Recommend me a good PC driving sim

[Chris71]

I'm hopefully picking up my new PC today! It's a fairly modest spec (not really intended for gaming) - AMD Live X2 5600 (2.8GHz - still haven't worked out if that's good or bad!), 4Gb RAM, 256Mb nVidia GeeForce 8600GT graphics card.

Can someone recommend a good sim-biased driving game that'll run ok on that? I was a big fan of Grand Prix Legends - something with that sort of standard of physics model. Not really interested in modern F1, but anything else is good - on road, off road, tracks

I'm just looking for something to waste time at home (offline) so not worried about online gaming potential especially, must work as a 'standalone' product. Oh and must be controllable from the keyboard..... (don't have a steering wheel!)

[Jspesh]

GTR2
rfactor
live for speed

[David Godfrey]

Suggest looking @ Rfactor http://www.rfactor.net/

[Chris71]

I thought R Factor was just for online gaming?

GTR2 looks good - saw it in a shop for about £15 the other day and didn't think it could possibly be the one I thought it was, but seems that way. Isn't it the same engine as the BMW M3 promotional game? Seem to remember it also shares it's platform with GT Legends? That looked fun....

[LukeBird]

GT Legends - epic fun and noise (I'm off after this post )
GTR 2 - mega fun. d/l Nordschleife, don't move.
rFactor - only have demo (that came with G25) cracking fun.
M3 Challenge - awesome and free

[Marc W]

Another vote for Rfactor here, it works very well offline as well as online, it comes with mostly made up cars, but the amount of mods available for it are staggering, all sorts of circuit racing, off road, rally cars and someone is even developing a Hydroplane boat mod for it. Most of the mods are on this site;

http://www.rfactorcentral.com/

It should work fine on your pc as it runs fine on my pc which isn't quite as good as yours!

The actual game itself is available here;

http://www.rfactor.net/

[FlatPack]

Really think you're going to struggle with any driving sim using the keyboard I'm afraid.

rFactor and GT Legends are my favourites, not that I've played either of them for months

[GravelBen]

FlatPack said:

Really think you're going to struggle with any driving sim using the keyboard I'm afraid.

Oh didn't notice that bit in the OP, have to agree - I found GTR to be pretty much undriveable with the keyboard.

You could try Race Driver 2, I used to play the demo of it with keyboard before getting a wheel and it wasn't too bad once you got used to it. E-type round Brands Hatch in the classics class was fun

[Martin TH]

Got to agree with the keyboard sentiments. I’m just finding my feet with these new sims, everything’s changed since Need for Speed 2! All the games recommended are excellent, but nigh on impossible to effectively control with a keyboard. Currently ordering a Logitech G25 wheel and a copy of GT Legends.

Oh and Nascar Racing 2003 is a great game too, bit old now so might be difficult finding a copy though.

[Chris71]

Right! The PC arrived last night. The ony software I had to try on it was M3 challenge - it would run fine with everything turned up during the day, but struggled with all the lighting effects turned on at night. It is pretty much photorealistic at that point though, so I'll cut it some slack

I took a look on Amazon last night for GT Legends and I found too, one for a ridiculous £86, now one has popped up at a rather more realistic £6, so I've just placed an order.

I was able to play GPL with no driver aids using the keyboard and M3 challenge seems ok. Might think about getting a steering wheel, but the PC is really supposed to be for other things, it's just a bit of time wasting

So, the conclusion seems to be GTL and maybe R-Factor too....

[Martin TH]

I’d download the demos of rfactor and Live for Speed, see which one you prefer, initially I prefer the physics of Live for Speed, but I’m told rfactor can be modded in this area.

These are two good websites to check out for all sim stuff.

http://www.nogripracing.com for GTL and GTR/2 mods

http://www.racesimcentral.com good general race sim site

[Chris71]

What's the deal with purchasing R-Factor and live for speed then? DO you download the basic game engine as a demo and then pay for a code to unlock the mods or something?

Also, I probably shouldn't, but if I did find myself feeling extravagant and decided to buy a wheel/pedals can someone recommend one for the PC?

[FourWheelDrift]

Chris71 said:

What's the deal with purchasing R-Factor and live for speed then? DO you download the basic game engine as a demo and then pay for a code to unlock the mods or something?

Don't know about LFS but rFactor you download the game, it has most of the content locked out but you can play around with some cars including the 2006 Sauber F1. YOu then purchase the game and recieve an unlock code. You will also need to update the game with the latest version too, another download but this is an added feature update.

Then visit - http://www.rfactorcentral.com/ for lots of good things to add

[Chris71]

Just downloaded the GTL demo - time to whack that on a memory stick and head home I think

Edit: Doh! It doesn't run with Windows Vista!! That bloody thing is more trouble than it's worth, wish I had XP back!!

Edited by Chris71 on Friday 12th October 12:13

[timbob]

I think the Logitech Momo thingumy would be the best to go for on a budget. Amazon has it for £100 new, but that's a bit much - you can get them cheaper I'm sure.

For the all out, money is no object wheel, you want the Logitech G25 - it has 3 pedals, an H pattern gearshifter...the works really, and is about £150 most places.

[Marc W]

I'd say exactly the same two. I currently have the Momo wheel and its excellent, I actually improved my lap times after buying it compared my old Microsoft wheel! I am tempted by the G25 though as you get a clutch pedal and an H pattern gearshift.

[Gentlefoot]

Live for speed is the one for sure.

Get a wheel though - it's a must.

Check out this website - www.gentlefoot.com

I run LFS leagues and events. Real trophies to be run and all sorts of other stuff.