rec.autos.simulators

by **Don Burnett** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 16:40:30

Ok, now that I have the framerate issue out of the way and am actually
e***d about trying it now, I'll give my first impression after about 30
minutes of play.
As far as the framerates, mine are now acceptable levels, 50-70 fps
depending on traffic. I would think if they plan on including an opengl
rasterizer like they did with N4 we should see better framerates with it. My
system is based on an Athlon XP1600 ( 1.4 ghz), Hercules GeForce2 ti200, 512
mb ddr ram, Soundblaster Audigy, and Windows XP.

First and most obvious: The pull to the left is gone pretty much completely,
at least in the default fast setup for both tracks. Seems like the car is
more stable also. I think a lot of folks are going to be very pleased with
this. Myself, I had gotten used to the pull, but it didn't take any getting
used to go back to not having a pull.

The car seems easier to drive. More forgiving, and harder to spin out. Make
no mistake, you can still spin it out, just floor it in 3rd coming out of 4
at Richmond, you'll be kissing your rear bumper. Hit another car at the
wrong angle and your going for a ride. I would say the collision is
definitely improved some, albeit not a whole lot. I really like the feel of
it, and believe it will really help in mulitplayer.

AI: Much, much better from what I have seen so far. Don't make as many crazy
moves. I went 3 wide with the ai through 3 and 4 at Atlanta, I was low and
bumped the car next to me a couple times - slightly - and we didn't spin.
One time my rear started to get little loose, but was able to save it.

Graphics: I gotta say, especially for d3d in a Papy sim, gorgeous.
Expecially night Richmond. I don't see a lot of jaggies, it looks blended
together very well, and the cars look great. The shadows and reflections are
beautiful. If they do include OpenGL, I hope it is at the very least as good
looking as d3d.

Sound: What can I say? Simply awesome, the closest it has ever come to what
I percieve the sound should be based on what I hear when I am at a race.

Menus: I like, while the concept is the same navigation seems to be simpler.
For instance, when you go to a track in single race menu, you can click what
session you want to start with, rather than having to advance through each
session before getting to the race.

I still have not played around with the driving school or replay theater
yet, mainly wanted to get out there and rub some fenders.

My initial impression is good. Good enough to perk my interest and tempt me
to be ready to buy it when it hits the shelves. I am very curious about the
damage model and how mulitplayer will be integrated.
I think this sim will be much better, especially for the new buyers.

Don Burnette

by **The Unkown Soldie** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 16:49:06

Don,

I am still suffering from a very low framerate.

During a race at Atlanta I am getting 15 FPS. During a testing session I am
getting at best 30 FPS. I turned off Anistrophic Filtering (or whatever its
called) but it only helped a little bit. In the old N4 I easily got a solid
50-60 in traffic with the same graphic settings.

Once again I am running a GF3, 512 RAMBUS, P4 1.5 gig and Windows XP Pro. I
am running the game in 1024X768X32. turning off and on the FSAA seems to
make no difference in FPS.

I was wodering if there was a way to make sure VSYNCH was turned of in D3D.
I can turn it off for OpenGL apps but there is no setting for it under the
D3D tab with my nVidia 21.83 drivers. What do you think?

US

by **Don Burnett** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 16:57:23

You should be able to access the vertical synch in your d3d tab under " more
direct 3d" in your d3d settings tab. Change vertical synch mode to "always
off".
If you still do not have this option, you can download GeForce Tweak Utility
at http://www.guru3d.com/geforcetweakutility/
I hear NVMax is pretty good also. They should give you the option to disable
vsynch in d3d. Check and make sure you definitely don't have it first
though.
My vsynch is off.

Good luck,

Don Burnette

by **Chad Roger** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 17:25:16

Don,

It sounds like you at least have a better handle than me on 3d cards. I
just bought a new G3 today AsusTi200 and then DL'd the new Nvidia reference
drivers 23.11 I think. When I go to D3d I only get the option to change
mipmap details? It is on the highest quality now? Is this something that I
should change. If I go to more D3d I get a Texel alignment deal? Those
seem to be my only D3d options.

I share your thoughts on the game so far, looks great. The only thing that
I am having problems with is that 50 fps still seems a little choppy.
Should I be shooting for higher than that? I thought I remember hearing
that the eye couldn't see more than 30 awhile back.

TIA,

Chad

> You should be able to access the vertical synch in your d3d tab under "
more
> direct 3d" in your d3d settings tab. Change vertical synch mode to "always
> off".
> If you still do not have this option, you can download GeForce Tweak
Utility
> at http://www.guru3d.com/geforcetweakutility/
> I hear NVMax is pretty good also. They should give you the option to
disable
> vsynch in d3d. Check and make sure you definitely don't have it first
> though.
> My vsynch is off.

> Good luck,

> Don Burnette

> > Don,

> > I am still suffering from a very low framerate.

