rec.autos.simulators

I realize mentioning this may be considered blasphemy on this group, but
while I have  spent the last few days worrying what computer racing sim
to buy, what driving wheel to buy, what accelerator card to buy, whether
I would be able to install the accelerator card, whether my processor
would be fast enough, whether my computer had enough memory, whether all
of my drivers were up to date, and whether upgrading to Windows 98 would
***up everything, my son has been racing against Schumacher, Irvine,
Alesi et al in a new Nintendo64 game called F1 World Grand Prix...

From what I can tell, this game is definitely not your typical arcade
game.  All 17 F1 tracks are included (and appear to be accurate) and all
the 1997 teams and drivers are there (except Villeneuve for some reason,
though you can drive his car).  The racing is simplied but much less so
than in normal console games.  The graphics are absolutely incredible,
particularly the replay (and I didn't have to worry about 3dfx cards
etc.).  Driving as Ralf, I ran several 8-lap races at Hockenheim last
night and had a blast (except when brother Michael took me out on one of
the chicanes -- or did I take him out?)...

Although I have loved racing sims in the past, I am bothered by all of
the hassle, complexity, and expense that is required these days to run a
decent computer sim.  After playing this very enjoyable Nintendo game, I
am beginning to wonder whether computer sims are really worth the
expense and headaches.

I will agree that the graphics look impressive, but if you read
Randy's review at the Digital Sportspage (forgot the URL) you'll
see that the driving model is less than satisfying, to be
charitable.  The N64 and its software developers have along way
to go.  The PSX driving games are quite a bit closer to the
Holy Grail of "simness" that the zealots here demand. :)

Stephen

Now why would you go and lie like that? PSX isn't even capable of doing the
same thing N64 does. The N64 does not have a long way to go but the
programmers are good when they're good and not when they're not. Just like
the PSX programmers.

--

mark
"You don't actually see the side of the road, you just *know* were it is...
and you calmly slide both your outside wheels right to it. Like the bad
mamba jamba that you are."

F1RS - http://www.nmia.com/~chaser/car/results.htm
Remove us here and there to mail me.