Good racing games for PC?

[thideras]

Hello all,

I have my birthday coming up, and I would like to get a really nice game for the PC. I decided on a racing game since I really like that genre and I don't have many "good" ones. I'm looking for something that is realistic and that will take me an extremely long time to beat. I'm not looking for NASCAR or NFS type games. I'm looking for Gran Turismo type games, but I have had a hard time finding one. Here is a list of ones that I have so they don't get suggested:

Porsche Unleased
NFS Most Wanted
NFS Carbon
Test Drive Unlimited (can't play because I've 'activated too many times'...still waiting for response on Atari's part)

Suggestions?

[hUMANbEATbOX]

GTR2 of course. :D

i got a copy not long ago for $30 and it came with GTLegends (i actually prefer legends so far, older cars are so fun to drive).

i also grabbed a logitech DFP, i love it, it goes great with all games i've tried. what controller do you use?

gtr2 site with demo:
http://gtr-game.10tacle.com/index.php?id=246&L=1

gtLegends site with demo:
http://www.gt-legends.com/home_en.php

[thideras]

GTR2 of course. :D

i got a copy not long ago for $30 and it came with GTLegends (i actually prefer legends so far, older cars are so fun to drive).

i also grabbed a logitech DFP, i love it, it goes great with all games i've tried. what controller do you use?

gtr2 site with demo:
http://gtr-game.10tacle.com/index.php?id=246&L=1

gtLegends site with demo:
http://www.gt-legends.com/home_en.phpWow, thanks! I'm checking the site out now...looks good so far!

EDIT: One question...can you upgrade the cars? Is there a "career" mode where you earn money? etc...

[bryan_d]

If you are interested in racing in general, the THQ line of MotoGP games are great! I have MotoGP, MotoGP2, and MotoGPURT, and they are very hard to beat and can keep you interested fro hours on end.

I use an Xbox control with hacked drivers and it works splending in Win2K and WinXP; variable throttle control is must for decent starts off the line. :)

Have fun with the games you choose,

bryan d

[hUMANbEATbOX]

well, you progress thru the games and buy new cars. there isn't much in the way of upgrading, but you can tweak TONS of stuff, more than GT, and the changes have an actual impact on car performance.

[thideras]

If you are interested in racing in general, the THQ line of MotoGP games are great! I have MotoGP, MotoGP2, and MotoGPURT, and they are very hard to beat and can keep you interested fro hours on end.

I use an Xbox control with hacked drivers and it works splending in Win2K and WinXP; variable throttle control is must for decent starts off the line. :)

Have fun with the games you choose,

bryan dI had #2 (I think) for the PS2 and didn't care for it. I will try a demo...thanks! :bday:



well, you progress thru the games and buy new cars. there isn't much in the way of upgrading, but you can tweak TONS of stuff, more than GT, and the changes have an actual impact on car performance.Atleast it has that, but MORE tuning that GT?! wow...I think I'm liking it alot already. I love tuning the cars...

[hUMANbEATbOX]

grab the demo, you'll love it.

there is a demo for Live For Speed too, i grabbed it, and i like the driving physics. some people swear by it, so you might try that too.

[thideras]

grab the demo, you'll love it.

there is a demo for Live For Speed too, i grabbed it, and i like the driving physics. some people swear by it, so you might try that too.Downloading Live for Speed now...it doesn't look like there are many cars/tracks...and it is $50...

Just about to try the GTR2 demo now :bday:

[hUMANbEATbOX]

LFS doesn't look nearly as good as GTR2 either. but the cars do feel right (they feel righ in gtr2 as well tho).

[JLK03F150]

I 2nd GT Legends and GTR1, I don't have GTR2 yet. Live for Speed is very good too (I paid $24, but the $ has weakened badly since then).

Also a big favorite of mine is rfactor (http://www.rfactor.net/). Lots of add-ons & mods, sort of like the old NASCAR 03. I am currently driving the Panoz mod (http://www.rfactorcentral.com/series_detail.cfm?ID=Panoz%20Esperante). LFS and rfactor also have good online racing communities.