> > During a race at Atlanta I am getting 15 FPS. During a testing session I
> am
> > getting at best 30 FPS. I turned off Anistrophic Filtering (or whatever
> its
> > called) but it only helped a little bit. In the old N4 I easily got a
> solid
> > 50-60 in traffic with the same graphic settings.

> > Once again I am running a GF3, 512 RAMBUS, P4 1.5 gig and Windows XP
Pro.
> I
> > am running the game in 1024X768X32. turning off and on the FSAA seems to
> > make no difference in FPS.

> > I was wodering if there was a way to make sure VSYNCH was turned of in
> D3D.
> > I can turn it off for OpenGL apps but there is no setting for it under
the
> > D3D tab with my nVidia 21.83 drivers. What do you think?

> > US

by **Iain Mackenzi** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 17:50:32

Chad
On the D3D tab you're on with the mipmap detail, there should be a box that
says 'More Direct 3D' - just above the OK - that's where you select the
Vsync options.
Iain

> Don,

> It sounds like you at least have a better handle than me on 3d cards. I
> just bought a new G3 today AsusTi200 and then DL'd the new Nvidia
reference
> drivers 23.11 I think. When I go to D3d I only get the option to change
> mipmap details? It is on the highest quality now? Is this something that
I
> should change. If I go to more D3d I get a Texel alignment deal? Those
> seem to be my only D3d options.

> I share your thoughts on the game so far, looks great. The only thing
that
> I am having problems with is that 50 fps still seems a little choppy.
> Should I be shooting for higher than that? I thought I remember hearing
> that the eye couldn't see more than 30 awhile back.

> TIA,

> Chad

> > You should be able to access the vertical synch in your d3d tab under "
> more
> > direct 3d" in your d3d settings tab. Change vertical synch mode to
"always
> > off".
> > If you still do not have this option, you can download GeForce Tweak
> Utility
> > at http://www.guru3d.com/geforcetweakutility/
> > I hear NVMax is pretty good also. They should give you the option to
> disable
> > vsynch in d3d. Check and make sure you definitely don't have it first
> > though.
> > My vsynch is off.

> > Good luck,

> > Don Burnette

> > > Don,

> > > I am still suffering from a very low framerate.

> > > During a race at Atlanta I am getting 15 FPS. During a testing session
I
> > am
> > > getting at best 30 FPS. I turned off Anistrophic Filtering (or
whatever
> > its
> > > called) but it only helped a little bit. In the old N4 I easily got a
> > solid
> > > 50-60 in traffic with the same graphic settings.

> > > Once again I am running a GF3, 512 RAMBUS, P4 1.5 gig and Windows XP
> Pro.
> > I
> > > am running the game in 1024X768X32. turning off and on the FSAA seems
to
> > > make no difference in FPS.

> > > I was wodering if there was a way to make sure VSYNCH was turned of in
> > D3D.
> > > I can turn it off for OpenGL apps but there is no setting for it under
> the
> > > D3D tab with my nVidia 21.83 drivers. What do you think?

> > > US

by **Chad Roger** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 18:20:39

Lain,

When I go to more D3d options I only get an option to change Texel
alignment?

Chad

> Chad
> On the D3D tab you're on with the mipmap detail, there should be a box
that
> says 'More Direct 3D' - just above the OK - that's where you select the
> Vsync options.
> Iain

> > Don,

> > It sounds like you at least have a better handle than me on 3d cards. I
> > just bought a new G3 today AsusTi200 and then DL'd the new Nvidia
> reference
> > drivers 23.11 I think. When I go to D3d I only get the option to change
> > mipmap details? It is on the highest quality now? Is this something
that
> I
> > should change. If I go to more D3d I get a Texel alignment deal? Those
> > seem to be my only D3d options.

> > I share your thoughts on the game so far, looks great. The only thing
> that
> > I am having problems with is that 50 fps still seems a little choppy.
> > Should I be shooting for higher than that? I thought I remember hearing
> > that the eye couldn't see more than 30 awhile back.

> > TIA,

> > Chad

> > > You should be able to access the vertical synch in your d3d tab under
"
> > more
> > > direct 3d" in your d3d settings tab. Change vertical synch mode to
> "always
> > > off".
> > > If you still do not have this option, you can download GeForce Tweak
> > Utility
> > > at http://www.guru3d.com/geforcetweakutility/
> > > I hear NVMax is pretty good also. They should give you the option to
> > disable
> > > vsynch in d3d. Check and make sure you definitely don't have it first
> > > though.
> > > My vsynch is off.

> > > Good luck,

> > > Don Burnette

> > > > Don,

> > > > I am still suffering from a very low framerate.

