I want to play something with fast cars and weapons. What I really want is a digital verison of Car Wars. Anyone have some recommendations?
If you can stand retro graphics there is Interstate 76 Arsenal (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/interstate76) and Interstate 82 (http://www.gog.com/gamecard/interstate_82).
76:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi532.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee327%2Fsparks50banan%2Fi762010-02-2002-33-41-71.jpg&hash=5e53d40499f2aa5bb646bfe61e4781624a729473)
82:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mobygames.com%2Fimages%2Fshots%2Fl%2F42230-interstate-82-windows-screenshot-dusts.jpg&hash=fa0ea2d74490ee9fa9144c4c0f2e3bff6834b19c)
I loved Interstate 76, but I'm not going to lie I'm looking for a graphics upgrade.
Here ya go:
Darkwind: War On Wheels
http://www.dark-wind.com/
WEGO Turn-based Car Wars-like online game with customizable vehicles and all that.
YouTube vids:
http://www.dark-wind.com/youtube.html
Well there's this bundle availible on Amazon for $10. http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Arts-41109-Hot-Bundle1/dp/B008N0AZSQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames-download&ie=UTF8&qid=1369667787&sr=1-2&keywords=burnout+paradise+ultimate
Burnout Paradise Ultimate
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit
Not exactly machine guns and rockets, but there are some "weapons" involved. Maybe I just want a racing game. So there is Grid availble for $3 on gamersgate. Hmm...
Burnout Paradise is definately a cool game and will satisfy your needs for road rage. :)
Well I've been playing NFS Hot Pursuit and that has been fun. I've setup the man corner with a lazy boy and have been using my xbox controller. Sweet, sweet comfort and laziness. 8)
I'll load up Burnout Paradise later on
Oddly enough, I am poised and ready to buy a Wheel controller and get into driving sims myself. I hear F1 2012 is very good and NFS:Most Wanted looks fun too.
I also got Grid off of gamersgate for some blue coins. Otherwise it was a whopping $3.74 today only I think. So even if it sucks, I'm out nothing.
NFS is hardly a sim.
If you go for a wheel I would recommend the SimBin games (GTR 2, RACE, etc) or if you're going for a console either Gran Turismo for the PS or Forza Motorsport for the Xbox are pretty cool car-sandboxes.
Yeah NFS is fun, but it's not a sim. No shifting or reverse in fact as far as I can tell.
Quote from: Yskonyn on May 27, 2013, 03:32:04 PM
NFS is hardly a sim.
If you go for a wheel I would recommend the SimBin games (GTR 2, RACE, etc) or if you're going for a console either Gran Turismo for the PS or Forza Motorsport for the Xbox are pretty cool car-sandboxes.
Thanks Ysk! Have any suggestions for a wheel? I was thinking of the Logitech G5 made for the PS3 (also works for PC). I also want to use it for Eurotrucker 2.
OK. I'm really digging the racing games. I really like NFS Hot Pursuit, but I actually enjoyed Grid so much I went ahead an pre-ordered Grid 2. There are a few things I hope that they change in Grid 2, but so far the extra challenge of a more realistic racing game is a lot of fun.
I pre-ordered Grid 2 too! And I got the wheel I was eying as a late b-day present. I really wanted the High End Logitech G25 wheel, but I can't justify that for the few games I have.
I suppose you meant G25? The G5 is a mouse. ;)
But yes, the G25 is a solid piece of hardware and recommended by many. I have a Fanatec wheel myself, but that might be too big an investment if you're not going to dedicate yourself to simracing. A Fanatec set with wheel and pedals are quickly nearing 500 bucks.
The Fanatec wheels, however, have belt driven force feedback, which makes them more responsive in the force feedback effects and if you go for the ClubSport pedals you will have a brake pedal with a loadcell instead of a spring/podmeter.
That doesn't make the G25 any less awesome, mind you. It's a pretty expensive piece of gear in its own right and durable as well and there are mods available to make the G25 pedals have a loadcell too. But that's DIY.
