Hi again,
I enjoyed reading a lot of the threads on CompuServe today, so I asked
the authors if I could post them here to keep you all amused until GP2
hits the beaches of good ol' Blighty :) - I'm gald to say they didn't
mind, so here ya go :)
-=-==-=-=-=-=-= From Achim Trensz
Hi Georg,
uhmmm, er, uhmmm (slightly embarrassed looking <g>)
Well, after a couple of more test laps, I'm beginning to like it -
specially because I'm down into the 1:22's at San Marino <g>.
No, seriously. I am gradually beginning to grasp the amount of detail
built into the simulation, and I appreciate it and must admit that they
really used the time they took.
It starts with those breathtaking sounds when shifting up or down, those
metallic clicks and wild roars coming from the clutch - it sounds like
you'd sit in that F1 car really. Stunning! This is the best in-car
feeling I've ever had, from the sound point of view. The sound is
downright breathtaking. Although that tire squealing get to my nerves
once in a while (ya know, no traction help used this side of Dusseldorf
<g>)
It is incredible at which speeds you are able to go through some of the
corners. And they even got the curb handling alright. The flying car is
a bit like a hovercraft IMO, a bit too slow, and sometimes the bumps
don't seem to justify those trans-atlantic flights, but they are fun
alright!
The CCs intelligence is such a boon I lack the words to describe it.
Although they will fight for positions, they will also try to survive
and try to avoid accidents far more intelligently as the CCs in ICR2.
They will even try to back off if by mistake you didn't notice them and
cut into their way. That's intelligence, isn't it?
These CCs seem to be _real_ fun, at least as far as I can say ATM.
The replay feature is not as valuable as that of ICR2 - it is limited to
one lap - but it looks great as well. The car has all those details,
like sunglare on the rims, and all the bodywork and winglets. Amazing
they can move it around so fast.
BTW, reducing the textures and detail gives you a better high-speed
feeling while driving 300km/h.
The control settings are great. Everyone should be able to fine-tune
them for his control device. However, it's a bit of a pity that they
don't save them on a per-track basis. I hate that limited amount of
tires you have for a race <g> - but I can't argue with that <g>
I have experimented with the settings a bit, like using packers, but I
didn't notice much of a difference. Softer shocks will be of good use on
slower circuits, where you don't have problems with the plank scratching
the ground. That even slows you down, BTW - wow, they've thought of
everything.
Well, at least we know that all those setup feature _do_ have their
effects (although the factory-made setups are fast enough, I guess <g>
.. thanks Phil for letting us have them)
Then the telemetry feature - wow! It even shows you on a track map at
which location on the track the individual data were gathered!
Incredible.
The framerate is ok, although my comp is a little slower than Michael's.
I turned off some of the textures and object, and it still looks great.
I even kinda like it better now, optically. I get processor loads from
50% to 90%, sometimes 100% in a race.
I'm beginning to understand the physics model. Meanwhile, I think it has
everything in it you need. Except maybe they could have used more tire
squeal to inform you about the current status of your car, with regard
to grip and imminent slides.
I don't like that tendency of the car to almost _always_ start going
into the wrong direction first when you're in the grass and trying to
get back on the track. This looks a bit like a design-feature to make it
a bit more exciting for the kids, and this is not something I would want
to see in a simulation, but I may be mistaken.
In an overall view, GP2 is definitely the most realistic racing sim
currently available.
BTW, I have never used steering or traction help. I have uploaded a
1:23.1xx hotlap at San Marino, and will post another as soon as I have
cracked Phil's time <g>.
BTW, I did this without any setup tweaking other than reducing wings and
adjusting gears somewhat. So, no matter how complex the setup features
are, everyone will be able to be fast simply with the factory-provided
setups <g>, quite a decent solution in my opinion <g>.
My problem in the beginning was that I didn't notice the subtle feedback
the car gave me. Now, after maybe three hours of playing, I'm beginning
to notice those subtle hints. ICR2 was much more outspoken in this
respect. Well, anyway, I like it.
I'm using the Benettons, BTW, and have entered Georg Naujoks as my
Teammate <g>
Achim
-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-==- From Michael Wollenschein
Hi Mike,
like, and do they vary their lines around a lap or is each lap identical
when no traffic is around? For instance, is the Monaco "bump" there?
On TV we see some drivers go over the bump, and others move around it.
Anything like that in GP2? (not that it matters much, but still <g>) <<
I did a first race this afternoon and I could manage a 6th position
after qualifying at Adelaide.I had a bad start and found myself in 10th
position.Then I had the best race I *ever* had with a racing sim.Irvine
in front of me.I was a little faster on the straights ( Ferrari power )
, but Irvine was as fast as me in the corners and he was breaking as
late as me.OPPS was set to Semi-Pro!Suddenly Barrichello attacked me
from behind , but I could close the door several times , while he was
backing off just in the right moment.Then I let the door too wide open
and he went for it. Every lap was different , Barrichello attacked me
once here,then 2 laps not, then again on a different point. All I can
say is , that the AI seems to be MORE than brillant.
They look to be more intelligent than one of my modem-partners <vbg> ...
I didn`t went to Monaco , cause the Textures are slowing my system down
to 15fps and this is not enough to get the speed impression.
After understanding more and more details after 2 days playing I can say
that GP2 is *unbelievable* good and by far the best racing sim ever.This
is my opinion , let`s see what you`ll say after you got it.
Michael
-Michael Wollenschein
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Cheers!
John
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