Racing Sim Thread, Part II

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GB_Simo
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Post by GB_Simo »

I don't know if my experience is a one-off, but if you're not some distance ahead of the minimum spec I wonder if you might have some issues with the Race 07 demo.

First off, you can't run it without installing Steam, so anyone averse to doing so is screwed - I did try but without installing Steam there's no means of launching the demo. Once you get that up and running, the menu interface is very nice - clean, well designed, good looking. It detected my wheel without problems and allowed for a control preset or my own custom settings.

I selected to run WTCC at Brands Hatch in Andy Priaulx's BMW. Having selected my difficulty settings, I proceeded to the loading screen and waited. And waited. And waited. 5 minutes passed, and then there were visual signs of something happening. A couple of minutes later, I was in the BMW, its cockpit obscured by the garage menu. I assume that there was an option to leave the pits in there somewhere, but I don't know because the options didn't appear - the spaces were there, but no wording filled them. Hovering over the spaces turned them orange, but clicking them drew no response. Every so often an AI car would jerk past at some laughable FPS level, but since nothing else was happening I gave up and started again, only to have the same thing happen.

Disenchanted, I loaded up rFactor, and bugger me, it was undriveable. FPS absolutely on the floor. Loaded it again - same issue. Shut the PC down, rebooted and loaded it again - same issue. Uninstalled the Race demo and Steam, and now I can play rFactor again...

The really odd thing is that the ReadMe file states that the game is 'perfectly playable' with 512MB of RAM, which is precisely what this PC has while exceeding all of the other minimum specs. I'm not so sure myself, but as ever with all of our different systems your mileage may vary.
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Rodster
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Post by Rodster »

Thanks GB, i'm off to cancel my online order with Gamestop. The question now is how do I do that? ;)

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Post by DChaps »

So far I am having a good time with Race 07. It is certainly a resource hog, but to be honest so is GTR2 and rFactor for me. In other words, if I turn up all the detail on those games, it brings my system to its knees also. The ISI engine has never been known for decent performance, particularly in high traffic situations. What Adam is describing does sound pretty bad, but I have not experienced that so far. I will post some benchmarks and my system specs once I have some free time. I would not cancel that order yet Rod.

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Post by GB_Simo »

Rod doesn't like Steam, Don. I thought his post was referring to that rather than the issues I've had, which I'm still having no matter how many times I download the bloody thing and cross my fingers. After all, if someone isn't sure what it'll run like on their system, I'm told there's a demo out :lol:
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Post by Rodster »

GB_Simo wrote:Rod doesn't like Steam, Don. I thought his post was referring to that rather than the issues I've had, which I'm still having no matter how many times I download the bloody thing and cross my fingers. After all, if someone isn't sure what it'll run like on their system, I'm told there's a demo out :lol:
Yeah Don and GB that's the reason I decided to cancel, I can't stand Steam. It's right up there with Starforce although not as bad. I'll just wait for the non Steam version. ;)

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Post by GB_Simo »

Another discussion, this, but this is the first time I've used Steam and it did seem to bugger things up a bit for me. Starforce has always been fine on my system, though.

Since I continue to be out of Race 07 action, has anyone got any recommendations for a touring car mod for rFactor? I've been looking at the DTM mod, and I already have the tremendous V8 Supercars, but I'm more interested in something more akin to the cars in Race.
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Post by Rodster »

GB_Simo wrote:Another discussion, this, but this is the first time I've used Steam and it did seem to bugger things up a bit for me. Starforce has always been fine on my system, though.

Since I continue to be out of Race 07 action, has anyone got any recommendations for a touring car mod for rFactor? I've been looking at the DTM mod, and I already have the tremendous V8 Supercars, but I'm more interested in something more akin to the cars in Race.
Try these mods GB:

1) Mini Challenge 2006
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... 02006%20UK

2) BMW 1 Challenge 2006
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... nge%202006

3) Alfa 147 GT
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... 7%20GT%2DR

4) Scoda Octavia Cup
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... avia%20Cup

5) BMW M3GTR Cup v2.1
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... 3GTR%20Cup

6) Trucks Series Racing 2.0
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... s%20Racing

7) ETCC 1.2
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cfm?ID=ETCC

8 ) TC2000 1.5
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cfm?ID=TC2000

9) PCC 2007 1.0
http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cfm?ID=PCC%202007

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Post by pk500 »

GB_Simo wrote:Since I continue to be out of Race 07 action, has anyone got any recommendations for a touring car mod for rFactor? I've been looking at the DTM mod, and I already have the tremendous V8 Supercars, but I'm more interested in something more akin to the cars in Race.
Adam:

ETCC 1.2 is the closest thing to RACE in rFactor, because these 2003 cars became the WTCC in 2004, the series upon which RACE is based:

http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cfm?ID=ETCC

Very fun to drive. Plus the pride of Guernsey, Andy Priaulx, is in there!