Logitech has ceased producing wheels and joysticks since the end of 2012 as a result of downsizing the company.
I assume all units that can still be bought have normal warranty though.
Oh and when you're ready for a real racing sim, take a look at iRacing.com.
It's a pretty hardcore experience, but the simulation is second to none.
I ended up getting the mid-low range wheel, the Logitech Driving Force GT Racing Wheel. It is specifically made for the PS3 but works for PC. I really WANTED to invest in the amazing Logitech G27, but that is just too expensive for a starting peripheral.
I think Logitech is still producing their old lines, as I saw some Extreme 3d Pro joysticks in Best Buy with a new type of packaging. I just think they aren't updating or producing new types. That is a bit of a bummer, as it seems like we are stuck with the options available now. I blame it on the ubiquitous nature and popularity of the X-Box controller.
I'm using the good old xbox 360 controller. Some day I might upgrade if I can find something as easy to use while reclining in my lazy boy. Worst decision my wife ever allowed was for me to put a lazy boy in front of my PC monitor.
The Driving Force GT is pretty neat too. It's the perfect starting solution if you want a wheel that can be used on a console and on a PC.
I started with the Logtech MOMO Racing (PC only). A low end wheel, but had more than its worth out of it. Logtech's stuff is pretty good in general I find.
But -like with flight simming- you can make it as crazy as you want with racing too. Fanatec has a pretty high end solution, but is far from the most expensive wheels out there. Frex, for example, has high end stuff that is crazy expensive.
Add a Buttkicker module to the mix and get an old sportscar seat from the junkyard and you're quickly entering the world of home pits! ;)
I'm totally going to waste it by using the racing wheel to drive slow trucks in Euro Truck 2.
BTW, F1 2012 is on sale at Gamersgate right now for ~$14 (normally $39.99). I'm trying to decide if I want to boot up GRID 2 using only my X-Box controller, or wait until Thursday when I can use the wheel!
I will say that grid 2 is 100X easier to control the car with an Xbox controller than grid. I need to tween my throttle a little more but I'm drifting and actually placing in races. Also grid the car damage was pretty unforgiving. I saw f1 racing on sale and am considering picking it up too. Racing is addicting.
Quote from: Bison on May 28, 2013, 02:24:07 PM
I will say that grid 2 is 100X easier to control the car with an Xbox controller than grid. I need to tween my throttle a little more but I'm drifting and actually placing in races. Also grid the car damage was pretty unforgiving. I saw f1 racing on sale and am considering picking it up too. Racing is addicting.
IIRC, the same people made GRID 2 and F1 2012. I figured, for that amount, it was worth it. That will tide me over until the NFS or other games drop a bit more.
Yup both are code master so isn't Dirt 3.
I need to get a wheel and pedal setup. I'm sort of torn. I really like the look of the Thrustmaster F430 force feedback setup, but I've been reading that 270 degree wheel turn is not enough and evey other wheel setup is a 900 degree turn radius. I have no idea what that means in game except that you can physically spin the wheel further. Anyway I looked at the Fanatec site and they have some decent bundle packs, but the real off put is that I'd like to get a stand to set up the wheel so I can continue to park my ass in my lazy boy instead of bellying up to my desk and not spend a small fortune to do so. Thoughts?
A bit of an FYI, my Logitech GT Driving Force came yesterday. It is quite good and high quality (although a stand or chair setup would be better than my desk). However, Grid 2 does not play nice with the force feedback of any of the Logitech wheels. This is an issue for quite a few people (Youtube search and you can see what it does). I'm not happy about it, and deciding if I want to keep the wheel or not.
On the other hand, driving in Euro Trucker 2, listening to actual French radio being streamed, and using the wheel was a real delight!
F1 2012 also works perfectly with the force feedback. So far, Grid 2 is the only problem.