[NiTrO bOiE]

Speaking of Nascar '03 (the one by Papyrus), it's a really good sim if you like stock-car racing, however the price on it has inflated greatly. Sells on ebay for about $80.

[thideras]

I'm not looking for NASCAR or NFS type games.Sorry...lol

Anyway, got to mess around in the GTR2 demo...and so far I love it. The software recognizes my dual screen (2560x1024) and lets me put the resolution to that...big plus on their end.

I have to leave for work now, but I'll play it when I get back. Thanks for all the input!

[Anjow]

I'm not even that big a fan of racing games, but I LOVED Toca Race Driver 3, and I would heartily recommend it.

And although I've not played it myself, a friend of mine keeps singing the praises of GTR2.

[BenF]

I'd highly highly recommend Live for Speed. I've played quite a few racing games but this is the only one where the cars feel 'real'. The physics are very good and the community for the most part is friendly. Check out the demo version and if you like it get the full version. Its definately worth the money.

You're right that it doesn't have that many tracks (There are 5 or so tracks with several different layouts, so about 20-25 total configs plus all of those in reverse) or that many cars (14-15) but the cars and tracks they do have are quite good. I'd recommend learning to play the game with the demo and the built in driving lessons. Then unlock the full version and check out the ukct servers (they have some of the best racing around). Also the redline racing servers are quite good if you are a fan of open wheel racing.

Test Drive Unlimited is also nice but I've found a few problems with it. You need to have a top of the line computer to run it with decent graphics settings and also the physics on it don't feel right to me. It feel much more like an arcade game than a racing sim.

[thideras]

I'd highly highly recommend Live for Speed. I've played quite a few racing games but this is the only one where the cars feel 'real'. The physics are very good and the community for the most part is friendly. Check out the demo version and if you like it get the full version. Its definately worth the money.

You're right that it doesn't have that many tracks (There are 5 or so tracks with several different layouts, so about 20-25 total configs plus all of those in reverse) or that many cars (14-15) but the cars and tracks they do have are quite good. I'd recommend learning to play the game with the demo and the built in driving lessons. Then unlock the full version and check out the ukct servers (they have some of the best racing around). Also the redline racing servers are quite good if you are a fan of open wheel racing.

Test Drive Unlimited is also nice but I've found a few problems with it. You need to have a top of the line computer to run it with decent graphics settings and also the physics on it don't feel right to me. It feel much more like an arcade game than a racing sim.I have Live for Speed downloaded now, installing as we speak.

TDU is no problem on my computer, although you are right, it does feel like an arcade game...so does NFS IMO...lol

[thideras]

Well...Live for Speed does not work with my controller (XBox 360 elite). It won't reverse the brake and throttle, so it is backwards. And it won't let me map any buttons, it just sits there like I'm not doing anything. I did try gameplay, but I could not get far since I couldn't shift...grr

[Gabkicks]

here try searching the forums for any more help :) here is what i found on how to get the controller working properly.
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?p=386224&highlight=360+controller#post386224


http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?p=387019&highlight=360+controller#post387019

[thideras]

here try searching the forums for any more help :) here is what i found on how to get the controller working properly.
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?p=386224&highlight=360+controller#post386224


http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?p=387019&highlight=360+controller#post387019Sorry, I did not explain that clearly. The controller works in the other games with no problems what-so-ever. It is not a driver or controller issue...:bday:

[JLK03F150]

Speaking of NASCAR '03 (the one by Papyrus), it's a really good sim if you like stock-car racing, however the price on it has inflated greatly. Sells on ebay for about $80.
My favorite racing in NASCAR03 was running GT40's at Watkins Glen (Lemans didn't suck either). Those were a great mods. Not all sim's have to be what they were originally designed to be.

Another example of a great modding platform is F1 Challenge 99-02. I'm not a very good open wheel driver, but F1C is great (to me) for its 1970 TransAm Series mod. BTW thideras, I'm not recommending either since they both are no longer available and sell for way too much on ebay.