Take care,
PK
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Post by GB_Simo »

Priaulx - multiple European and World touring car champion, and yet nobody who doesn't read the specialist motorsport publications has the first idea of who he is. More people know Jason Plato, who dabbles in TV presenting when he's not being chief mischief maker in BTCC, and to me that's criminal.

Anyway, I'll definitely check the ETCC mod out, and the TC2000 too through curiosity - I recall Esteban Tuero heading there after his brief Formula One stint and for some reason I kept following his career, but I've never actually seen one of those cars in motion. Thanks for the advice, fellas.
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Post by pk500 »

Yep, I believe it was BMW F1 boss Mario Theissen called Priaulx the "Michael Schumacher of touring cars" after Andy won his fourth consecutive ETCC (2003)/WTCC (2004-06) touring car title last season.

Quite the comparison, but it's pretty damn apt except for one thing: Priaulx is a classy, fair racer.

Plato is barely in the top five of British touring car drivers, yet he is the most notable because he opens his mouth so often. Hell, I'd put Priaulx, James Thompson, Rob Huff and Matt Neal ahead of Priaulx among British-born touring car drivers.

Back to racing sims ...

Take care,
PK
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Post by DChaps »

BMW has released a free demo featuring the new BMW M3 Coupé at the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit. This was made by Blimey/Simbin using the GT Legends engine.
BMW M3 Challenge.

Start the ignition to see just what the V8 high-rev engine is capable of. Shift up through the gears to propel the new BMW M3 Coupé forwards as it constantly pushes the boundaries of driving pleasure even further. Brake as you approach the first bend but keep your steering tight, you don't want to lose your advantage.

Think you could have performed better? Then try again. Thanks to the BMW M3 Challenge, the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit is all yours. Configure your BMW M3 Coupé using original paint finishes and enjoy the powerful sound of the engine at 8,400 rpm – until you have to brake again that is.
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/m ... ntent.html

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Post by pk500 »

Anyone try this BMW demo?

Thanks,
PK
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Post by Rodster »

Just a heads up fellas Formula Nippon FN 2007 is available for download. I've played Formula Nippon v1.2 and it been a blast. FN 2007 is getting high scores, no surprise there. An excellent open wheel mod.

http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... 8FN2007%29

Does anyone know what series Formula Nippon is based on? I've only played the past mod but have never heard of the series before.

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Post by GB_Simo »

Rodster wrote:Does anyone know what series Formula Nippon is based on? I've only played the past mod but have never heard of the series before.
Um...it's based on Formula Nippon. Kind of like a Japanese Formula 3000, or at least that's the closest comparison I can come up with, but having driven the cars in the mod you've probably already made a similar comparison. Previously both a haven for Formula One wannabes who couldn't get a competitive drive in Europe and for those who'd had a terrible Formula One seat and done nothing of note with it, it now has nowhere near the significance to the top-level single seater team bosses that it once had.

Have a look at the list of champions here, and you'll see what I mean when I say that it was reasonably important once:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_Nippon
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Post by Rodster »

GB_Simo wrote:
Rodster wrote:Does anyone know what series Formula Nippon is based on? I've only played the past mod but have never heard of the series before.
Um...it's based on Formula Nippon. Kind of like a Japanese Formula 3000, or at least that's the closest comparison I can come up with, but having driven the cars in the mod you've probably already made a similar comparison. Previously both a haven for Formula One wannabes who couldn't get a competitive drive in Europe and for those who'd had a terrible Formula One seat and done nothing of note with it, it now has nowhere near the significance to the top-level single seater team bosses that it once had.

Have a look at the list of champions here, and you'll see what I mean when I say that it was reasonably important once:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_Nippon
LOL thanks man I never heard of that series.

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Post by Rodster »

Race '07 Impressions.

I fired up the game and i'll just say based on what I have already seen it's not worth the asking price of $19.99, wonky AI, headache inducing internet online warp effect. And that's just in the offline mode.

So is there anything to like? The cars look lovely inside and out, the tracks look great as well. No surprise since it's based off of the rFactor engine. I haven't figured out if the bad AI is due to the warp, lag effect where now you see it now you don't so they ram into each other.

I was running the game in Vista so i'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. I plan on trying it on Windows XP to see if the problem goes away. I also like the fact you are running the 2006/2007 WTCC season as well as Formula 3000 Championship. There are a few other classes as well.

If I can get the game to run right it could be a nice addition to GTR2 and rFactor.

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Post by pk500 »

Tried both Nippon mods tonight, and I'm torn. Both are fun, definitely easier to drive than Champ Cars while remaining a challenge.