I considered getting a Fanatec setup they had a couple of decent lower priced bundle options, but the horror stories about customer service, some reports of unreliable build quality scarred me off. I decided to bite the bullet and get the Logitech G27 off of Amazon which most of the reviews and racing forum opinions were very favorable about build quality, customer service and functionality.
I did consider the unit you have SoM and the Thrustmaster F430, but I figured that I'm enjoying racing so much I might as well spend a little more upfront and give myself room to grow. So the clutch and shifter, and the fairly decent overall reviews of the pedal set just made it seem like a really good startng point for a wheel/pedal kit. I've got my eye on a future upgrade with a wheel stand pro, but I couldn't choke the combined cost of everything at once. It was just too cost prohibative.
I'm so jealous! I really wanted to get the Logitech G27, but I don't play enough racing games to justify it. But, from what I hear, it is the pinnacle of wheels at that price range.
Just do note, I doubt that Grid 2 will play nice with it. I'm trying to figure out how to fix the "insane force feedback" problem, but so far no luck.
This is what happens with mine. Only in Grid 2.
Congrats on your purchase, Bison.
You now owe it to yourself to explore the more serious racing sims. ;)
I have no clue about those Grid 2 issues, SoM. But if thats a more commonly brought up issue I doubt it has got to do with your wheel.
Well, I think I am going to get Race 07 and possibly Dirt 2 (given it is on sale for like $9 at Greenmangaming). I debated sending my wheel back when my Grid 2 experience had me fooled that I was just crap at racing (it is impossible to steer when it does that "dance"). But I've been trucking at least once a night, listening to French European radio stations (streamed in via Euro Trucker's radio streaming software) and having a nice relaxing time. So I'll probably keep it. My other b-day peripheral choice was a mechanical keyboard, but that doesn't seem nearly as "fun" as a wheel (I mean, no matter how good it is, it still is just a keyboard).
Quote from: Yskonyn on May 31, 2013, 12:14:44 PM
You now owe it to yourself to explore the more serious racing sims. ;)
I do have to admit that it takes just a little bit of suspension of disbelief when place on the podium in Grid 2 and my car crosses the finish line running on both rims and sparks flying.
I picked up Dirt 3 the same time I bought F1 2012 from gamersgate last week. I think I got both for like $21, so there's a lot of racing to be had and that couldn't be any more different in race format. I've looked into iRacing and I might consider it in the future, but eventually I know I'll need to replace Grid 2 with something less arcade and more sim. I guess what I'd be looking for at that point is something with the variety of cars, tracks, and races that come with Grid 2.
SoM I've been really enjoying reading the forums and articles, and watching the youtube video from this site. http://insidesimracing.tv/
Thanks for that site! Looks like I narrowly missed the Dirt 3 sale, which irritates me greatly. I may still get it, since those insidesimracing guys were gushing about it. iRacing looks quite neat, although I'm not keen on a subscription service.
I haven't played Dirt 3 yet. I figure I'll continue to play Grid 2 with the controller and set F1 and Dirt 3 to the side until I get my wheel kit.
Well I'm slightly PO'd right now. I'd progressed to the Asia finals save game go mow the grass and do some other chores around the house come back to do a few races and the save is corrupt. 14 hours of racing to get to that point and I think it's all lost now. Codemaster hasn't responded to any of the threads about this issue on Steam or their offical site. To make matters worse it seems like it's effected a lot of people.
Started messing around with Iracing this weekend. Damn it's fun even with Xbox controller, but I'm stoked to play with a wheel/pedal kit so I can actually move off the test track and start to do actual races.
Quote from: Bison on June 01, 2013, 08:51:35 PM
Well I'm slightly PO'd right now. I'd progressed to the Asia finals save game go mow the grass and do some other chores around the house come back to do a few races and the save is corrupt. 14 hours of racing to get to that point and I think it's all lost now. Codemaster hasn't responded to any of the threads about this issue on Steam or their offical site. To make matters worse it seems like it's effected a lot of people.
