rec.autos.simulators

"If you've read the ads that talk about "Race the pack, not the track",
they are not really aimed at the PC version. There are no apparent
"allies" or "enemies" on the track. It's a pretty straightforward sim
from that standpoint. So while you definitely feel like you spend more
time racing the pack, the driving is not something you can just ignore."

http://www.racesimcentral.net/

What's the deal with this? Yeah, it's nice that EA added a career mode
for folks who like the *** aspects. But no friends/enemies system? Do
they not realize that they're basically offering NT2003 from the
consoles to PC players? If that's all there is, then there really isn't
a reason (IMO) to pick up the PC version.

I was a bit e***d to see the changes they made to the title. While my
opinion doesn't mean a thing, the only money I'll be spending on it is
for the PS2 version.

Or is it still there, yet cloaked? Can anyone validate this for me, please?

-Will

So the lack of friends/enemies overshadows the much improved
handling/physics (the CORE)?

I suspect they're offering a version of the game more suitable for it's
audience: a mature, simulation-style PC crowd.  The friends/enemies thing is
a console gimmick which I believe has no place on the PC version.  I can't
see it being subtle (blocking you - rubbing doors) so the AI probably risks
it's life to get back at you - not very realistic or fun.

Then you're missing the superior version.  I've read plenty of reviews/posts
that put the PC version on top of the heap for it's sim qualities and
gameplay.  I certainly appreciate the handling/look/feel of NT2004.
Regardless of your opinion, it's no re-hash of NT2003.  This is a brand new,
polished game that is heading in the right direction.

--
Joe M.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to start a NASCAR Racing vs. NASCAR
Thunder thread. Instead, EA should've offered something different from
what's currently on the market (that is, Papy NASCAR sims). And that
should've been to make a great single player game. The career mode was a
good step, if late.

I have to disagree about it being a gimmick. If anything, it could help
virtual drivers from screwing the pooch on the track. If they***a AI
driver off, then they'll learn not to do it again.

Honestly, I'd think people would've been happy with "more human" AI.
Instead of just racing and avoiding you, it adds a tad more realism to
the game. Yet I do believe they're trying to toss in some action. Driver
vs. driver drama. Something you have to pretend on the PC, while on the
console it's in your face.

To close this up; if I wanted to merely race, I'd do so with a Papy
product. For gameplay, I have to look at a console to fill my needs.
Yep, I was spoiled by the console version of NT2003 and it's career
mode...and why would I want to do it all over again, lock stock and
barrel? Will wants a new feature to play with, and doesn't mind arcade
physics if the game is just plain fun. Though it would have been great
to see the PC version make players not only battle the track, but the AI.

Sorry about the disjointed comments and whatnot, I've been awake since
5PM yesterday. :)

-Will

Good point, I didn't think of it this way.  I'm coming from the "this is
what we have so keep making it better" perspective.  Since Papy is out, I'm
hoping ISI keeps taking this simulation towards realism with good AI for
offline racers like myself so that NT 2005 or 2006 might finally be the Papy
killer and we are happily playing  the "new" king of Nascar - with up to
date graphics (instead of re-living the GPL situation with N2003 as the only
true sim for the next 5 years).

Not bad for sleep deprivation.  Most people aren't this coherent with 8
hours rest. ;)

--
Joe M.