On the other hand, rfactor is similar to both because it is such a diverse racing sim. The game you buy is one thing, but the (free) mods add a whole other level.

[thideras]

My favorite racing in NASCAR03 was running GT40's at Watkins Glen (Lemans didn't suck either). Those were a great mods. Not all sim's have to be what they were originally designed to be.

Another example of a great modding platform is F1 Challenge 99-02. I'm not a very good open wheel driver, but F1C is great (to me) for its 1970 TransAm Series mod. BTW thideras, I'm not recommending either since they both are no longer available and sell for way too much on ebay.

On the other hand, rfactor is similar to both because it is such a diverse racing sim. The game you buy is one thing, but the (free) mods add a whole other level.Downloading rFactor now. Thanks :bday:

[Gabkicks]

yeah,some of the mods for rfactor have pretty good graphics. :) My main concerns are great racing and superior physics so i prefer LFS. but rfactor has tons of cars and tracks. they may not all be simulated very well...
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/5450/grab004fc3.jpg
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/2205/grab018lw7.jpg

[thideras]

I'm also trying TOCA3...I have had the demo before...but the DVD is corrupted :shrug:

So many games to try :p

[JLK03F150]

yeah,some of the mods for rfactor have pretty good graphics. :) My main concerns are great racing and superior physics so i prefer LFS. but rfactor has tons of cars and tracks. they may not all be simulated very well...
While I can't speak to LFS's open wheeler's (other than the MRT5 - I'm pretty good with it), but I can speak to the rfactor Panoz mod. I've run several laps on Road Atlanta in a real Esperante GTS. I've also run many laps there in rfactor. Other than the G's I was feeling in RL, rfactor has nailed the feeling pretty well!!!!!

[Hardin]

What about Rally games? Xpand Rally is only $9.99 on steam.

[BenF]

Well...Live for Speed does not work with my controller (XBox 360 elite). It won't reverse the brake and throttle, so it is backwards. And it won't let me map any buttons, it just sits there like I'm not doing anything. I did try gameplay, but I could not get far since I couldn't shift...grr

Hmm...this is odd. It sounds like it might be a driver issue. I know you said before that it wasn't but it doesn't hurt to try installing new drivers.

What do you mean it won't reverse the brake and throttle? Go the options, controls, click on wheel/js, then select axes/ff. Set throttle/brake axes to separate. Then assign each axes to a function using the buttons at the bottom right of the screen. Once you assign each function an axes (steering, throttle, and brake) you can reverse (invert them) by clicking on the "invert x" button next to the action you want.

Hopefully this will help out. LFS physics and racing are second to none. You could also try driving with a mouse. This is a bit awkward at first but after some practice it isn't that bad. It works well with the fwd and awd cars and the fox.

[Gabkicks]

What about Rally games? Xpand Rally is only $9.99 on steam.

Richard burns rally is the most realistic rallysim out right now. there have been tons of cars and a few new tracks released for it as well. plus there's multiplayer added as well.

[aaronjb]

I'm late to the party, but GTR 2 and GT Legends are both excellent.

Also, if you're hardcore, pick up rFactor or NetKar Pro (www.netkar-pro.com).

And get a Logitech G25 racing wheel. Don't bother with the MS Wireless Wheel and Wireless Receiver, because the drivers don't (yet) allow you to separate the gas/brake into two axes.

[Gabkicks]

you can just download the cars that are in gtr2 and gtlegends and put them in rfactor :P. I am waiting to try out the multiplayer demo of netkar- pro.

[xTrEmEoVrClOcKr]

I wish they would come out with a racing game very similar to the Gran Turismo series. I've always enjoyed that series of game ;).

[Gabkicks]

our best hope for a game like gran turismo, except about 100X more complex is Driver's republic... but that game isnt out yet. you can read an article here in autosimsport magazin (http://autosimsport.net/issues/autosimsport_v2i6.zip). its the most ambitious racing simulator I've heard of. build a car from the ground up, share your own designed carparts... Lots of features planned for the game.

