Racing games -- next generation?

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:34 pm

I went out and picked up the Box last week and have been spending a majority of my time playing CMR4 and waiting for TOCA 2. After a recent session I had to wonder about the next generation of racing games (PS3, etc.) and what they are going to bring to the table.

What are some of your thoughts on it? I'm kind of at a blank. I'd say that you won't find a much more "advanced" group of console racers than you'll find here, as far as realism goes. Obviously, graphics can get more life-like, but is that really needed at this stage? The physics seem pretty darn good on CMR4 as well as games like Gran Turismo (which can obviously have it's AI improved), do they need to get better? Probably not for me, as the Codies have shown how realistic they can get, while others (EA) will never care to get there.

Just wanted to see some others' thoughts on the issue.

Back to the Box I go.

Dave

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:45 am

Dave:

There is one frontier for racing games on the next generation of consoles: Mechanical failures.

No racing game on current consoles does a good job of simulating mechanical failures. Hell, no console racing games that I know of simulate any kind of failures other than those caused by contact.

I would love to see a console game where engines can blow, hydraulic systems can break, etc. That would add a random fear to the games, especially if you're abusing the engine by over-revving it, etc.

That's the next step for racing games.

Take care,
PK

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 11:09 am

Z:

Man, your memory is sponge-like. I completely forgot about the engine barbecues in F1 Championship Edition.

Man, that was a great game. Murray Walker and Martin Brundle commentary, too!

Take care,
PK

Galley · Post by **Galley** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 11:32 am

One bit of technology to watch out for is the Logitech Driving Force Pro wheel which has a 900-degree rotation, just like a real car. Gran Turismo 4 will be the first game to support this technology.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/produ ... ENTID=7226

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:08 pm

Until a steering wheel is developed at a reasonable price, I don't forsee much changing in terms of control. I'm specifically referring to consoles. I understand there are excellent steering wheels for the PC. A good steering wheel is what is stopping me from enjoying these console racing games. It would just add to the overall realism as well as the fun.

F308GTB · Post by **F308GTB** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 2:42 pm

For consoles, I'd say the only improvement would be larger online fields. A NASCAR sim with a full 43 car field would be incredible. I believe the programming is already in place to make more realistic racing games, but what's holding companies back is either a perceived or real impression that the console gaming market can't financially support realistic sims.

I always go back to NASCAR Heat 2002 as my benchmark for what a game should be. If you take the PS2 version and mate it with the Logitech wheel, you've got a tremendous package - the feedback is done to perfection, the AI in Heat is tough, the handling requires skill, etc. The only negative in that one was the 22 or 24 car field.

Perhaps the next step would be "Maddenizing" racing games. In some respects EA did this with Thunder, but can you imagine an F1 game where you have to make aerodynamic changes throughout the season, hit the wind tunnel and test tracks, make engineering changes to engines, work with tire companies, and more? Struggle to find sponsorship or sell your engines to another team? Total immersion into the sport.