ACC but with wide choice of car types.
Hopefully you can find a GPU and rig at a reasonable price. I started on the wheel with a PS4 Pro. Love it! However, I was pleasantly surprised how there was an unexpectedly satisfying, pleasing sensation of racing with a pad whenever I went back and picked one up, having converted to a wheel.
I particularly enjoy the twitchiness of Automobilista 2, but I also find the more stable feel of ACC gratifying in its own way. ACC should work well with a pad. I agree, not all of the glorious physics engine can be felt through a pad, but much of it should translate positively!
Not the FFB tho
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