GTR: The FIA GT Racing Simulator
http://www.10tacle.com/gtr-game/en/index.php?Homepage

For any of you that race on the PC (if there is anyone besides me), you may want to look into this one. It's been been out in most of Europe for about a month and is just now trickling over to this side of the pond through Amazon and Fry's/Outpost. It's supposed to be the new king of racing sims. I've driven the demo and it was pretty damn convincing even with the crappy setup that was included.

 

Damn I definitely need to get my greedy grubby hands on this game... will definitely be doing lots of multiplayer GTR (new version or not - hopefully new) this year. You're welcome to join us if you want. Might be a "BYOPC" and wheel kind of deal...

 

I'd probably end up just embarrising myself, but I suppose I'd be up for giving it a shot. I doubt I'd be able to make anything until the middle of June though.

BTW - I haven't confirmed this, but I've seen it hinted that there aren't any AI cars when running MP. Four or five cars on the track might get sort of lonely if that's true. Then again, maybe not if you just stick with short sprint races. I usually never drive more than 20% races anyway. Although I think you might be able to save races in progress with GTR so my habits may change.

 

Nah, not like we're pro drivers or something. We don't run like tournaments or anything, the bottom line is always to have fun. Yes there are no AI cars in MP - it's usually 3-4 of us - and while that doesn't seem like a lot, it's really quite fun once you're in it. Usually when we battle it will be one of us on the bumper of another, in a duel until someone wipes out. It's very fun. We run practice laps to get accustomed to each car and track, and then once we start running some good consistent laps, we'll do a race. There is nothing formal about it.

Would be cool if you joined us, I always say, the more players, the better. I don't think you have to worry about skill level. No pressure, obviously.

 

Looks like a sweet game, time for a new PC.

 

Got it! Fry's had it. Srika, if Downer's Grove is tolerably close to you, they had three more copies on the shelf. I highly doubt they'll be selling all that quick. Before I go any further, let me state that this game uses the (somewhat controversial) Starfoce copy protection system. If you have some moral aversion to this, then don't buy the game. I had no probelm at all with the install, nor have I seen any mention of problems with Starforce in the two GTR forums I've browsed.

I've only skimmed the manual and driven a couple dozen laps at Brands in a GT3 Porsche so far, but all I can say is WOW! I'm going to have to learn how to actually drive now. Pretty much every time I lost it, I knew exactly why and realized it was a bad habit I had formed.

Physics
Feel spot on, so far. Lift off the throttle medium/quick while cornering in the rear engine Porsche and your ass is comes around. Tires warm up progressively. Took me about three laps but I wasn't pushing much at all on my outs. Not a "switch" either. Each lap felt different. Bumps. There's bumps on them thar tracks! They're not cosmetic either. You can fell the car chatter across them in moderate to hard cornering.

Graphics
Definitely the best graphics of anything I have for the PC. From what I've seen posted here, I would say the car models and textures are at least the equal of GT4. Probably a bit better overall on average. GT4 definitely has prettier environments. I'll post screen shots over the weekend.

Features
Here are some features that cought my eye while skimming the manual. I believe some of these are new to PC racing sims. Two slow motion speeds in replays, ask pit crew race position via radio, ask pit crew to look for and report visible damage via radio when passing pits, full course yellows, look-to-apex view adjustment, AI cars on track during open practice (optional), stop and go penalties, weight penalty system in season mode, 33 page separate manual just for the telemetry system, 24 hour race at Spa with dusk & night racing.

I have a pretty healthy machine, but I don't want to comment on preformance until I start racing with multiple cars on the track.

 

holy cow I finally checked out the site .......... check the sound samples at the bottom of the downloads page!!!!!!!!!! OMG......... ownz GT4.... this is realism.

can't believe they have it available here already. I will have it soon, for sure. Would love to hear more about it, and see any screenshots you can post!!

 

OK, I'm back down to Earth now after having spent some time with the game.

Graphics
My previous graphics comparisons to GT4 were optimistic. I still think the car models and texturing are are at least the equal to most of the GT4 stuff I've seen here. On the other hand, the rest of the graphics elements are pretty much trounced on by GT4. GTR is still respectible in my book, but the graphics are based off of a four year old engine so there's only so much you can do.

Physics & Driving Experience
Ummm... this thing is not easy! At least on sim mode. The longest stretch I've put in without spinning is seven laps. There are arcade and semi-pro modes but I haven't touched them. I would say the difficulty stems from the fact that there are so many things modeled by the physics engine that you feel the results of every little f*ck up you make. Run a tire over the inside edge of a high kerb, it can hook the wheel and spin you. Hit a big bump while braking hard, you'll lock 'em up. On the flip side, this level of detail also means that there's many opportunities to improve your lap times. For example I really started making an effort to leave my braking as late as possible and letting off the brakes smoothly. When you do this, you can feel the front end turn in better while the weight is still further forward.

Overall
I still think GTR is by far the the best racing sim available. If eye candy and just having "realistic fun" are your main goals, then you may want to stick wth GT4. If, however, you want a challenge that gets you as close as possible to the real thing, then GTR may be your bag.








Two screens from the extensive telemetry system: