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TheBluePill
2[H]4U
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- Aug 17, 2005
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Steam had Race - the WTCC Game on a "Full Version Preview" for the weekend. It just so happens that I had a 32" Screen on loaner for the weekend too.. Hooked up a Logitech wheel and peddles and gave it a spin.
Now, First off, I am not a big driving game fan, I have probably logged no more than 20 hours playing them in the last 5 years. (Mostly PGR3). So I am coming at this with fresh eyes. I AM an avid driving enthusiast and have driven sports cars all of my life.
Ok, So on to the game.
From a "simplicity of use" stand point, the game is very similar to any other race game, you can select to run in a "Cup" or just a quick race. Then pick your track and your car. Simple enough.
This one differs from most, as it is Solely WTCC, Only the tracks used in WTCC and the the corresponding cars are available. No Buying new cars or racing exotics. Straight 2006 Season Drivers, Cars and Tracks for the Main Game. You also have the option of running 1987 cars on the tracks (two offered) or a Mini-Cooper Class with about 30 to choose from.
At default, the cars are spec'd out just as they would be for a given track or environment. The game has an enormous ammount of customization for each car that you can optionally enable. Everything from Brake bias and ride height all the way down to transmission gear ratios and individual tire pressure. Its all up to you. When you go to start a race, you are given the options of turning on/off ABS, Traction Control and Automatic Transmissions. This allows you to really play as noob for “fun” or make this a very realistic racing simulation. You also have the option of running against the computer in novice, semi-pro and pro classes for added difficulty.
The cars themselves are beautifully detailed. Even the lettering on the tires is visible and you can watch it spin as the cars move. The interiors. Dash and wheels of the cars are also VERY detailed. On a 32” WS LCD, the Logitech wheel I was using was the exact same size as the wheel in the game, to the T, Same for the hands. It really made the experience fantastic.
The Physics of the game is equally impressive. Acceleration “feels” real and right for each vehicle, to the point of being believable. When you are going 120kph, you really get that sense of speed on the tracks. The car’s breaking and handling are equally sensitive to speed. Overshooting a corner is as spot on as in real life. Loosing control and going out in to the grass at 100khp with slicks on the car is very realistic too, you pretty much loose control until you slow down enough to get back on the track. The level of detail increases as you turn on realism options. Even to the point of over-revving the engine can cause you to throw a rod and then its pretty much over. Damage can be set to realistic levels too, even to the point of totaling a car. All in all, a very satisfying simulation.
The Tracks are very detailed in full 3D too. The Simbin website has some photos of how they went over every WTCC Track and made them as realistic as possible. I can definitely see they did their homework. The tracks and lighting look fantastic and really convey a sense of realism.
Over All, on the bigger screen and with a steering wheel set, this simulation is fantastic. I, and several friends spend most of the weekend on it and all came away more than impressed. (my friend being a GranTourisimo Fanatic was super happy with it). For the $26 they are asking for it, it seems like a no-brainer.
Now, First off, I am not a big driving game fan, I have probably logged no more than 20 hours playing them in the last 5 years. (Mostly PGR3). So I am coming at this with fresh eyes. I AM an avid driving enthusiast and have driven sports cars all of my life.
Ok, So on to the game.
From a "simplicity of use" stand point, the game is very similar to any other race game, you can select to run in a "Cup" or just a quick race. Then pick your track and your car. Simple enough.
This one differs from most, as it is Solely WTCC, Only the tracks used in WTCC and the the corresponding cars are available. No Buying new cars or racing exotics. Straight 2006 Season Drivers, Cars and Tracks for the Main Game. You also have the option of running 1987 cars on the tracks (two offered) or a Mini-Cooper Class with about 30 to choose from.
At default, the cars are spec'd out just as they would be for a given track or environment. The game has an enormous ammount of customization for each car that you can optionally enable. Everything from Brake bias and ride height all the way down to transmission gear ratios and individual tire pressure. Its all up to you. When you go to start a race, you are given the options of turning on/off ABS, Traction Control and Automatic Transmissions. This allows you to really play as noob for “fun” or make this a very realistic racing simulation. You also have the option of running against the computer in novice, semi-pro and pro classes for added difficulty.
The cars themselves are beautifully detailed. Even the lettering on the tires is visible and you can watch it spin as the cars move. The interiors. Dash and wheels of the cars are also VERY detailed. On a 32” WS LCD, the Logitech wheel I was using was the exact same size as the wheel in the game, to the T, Same for the hands. It really made the experience fantastic.
The Physics of the game is equally impressive. Acceleration “feels” real and right for each vehicle, to the point of being believable. When you are going 120kph, you really get that sense of speed on the tracks. The car’s breaking and handling are equally sensitive to speed. Overshooting a corner is as spot on as in real life. Loosing control and going out in to the grass at 100khp with slicks on the car is very realistic too, you pretty much loose control until you slow down enough to get back on the track. The level of detail increases as you turn on realism options. Even to the point of over-revving the engine can cause you to throw a rod and then its pretty much over. Damage can be set to realistic levels too, even to the point of totaling a car. All in all, a very satisfying simulation.
The Tracks are very detailed in full 3D too. The Simbin website has some photos of how they went over every WTCC Track and made them as realistic as possible. I can definitely see they did their homework. The tracks and lighting look fantastic and really convey a sense of realism.
Over All, on the bigger screen and with a steering wheel set, this simulation is fantastic. I, and several friends spend most of the weekend on it and all came away more than impressed. (my friend being a GranTourisimo Fanatic was super happy with it). For the $26 they are asking for it, it seems like a no-brainer.