> > > > During a race at Atlanta I am getting 15 FPS. During a testing
session
> I
> > > am
> > > > getting at best 30 FPS. I turned off Anistrophic Filtering (or
> whatever
> > > its
> > > > called) but it only helped a little bit. In the old N4 I easily got
a
> > > solid
> > > > 50-60 in traffic with the same graphic settings.

> > > > Once again I am running a GF3, 512 RAMBUS, P4 1.5 gig and Windows XP
> > Pro.
> > > I
> > > > am running the game in 1024X768X32. turning off and on the FSAA
seems
> to
> > > > make no difference in FPS.

> > > > I was wodering if there was a way to make sure VSYNCH was turned of
in
> > > D3D.
> > > > I can turn it off for OpenGL apps but there is no setting for it
under
> > the
> > > > D3D tab with my nVidia 21.83 drivers. What do you think?

> > > > US

by **Andre Warring** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 19:57:09

Thanks for the review, I'm still downloading it, but..
Pull to the left gone, car more stable and easier to drive..
Does the demo only come with an arcade mode, did Sierra wanted to make
Nascar 2002 more easier for the general public, or was the pull to the
left and the physics in N4 way off?
Or did the real Nascars become so much easier to drive since last
year?

Andre

by **redTe** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 20:22:07

What resolution and colour depth are you using, mate ? I've got an Athlon
1800+ and Geforce 3 Ti500 and framerates at 1280x980(32bit) are in the 40's,
racing or testing. I, too, don't have any option to turn off v-synch in
D3D, but I don't like using third party tweak utils. Is there a reg hack
that will turn v-synch off in D3D ?
Cheers.

P.S.. The demo's nice, but that steering wheel is MASSIVE ! Is that true to
scale ? It looks like something off Jed Clampetts truck !

by **John** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 22:42:30

Is the demo available for download anywhere?

--
=========================================================
Redneck Techno-Biker & "programming deity"
http://www.paddedwall.org/john

DeMONS/1 for Nascar Racing 3 & Nascar Legends
http://www.paddedwall.org/demons

DeMONS/2 for Nascar Racing 4 (in development)
http://www.paddedwall.org/demons2

Barbarian Diecast Collector (460+ cars and counting)
http://www.paddedwall.org/diecast

If you want to send me email, go to the first URL shown
above & click "Send Me Mail" in the contents frame.
=========================================================

by **redTe** » Mon, 31 Dec 2001 23:07:34

If you checked a couple of post's down...you would have found these links
http://www.zone15.com/NR2002_demo.exe
http://www.pitwagon.racesim.net/pw2002/NR2002_demo.exe

by **John Pancoas** » Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:15:37

According to the menu, it's in sim mode. Don't think the cars were made
easier to drive, as much as it now simulates a heavy stock car better,
instead of a stock car sim using GPL physics, which is what N4 is.

-John

> >First and most obvious: The pull to the left is gone pretty much
completely,
> >at least in the default fast setup for both tracks. Seems like the car is
> >more stable also. I think a lot of folks are going to be very pleased
with
> >this. Myself, I had gotten used to the pull, but it didn't take any
getting
> >used to go back to not having a pull.

> Thanks for the review, I'm still downloading it, but..
> Pull to the left gone, car more stable and easier to drive..
> Does the demo only come with an arcade mode, did Sierra wanted to make
> Nascar 2002 more easier for the general public, or was the pull to the
> left and the physics in N4 way off?
> Or did the real Nascars become so much easier to drive since last
> year?

> Andre

by **John** » Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:02:14

> > Is the demo available for download anywhere?

> If you checked a couple of post's down...you would have found these links
> http://www.zone15.com/NR2002_demo.exe
> http://www.pitwagon.racesim.net/pw2002/NR2002_demo.exe

Got it - played it.

System: AMD 1ghz, 768MB PC133/CAS2 RAM, Radeon 8500, SB Live (nothing is
overclocked)

Game Settings: Car detail high, world detail high, minimal trackside
objects, 100% track drawn ahead, 19 cars ahead, 3 behind, reflections
off, skid mnarks off. 3D sounds, and 12 sounds heard.

1) Menu sound effects gotta go.

2) Delay for auto-menu-help is far too long.

3) Tracks load MUCH faster (good thing).

4) Replays load MUCH faster (good thing).

5) Sound is great except in chase mode (sounds like someone's chewing on
a plastic cigarette pack wrapper).

6) I was running at 1152x860x32 and got 36 fps (in car) at Atlanta, got
26 fps at 1600x1200x32, but got MUCH better eye-candy.

7) Accel/brake telemetry is cool.

Things I'm hoping for:

8) Ability to choose car texture sizes.

9) Ability to control graphics options at a finer level of granularity.

10) No save game feature - it's not needed and only pussies ask for such
a thing.

11) INI-file and commandline compatibility with N4. If this aspect is
too far modified from N4, I'm gonna stop working on DeMONS. I'm tired
of having to keep up with the changes to the game.

