rec.autos.simulators

First, went upstairs, and laid the smackdown in the obligatory game(s) on
the 8-player Indy 500 machine...tho I hate how the fricking AS (it sure
ain't intelligent!!!!) will pile up on the front straight and there's no
reverse in the event you get flipped around...

Then, down to the room with all of the other (good) racing games - Daytona
USA 2, Super GT, and...what's this?  Something big and red with three
screens for one player?

Ferrari 355 Challenge?!?!?!??

Sat down (comfy!), popped my card in, selected simulation mode (out of 3
modes - automatic/losta assists available, paddle (355F1)/some assists,
simulation (clutch/stick)/no assists), Twin Ring Motegi (there's also two
versions of Suzuka, Monza, Long Beach, and one other...can't remember it),
and Race...

Graphics are INCREDIBLE, it's the first game with a stick/clutch setup that
requires the use of the clutch (if you try to powershift, something (prolly
solenoids) in the stick locks you out of any gear except where you were and
neutral until you hit the clutch), it's got the Ferrari sound, the AI (tho
only 7 of 'em) are good and believeable, the force feedback is there but not
as overdone as in Indy 500 (it is a slightly modded street car afterall) and
overall THE BEST ARCADE GAME I HAVE PLAYED.  Even better than the first time
I played Virtua Racing - 3d and force feedback, wow! - I saw some posts
about it, but since I haven't been to Gameworks in a while, I never actually
played it until yesterday...

Spent the vast majority of the 2 hours on either one of the two machines
(too bad there weren't more, it was somewhat crowded and a popular game) and
I still hadn't mastered use of the clutch...I guess being able to drive a
stick in real life helps :)

The pedals feel right...the gas is relatively loose, the brake gets firmer
the harder you get on it, and the clutch gets easier as you get on it (I
can't drive stick in real life, but I have *tried* :) to drive my dad's
6-speed Camaro Z28, my truck before it was converted, and my friend's
5-speed pickup enough to know what a clutch feels like)

--
Kirk Lane


ICQ: 28171652
BRT #187

"Yeah you won't find me
I'm going MIA
Tonight I'm leaving
Going MIA
Getting lost in you again
Is better than being known"
                     -Foo Fighters, "MIA"

I can tell ya it's pretty realistic...

I've actually Driven a Ferrari F355 myself.. and yeah.. it's Brilliant
though it's too easy to catch the slide in it.. otherwise Perfect
in every way :)

                                fluffypony

-Mark

  1) in car music.  metal guitar music or something.   couldn't see
        how to turn it off.

  2) i'm 6foot4.  i could hardly fit in, and couldn't use the clutch, left
        knee jammed firmly under the wheel.  time for gpl left-foot braking
        technique.

other than that, fantastic!  

and the printer wasnt working, so i have no record of my
performance.  probably a good thing.

martin.
--

It's pure realism.

The physics are pretty neat, although you can't flip any of the cars,
you can make some beautiful powerslids with the right settings.

The clutch and realistic gearshift is the best bonus of the lot.

11/10!

Neo

I'm a good 6'2" or 6'3" and I fit in relatively easily...

--
Kirk Lane


ICQ: 28171652
BRT #187

"Yeah you won't find me
I'm going MIA
Tonight I'm leaving
Going MIA
Getting lost in you again
Is better than being known"
                     -Foo Fighters, "MIA"

IMO this sim is great and I would love to have one at home....

Pieter N.
Canman Racing

Andre

On Wed, 23 Feb 2000 15:49:53 -0700, "Kirk Lane"

Bart Westra