I've come to the conclusion that Grid 2 is a waste of money. I hope your wheel kit works better than mine on it. I'm reticent to try Dirt 3 because I worry about the same problem. I doubt we could hedge Steam for a refund, they typically won't do that.
I'm thinking about trying iRacing. It looked pretty sweet and offers a lot for a small fee. Let me know how you feel about it after you get the wheel.
BTW, I found this blog that has several articles on "best" profiles for Logitech wheels.
http://solidlystated.com/tag/g27/
Cool.
There is a deal right now to get 3 months of iracing for $12. So that's prett good deal. You 7 cars and a number of tracks for both oval and road racing.
I like grid 2 but the corrupt save pissed me off and I didn't want to reinvest the time to get back to where I was again. I will at some point but not right away.
I wonder if you can get a 'pootling' simulator?
Quote from: bob48 on June 03, 2013, 04:47:12 PM
I wonder if you can get a 'pootling' simulator?
I can't understand British, Bob. All I know is that I love driving lorries. ;)
Quote from: son_of_montfort on June 03, 2013, 04:48:49 PM
Quote from: bob48 on June 03, 2013, 04:47:12 PM
I wonder if you can get a 'pootling' simulator?
I can't understand British, Bob. All I know is that I love driving lorries. ;)
Lorries? - You mean trucks - speak English, boy!
iRacing was fun - for a while.
I kind of liked the structured progression - but at the same time there was always something else to buy - be it a circuit or a car. I also didn't really get the disciplines and what I should do to progress along to a certain discipline (which I think was the case).
Good game - could get expensive.
As for Codies games - their control systems for their games always seemed a bit screwed to me. Over sensitive - you'd be going down a straight and moving the wheel left and right to try and steer in a straight line (and no - deadzone was not the answer). I also thought (in their other Grid game) that the cars could turn on a penny at incredible speeds.
I never really liked their control system...though F1 seemed to pull something out the bag.
There are some good YouTube videos that cover the progression in iracing. The key I guess is to pick oval or road racing and find the car or cars you like best. Then you are really talking a couple of cars and tracks which really isn't too bad. Also some of the starter cars like the Mazda can be raced all the way to pro with perhaps a track or two purchase down the road. But we'll see how I feel about it in a few weeks after I race with a wheel.
As far as codemasters, I think I like f1 the best but haven't messed with it too much. A wheel just seems critical.
Racing is SO much different with a wheel/pedal kit. Sadly I'm much better at driving around an oval than I am a road track. :( I'm scarred to into an actual racing event on iRacing. I'd most likely take out 3/4 of the racers within the first two laps. So far I'm really happy with the quality of the G27.
Well I just finished my first time trial. I should have quit after the first 10 successful laps no incidents (crashes, loss of control), but noooooo I didn't know what the hell was going on so I ended up losing .02 points on my safety rating. Geesh spin out and bounce off a couple of walls and all of a sudden your a bad driver.
Next up Qualifying Laps!
Yes! I wasn't the worst. I finished 13th of 18 racers. And I got +.01 to safety rating back. I can drive at least 4 laps without crashing!
^ man....you reminded me how much fun and stress filled those races were.
I had a magnificent race once. I was first but not last either. Some drivers spinning off saw me claw some places back and I had a right fight with another guy. He was faster on one part of the circuit and I was faster on the other. There were a few faster paced corners where we were going through them side by side - and never once touched. One particular one saw us come out the corner neck and neck and down a 200m straight - it came down to who braked last - and he did - locking up, I got the undercut and took the inside, going round the last bend to the finishing straight...where he was quicker - and so the cycle began again. Our last 5 laps were incredible.