The new FN 2007 has more "weight" to the wheel when driving, like the Champ Cars. But that is a detriment, as it doesn't feel that much different than a Champ Car. I'd rather have the extra power and braking ability of the Champ Car.

Nippon 1.2 is "lighter" on the wheel, so you don't have as much feel. But that makes them harder to drive, especially on cold tires, than the FN 2007. I could stand on the FN 2007's almost from the starting lights going out.

Another plus of the 1.2's is that the front end becomes very light and understeers like a beast if you apply too much brake. I like how it forces you to modulate your brakes.

And Jimmy is right: The engine sounds in 1.2 are better than those in FN 2007.

I'm probably going to stick with Nippon Racing 1.2 over FN 2007 just because the FN 2007's seem so stuck to the ground. Either one would be a good Poker Night racer because they're both easier to drive than Champ Cars.

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PK
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Post by Jimmydeicide »

Yes realy i think thats how i described them lol, see thats why i dont do reviews.

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Post by Rodster »

Here's an update to rFactor's 1991 F1 Mod by the MMG Group :D

http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... 1991%20MMG

"Hello there everyone. Now that I have returned and gotten fully settled in back into my usual rythm, I thought I'd enlighten you all one mod at a time with progress reports and answer questions. Here I'll do 1991, for other mods please look at the respective mods under the WIP. 1991 Mod is progressing very well and a v1.0 release featuring every car and team will be released before x-mas 2007. Currently we have every single car in game and working. We have begun physic testing and also sound creations for all cars. There are still some things we will be doing before the v1.0 comes out. Things like the new tyre model, new mirror mappings, the cars will be remapped and re-painted as some details have been added and the models have changed a bit.

Things are progressing very well and I have also organized screenshots of all teams in game and renders to be done so we can show off to you on here and on our website. We do keep a lot of the image releases on our website as to not block up rFc's space. RFCentral does a great job of allowing everyone to showcase their mods, but posting every single pic on here is not really helpful to rfc when one mod can fill up a lot of space. So be on the lookout as in the next 48 hours new screens will be released of 1991 mod. Enjoy! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to post them on our official MMG website forum. We are there every day so do stop by and say hello."

by yanden on 27-Sep-07

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Post by Rodster »

Just an FYI. Team Redline is back. For those of you who never heard of these guys they were the ones who made the GTP mod for NR2003 and were forced to pull it because of a lawsuit with the guys from iRacing. They later re-released the mod and stripped it down so to avoid any legal problems.

Anyway their website is back up and it looks like they may have big plans for some of our favorite racing sims. :D

http://www.teamredline.co.uk/

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Post by pk500 »

Rodster wrote:Just an FYI. Team Redline is back. For those of you who never heard of these guys they were the ones who made the GTP mod for NR2003 and were forced to pull it because of a lawsuit with the guys from iRacing. They later re-released the mod and stripped it down so to avoid any legal problems.

Anyway their website is back up and it looks like they may have big plans for some of our favorite racing sims. :D

http://www.teamredline.co.uk/
I have very mixed emotions about Team Redline. On the positive front, they apparently created some a very good mod for NR 2003. On the negative front, they coded a FREE mod so it only would work with purchased copies of NR 2003.

It's the only NR 2003 mod that was set up that way. Every other NR 2003 mod works with any copy of the game.

But I bought my copy or rFactor, so I guess it's a moot point for this game. :)

Take care,
PK
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Post by pk500 »

The Sports Car Challenge mod for rFactor, a favorite of Pigpen's, has released an update featuring the 2003 season:

http://www.rfactorcentral.com/detail.cf ... %20Mans%29

That has perked my interest considerably because the mod now includes my favorite sports car of all time, the Bentley Speed 8!

If you haven't checked rFactor Central lately, also realize that the SCC mod underwent an upgrade recently from 1.0 to 1.2 with a variety of small improvements that add up to a nice package. So grab that upgrade and the 2003 upgrade if you haven't visited in a while!

This is a very nice mod.

Take care,
PK
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Post by Rodster »

One other cool mod worth mentioning is the Aston Martin mod. Damn those cars look and sound sweet.

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Post by pk500 »

Rodster wrote:One other cool mod worth mentioning is the Aston Martin mod. Damn those cars look and sound sweet.
The DB 9's? They're fantastic. I've run them offline since early summer.

Take care,
PK
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Post by Rodster »

pk500 wrote:
Rodster wrote:One other cool mod worth mentioning is the Aston Martin mod. Damn those cars look and sound sweet.
The DB 9's? They're fantastic. I've run them offline since early summer.

Take care,
PK
Yup those are the ones. :D Awesome cars, awesome mod.

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