question about racing games...

[Syphon Filter]

So...I was playing PGR3 and it got me thinking.

I generally use automatic transmission in games, just for ease and enjoyment. My question is this:

Do the AI cars use the same gear shifting pattern as the players automatic transmission does?

[Skirrow]

I think the AI cars may be simulating a manual transmission, as i've noticed that when i use the same car, the AI is usually quicker off the line. Happens everytime i use automatic. But i dont notice it when i use manual.

Just my guess. But i think thats whats going on.

[Tiny]

I use auto always.

The nice thing about PGR3 is that you can still manually shift if you are using auto. It is mapped to the bottons. I use manual shifting when going into and out of corners.

[Syphon Filter]

I think the AI cars may be simulating a manual transmission, as i've noticed that when i use the same car, the AI is usually quicker off the line. Happens everytime i use automatic. But i dont notice it when i use manual.

Just my guess. But i think thats whats going on.

I agree...as i have exactly the same observations as you.

What do other think? Any devs on here know any inside info ?

[AeonF1]

I think most racing games these days don't simulate a real automatic, like when you are just cruising in a fixed speed and it'll upshift automatically. Where in a video game, it never upshifts until you hit the redline no matter what angle of the throttle you are giving. Sometimes I think the cpu downshifts too much for some corners, causing you to supply too much torque that the car easily spins. Then again, theres no true manual either since there isn't a real clutch pedal. Automatics usually have one less gear and have taller gear ratios. But in a video game, I wouldn't call it an automatic, I'd call it more like shift assist.