So... you can just take an engine from one car and if it fits, drop it into another car. or use someone else's clutch or whatever. it's going to be insane if this game ever getts rolling. the game also has an auto uploading/downloading system built right into the game. the game's lead physics programmer is very talented and knowledgeable so the game should be great... IF it ever is released.

[thideras]

Hmm...this is odd. It sounds like it might be a driver issue. I know you said before that it wasn't but it doesn't hurt to try installing new drivers.

What do you mean it won't reverse the brake and throttle? Go the options, controls, click on wheel/js, then select axes/ff. Set throttle/brake axes to separate. Then assign each axes to a function using the buttons at the bottom right of the screen. Once you assign each function an axes (steering, throttle, and brake) you can reverse (invert them) by clicking on the "invert x" button next to the action you want.

Hopefully this will help out. LFS physics and racing are second to none. You could also try driving with a mouse. This is a bit awkward at first but after some practice it isn't that bad. It works well with the fwd and awd cars and the fox.When I go to the setup screen for the controller (ingame) and hit the throttle...it says I'm hitting the brake and vise versa. On the 360 controller the buttons on the back are 1 axis...so one is up and one is down. It is seeing these backwards, there is a reverse axis button, but it doesn't do anything!!:bang head And no other buttons will map...

Downloading NetKar pro now...

[Gabkicks]

did you try posting in the official lfs forums? here is a link to the live stream of a 24hour race in LFS going on. Use winamp to open. i think they are playing some special videos and then they will go back to live stream of race.

mms://62.67.184.15/Game-TV

[thideras]

did you try posting in the official lfs forums? here is a link to the live stream of a 24hour race in LFS going on. Use winamp to open. i think they are playing some special videos and then they will go back to live stream of race.

mms://62.67.184.15/Game-TVSorry, I don't have Winamp. Thanks for the info though, I'll check out the forums.

[Gabkicks]

they dont go back to live stream for another 10 hours :p. commentary was funny. Now i've got UFC 71 and Formula 1 to look forward to in the meantime.

[thideras]

I was able to get LFS working (the brake and accelerator were still backwards). I didn't really care for it...it was built good but I don't see myself playing it for very long.

I might wait for drivers republic....but I might get TOCA in the meantime...when is Drivers Republic supposed to come out?

[Vengance_01]

A Dirt Demo just came out. Its a rally racing game done by codemasters.

[jenko]

When i get out my wheel GT Legends is my favourite.

[thideras]

I've looked at all the top racing game out for PC...and to sum it up...I'm extremely unimpressed. There is no "realistic" (or close) game that lets you upgrade cars (or buy them!!). Unless I'm missing a game here...

[hUMANbEATbOX]

you have to buy new cars in gt legends, but if you are looking for a game that you can collect cars like with GT, then i don't think you'll be happy.

are you into it for the racing or the car collecting?

[thideras]

you have to buy new cars in gt legends, but if you are looking for a game that you can collect cars like with GT, then i don't think you'll be happy.

are you into it for the racing or the car collecting?Racing, but I loved that aspect of GT.

EDIT: I just tried "Race" and was really surprised. The quality of the demo is absolutely horrid!! I've fallen through the floor about 3 times now, and finally given up. The graphics are sub-par at best. TOCA or GTR2 looks like top dog so far...*sigh*

[hUMANbEATbOX]

yeah, i also love that part of GT. but i am totally into the driving in gtr2 and gt legends. moreso than i was with GT. i think its the cockpit view that does it, plus the cars act like they should.

[thideras]

yeah, i also love that part of GT. but i am totally into the driving in gtr2 and gt legends. moreso than i was with GT. i think its the cockpit view that does it, plus the cars act like they should.Hmm...I'm going to pick up TOCA today and I will probably feel the same way after playing it for a bit...hopefully that republic game comes out...it is EXACTLY what I'm looking for.

Again, thanks for all the input guys!