Great story JD. I've still not participated in a race. I have a strategy that I'm following to get out of the rookie league demolition derby racing level. I do a lot of practice races where there are actual drivers on the track, but mishaps don't count against your safety rating (SR). This lets me test my line and continue to work on my lap/section times with the added bonus of having to watch out for other erratic drivers. Of course I'm one of the crazies on the track too, but I like to pretend I'm freaking Richard Petty and am an outstanding driver always in control of my car. Then I do the Qualifying and Time Trials for upcoming real races. I just race against my own best times versus optimal times. The benefit here is that my SR will always go up unless I make a mistake and over/under steer, drive too fast for my line. So right now I'm at a 2.58 SR and need to reach a 3.0 SR to move up to the D license. I'm hoping that the D license races will have drivers slightly more in control of their cars. Don't know if that's the best plan, but that's what I'm going with in my racing career.
I did consider signing up again once not that long ago - giving it another go...but I couldn't find out where to see what I had bought and what class and level I was - and I wasn't willing to do so without knowing that.
So if anyone knows where you can find that info out without signing back up, I'd be interested in knowing where that is...
Yeah not sure how you'd do that.
This thread http://insidesimracing.tv/forums/topic/4879-iracing-promo-codes-at-gt-planet/ has a bunch of promo codes for various packages.
Thanks - but no promo codes for renewals at the mo.
I'll keep my eyes peeled. I do recall the game could be a huge time sink - especially with a race coming up because you wanted to drive as well as possible...so there was lots of practice...which all came to nought though if someone else didn't put the practice time in and turned up and caused carnage - though I did see very few issues - or at least ones I was involved in.
One thing (iirc) which did annoy em a bit was avoiding a crash on the circuit - but having to go off to do so and suffering a penalty for it...but overall I think the point , ranking and progression systems all worked pretty well.
Yeah the off track penalty for avoiding a crash is annoying. I think the system in place is the best solution for what they are looking to accomplish however. If your license is attached to your safety and not time or finish places, it promotes cleaner racing. I think in the higher class license races the races are fast and clean as possible but of course crashes, bumps, rubs, and off tracks still happen. The key from what I've read in the forums is even though you might suffer a 1X penalty for going off track to avoid a crash; it's better to do that and finish. The finishing of a race awards the highest percentage of SR so you can afford a few 1X during the race and still either gain SR or break even. If you don't finish the race the penalties really hit you especially if you are not a fault because the is the only points scored against SR. And yes it is a time sink, but I rather enjoy it. Right now my fastest lap on the rookie league classic stock car on the International Raceway is something like 24.900 and the optimum lap pace is 24.600 or there abouts. My average lap time is more like 25.4 to 25.6, so I've got a long way to go to being able to maintain a sub 25 second pace. I think one of the things I need to do is look at my wheel calibrations. The other thing I need to continue to work on is my corner enter and exit speeds. I'm very inconsistent on my pace in the corners and that is where I lose time right at the mid-corner. I'm always hesitant to give it gas too earlier and spinning out of the control on the exit with my rear being to loose. So I've run the same track over and over again but it doesn't really get boring at all. I continue to try and maintain my average pace and improve on the strategy to enter and exit corners. Also as you run more laps without incident the car begins to perform differently. Tires wear and become hot. Gas levels. Driver fatigue. So I find it really enjoyable because I'm not doing it to be better than the next driver, but improve on my technique and performance. The former will take care of itself in time.
I see Nascar game coming to the PC....
http://store.steampowered.com/app/225220/?snr=1_4_4__106_1
I freakin LOVE Nascar!
In case anyone is interested, I received an email from iRacing saying 50% off if you renew your subscription...
I haven't jumped in yet - but I am sorely tempted
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 23, 2013, 01:23:10 AM
In case anyone is interested, I received an email saying 50% off if you renew your subscription...
I haven't jumped in yet - but I am sorely tempted
Renew your subscription? Which subscription is that referring to?
^ sorry - I've fixed my post
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 23, 2013, 05:46:16 AM
^ sorry - I've fixed my post
No problem at all...just was wondering where possible to get 50% off:)
Yeah that's a really good deal.