Monday, January 14, 2008
Rambling racing game roundup.
In the last month or so I've really gotten into racing games, and have spent a bunch of time trying out a lot of different ones - each which has its own strengths and weaknesses - none of which seem to get everything right. I've also picked up the 360 racing wheel & the Logitech Driving Force Pro - crazy I know - though playing these games with the wheel really does add a lot to their immersive & physical quality - and makes 'em a lot more fun. Except the 360 wheel, with its limited movement, is kind of crap. Yet Forza 2, the 360 exclusive is still probably my favorite current racing game. Dilemma! It's not Forza's controls, but the smooth, beautiful graphics, clear menu system and the way you progress through the game that make it the most fun (unlocking better cars, new races, etc). On the other hand, I tried to try out its online mode over the weekend and couldn't successfully join or start a single multiplayer game - disappointing to say the least. Sega Rally Revo (ps3) had no such problems - I was playing online in seconds. My problem with my limited time with Sega Rally Revo is that it's surprisingly hard (in an unfun way) even when just starting out - I haven't been able to win a single thing in that game so far, and in the online races I tried, I always came in last place. Dirt (ps3), the other rally racer I picked up, is way more fun, way more playable and really looks great (really nice menu system too), but it has no real online races at all - which is a knock, as it really limits the game's variety - and I really miss not having the option to mix it up online when one gets sick of the single player experience. Nonetheless, I figure to put a lot more time in with it that Sega Rally Racer. Although its not so new (I've had it for about a year, I guess), I also pulled out project Gotham Racing 3 to try it out with the 360 wheel, and that works pretty good, but I realized I really just don't enjoy that games kudo system - I just want to race - don't want to have to nail perfect drifts and do that flashy stuff - I just want a smooth ride. Put it back on the shelf. Finally on the PC front I downloaded Race 07 off Steam and after a typically frustrating several hours of tweaking to get the wheel working right and to get the graphics optimized for my system, I've been enjoying it. While definitely not up to Forza's quality in the graphics department, it does have a pretty clean, decent look. But more importantly, it's the most hardcore of this batch of racing games I've tried yet. Very challenging and realistic seeming - I could see putting a lot of time into it - because it's definitely one of those games with a punishing learning curve. Actually I should rephrase that - it has no learning curve - it's just a straight up challenge. In that way, it's better than Forza, which sometimes features a little to much grinding as you work you way up to more difficult challenges.
