Racing Games/Simulations -- what's your opinion?

[dvance]

I've recently installed GTR Evolution on my PC and started playing it a bit with an old wheel and pedals. I've been finding it a bit difficult to stick competitive laps with little to no driving aids (esp. in RWD cars, FWD are sort of alright), and was wondering just how realistic do you find these types of simulations.

I've been trying to figure out a way to get a cheap track car and do a bit of track days/testing/amateur racing but sadly money's not abundant at the moment (post-grad student), so this is not really making me feel good about my driving skills Quite a lot of fun though -- almost punched the wheel earlier today

So what's the verdict - a complete waste of time or there's something to learn from it?

[simoid]

dvance said:

I've recently installed GTR Evolution on my PC and started playing it a bit with an old wheel and pedals. I've been finding it a bit difficult to stick competitive laps with little to no driving aids (esp. in RWD cars, FWD are sort of alright), and was wondering just how realistic do you find these types of simulations.

I've been trying to figure out a way to get a cheap track car and do a bit of track days/testing/amateur racing but sadly money's not abundant at the moment (post-grad student), so this is not really making me feel good about my driving skills Quite a lot of fun though -- almost punched the wheel earlier today

So what's the verdict - a complete waste of time or there's something to learn from it?

From my extensive knowledge of PS, PS2 and PS3 racing games (15+ years), and limited knowledge of track days (about 15 hours) I'd say that there is very little to learn from playing on the PC. You might learn a little bit about the quickest lines, but in terms of car control, I don't think the computer skills are transferable to the track.

[Mr Sparkle]

I would agree with the above, have been playing F1 2010 today which I know isn't a simulator but things like knowing when to change gear/how much power to feed in/steering angle/brakes etc. seem more difficult in the computer world because you are using so fewer senses. I wonder what difference a wheel with force feedback would make?

[dvance]

My wheel has force feedback -- it's not a great wheel mind you. My observation is that it very much depends on what you're playing -- the force feedback is rather poor in GTR Evolution, but is quite good (and actually useful) in Colin McRae Dirt.

Maybe I should not mention this at this point BUT my view is that with games you at least get to experience the moment of loss of traction etc so that you can at least begin to drill in an appropriate reaction. Having said that when the back of a RWD car goes in GTR full opposite lock sometimes makes absolutely no difference

I guess I should go do some karting instead -- at least I can afford that once or twice a month...

[GravelBen]

I find games with reasonable realism are pretty good, obviously its more difficult in some ways because you don't have the same feel (even with force feedback), spatial perception, or sense of forces on the car. Its no substitute for real track time but can be good for teaching you to pick lines, braking points, being smooth and so on. Haven't tried GTR Evolution but the original GTR is particularly knife-edge in its handling making it hugely more difficult to catch slides than real cars. Richard Burns Rally is my current favourite, Live for Speed is good too.

Arcadey games won't teach you much at all though.

[AndyBrew]

I have this and with GT5 on the ps3 it's pretty good, however vie managed a 7:42 around the ring in my Nissan gtr Hence I believe you go a lot quicker than you would dare go in the real world!

[Martin_Hx]

Only reason i would use it maybe would be to learn the track, but i guess a youtube video would be more realistic

[DougBaker]

Actually the simulations are surprisingly good with a force feedback wheel. I have never enjoyed driving any virtual car with downforce, however, get something which is sliding about all the time and driving on a PC will teach you something.

Try http://www.rfactor.net/ and the Caterham mod for a good example. Or have a look in the bargain bins for GT Legends http://www.simbin.se/games/gtl.htm

[Dangerous2]

anything on a console is useless regarding improving your driving. there are several good PC driving SIMs that you can learn useful things from.

[stephen300o]

[james_gt3rs]

DougBaker said:

Actually the simulations are surprisingly good with a force feedback wheel. I have never enjoyed driving any virtual car with downforce, however, get something which is sliding about all the time and driving on a PC will teach you something.

Try http://www.rfactor.net/ and the Caterham mod for a good example. Or have a look in the bargain bins for GT Legends http://www.simbin.se/games/gtl.htm

GTR Evo is surprisingly poor. Simbin's previous games like GTR2 and GT Legends are much better. Also try the netKar Pro demo.

[wackojacko]

PC and console games arn't good for anthing when compared with real life.......... worst thing in real life is that there isn't a rewind/reset button


I have great fun on Forza but nowhere near real life
-excitement
-noise (some are almost there)
-smell of RUBBER !
-driving characteristics are there but not quite as prevelant as real life.

Little things it all depends on what you get from the experience, a friend swears by learning the 'ring on Forza he said it helped him loads whereas others say otherwise.

Edited by wackojacko on Saturday 28th May 13:04

[dvance]

AndyBrew said:

Shows off

That's one great set-up -- I am jealous.

It seems I'll have to get a couple other games as per the suggestions

This was never meant to try and pitch as a substitute for the real thing. I just wanted to see what people think there is to gain from it, as I've only done 1 track day so far, and a substantial number of laps on several karting tracks. Thanks so far guys, any other suggestions/views will be appreciated.