12) Will I buy it when it's available? Probably, and especially if it's
required to connect to servers (which it probably will be).

13) Prediction: N3 will die almost completely, N4 will continue to be
used until a significantly different NR is released, or until most of
the servers are running NR2k2. Oh yeah - GPL will continue to be
popular until well into 2003.

--
=========================================================
Redneck Techno-Biker & "programming deity"
http://www.paddedwall.org/john

DeMONS/1 for Nascar Racing 3 & Nascar Legends
http://www.paddedwall.org/demons

DeMONS/2 for Nascar Racing 4 (in development)
http://www.paddedwall.org/demons2

Barbarian Diecast Collector (460+ cars and counting)
http://www.paddedwall.org/diecast

If you want to send me email, go to the first URL shown
above & click "Send Me Mail" in the contents frame.
=========================================================

by **Morgan V. Woote** » Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:21:40

The pull to the left is still there, as it should be. He must be using the
default "easy" setup or something. Physics are essentially the same, maybe a
tweak or two, but nothing I noticed.

--
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Vincent Wooten
System Specs:
http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/lig/m/v/mvwooten/system.txt
-----------------------------------------------------------------

> >First and most obvious: The pull to the left is gone pretty much
completely,
> >at least in the default fast setup for both tracks. Seems like the car is
> >more stable also. I think a lot of folks are going to be very pleased
with
> >this. Myself, I had gotten used to the pull, but it didn't take any
getting
> >used to go back to not having a pull.

> Thanks for the review, I'm still downloading it, but..
> Pull to the left gone, car more stable and easier to drive..
> Does the demo only come with an arcade mode, did Sierra wanted to make
> Nascar 2002 more easier for the general public, or was the pull to the
> left and the physics in N4 way off?
> Or did the real Nascars become so much easier to drive since last
> year?

> Andre

by **JJ Srickli** » Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:40:09

Has the car shape changed slightly or is it my eyes. The cars don't look so
stubby in the front anymore.

by **Paul Harringto** » Tue, 01 Jan 2002 02:03:05

How many colours are you running with? If it is set to 256 you wont get many
options.

Paul

> Lain,

> When I go to more D3d options I only get an option to change Texel
> alignment?

> Chad

> > Chad
> > On the D3D tab you're on with the mipmap detail, there should be a box
> that
> > says 'More Direct 3D' - just above the OK - that's where you select the
> > Vsync options.
> > Iain

> > > Don,

> > > It sounds like you at least have a better handle than me on 3d cards.
I
> > > just bought a new G3 today AsusTi200 and then DL'd the new Nvidia
> > reference
> > > drivers 23.11 I think. When I go to D3d I only get the option to
change
> > > mipmap details? It is on the highest quality now? Is this something
> that
> > I
> > > should change. If I go to more D3d I get a Texel alignment deal?
Those
> > > seem to be my only D3d options.

> > > I share your thoughts on the game so far, looks great. The only thing
> > that
> > > I am having problems with is that 50 fps still seems a little choppy.
> > > Should I be shooting for higher than that? I thought I remember
hearing
> > > that the eye couldn't see more than 30 awhile back.

> > > TIA,

> > > Chad

> > > > You should be able to access the vertical synch in your d3d tab
under
> "
> > > more
> > > > direct 3d" in your d3d settings tab. Change vertical synch mode to
> > "always
> > > > off".
> > > > If you still do not have this option, you can download GeForce Tweak
> > > Utility
> > > > at http://www.guru3d.com/geforcetweakutility/
> > > > I hear NVMax is pretty good also. They should give you the option to
> > > disable
> > > > vsynch in d3d. Check and make sure you definitely don't have it
first
> > > > though.
> > > > My vsynch is off.

> > > > Good luck,

> > > > Don Burnette

> > > > > Don,

> > > > > I am still suffering from a very low framerate.

> > > > > During a race at Atlanta I am getting 15 FPS. During a testing
> session
> > I
> > > > am
> > > > > getting at best 30 FPS. I turned off Anistrophic Filtering (or
> > whatever
> > > > its
> > > > > called) but it only helped a little bit. In the old N4 I easily
got
> a
> > > > solid
> > > > > 50-60 in traffic with the same graphic settings.

> > > > > Once again I am running a GF3, 512 RAMBUS, P4 1.5 gig and Windows
XP
> > > Pro.
> > > > I
> > > > > am running the game in 1024X768X32. turning off and on the FSAA
> seems
> > to
> > > > > make no difference in FPS.

> > > > > I was wodering if there was a way to make sure VSYNCH was turned
of
> in
> > > > D3D.
> > > > > I can turn it off for OpenGL apps but there is no setting for it
> under
> > > the
> > > > > D3D tab with my nVidia 21.83 drivers. What do you think?

> > > > > US

rec.autos.simulators

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression

N2002 Initial Impression