I'm new to racing sims, I've only had GP2 for about 2 months and have
become ***ed. I know this game is almost 2 years old but I'm
wondering why should I purchase F1RS(when it becomes available in U.S.).
I know it will have new/different tracks and maybe better graphics, but
what other compelling reason would I want F1RS. What, if anything,
makes it better than GP2. If GP3 becomes a reality, why should't I just
waite for it. Thanks for your opinions.
Probably safer to ask what makes it different than what makes it better.
Better is a value judgment and usually highly subjective - different
strokes...
To me graphics are pretty important. Until force feedback arrives
(wheel/pedals) visual and aural inputs are the only feedback I get. I think
the graphics in F1RS (3DFX) allows greater immersion, particularly the
shadow effects and clarity. The changing weather effects, from bright
sunshine to light haze to mist and rain with spray off the tires may be
worth the price of the sim alone.
I like the engine and down shifting sounds in GP2 better than F1RS. I like
all the other sounds about the same (it's been awhile since I played GP2),
and you can hear the other cars near you in F1RS.
Some say the physics model in F1RS is better. It's certainly different. A
little more difficult to drive in the beginning perhaps, at least for me it
was, but I like it. I like the AI better in F1RS, too. Seems, well, more
intelligent. I have a little more of a feeling it's a real driver in the
CC's in F1RS.
The Ghost/Time Attack feature is great fun, and for me an excellent way to
improve lap times. Lots better than normal practice. Last night I was
running with the ghost at Interlagos and decided instead of hitting escape
to quit and return to the garage I would duck into the pits and return to
the garage that way - I was trailing the ghost anyway. When I got to my pit
no one was there so I punched it (no speed limit in the pits in Time
Attack - the pits are deserted) and blasted out of the pits and decided to
go around again, figuring the ghost car would wait on the starting line
until I got back around. To my surprise I see the ghost in the mirror, way
back there. I beat him around and quit, re-start with my latest fast time
and when I cross the start line there's no ghost, but as I round the first
turn there he is blasting out onto the track from pit road.
There's a bunch of other stuff that I'm sure others will add.
And when GP3 comes out I'm sure I'll buy that, too.
This is a tough one, but if you would like to have any pre taste on driving in
rain before GP3, you should pick up F1RS.
I have about 500 hours of no helps and aids driving in GP2 and about 200 hours
of it in F1RS. I believe the F1RS F1 is easier to drive than the GP2 F1. You
catch exit spins much easier in F1RS and I guess the better graphics also makes
it a bit easier to drive.
/Christer Andersson
% I'm new to racing sims, I've only had GP2 for about 2 months and have
% become ***ed. I know this game is almost 2 years old but I'm
% wondering why should I purchase F1RS(when it becomes available in U.S.).
% I know it will have new/different tracks and maybe better graphics, but
% what other compelling reason would I want F1RS. What, if anything,
% makes it better than GP2. If GP3 becomes a reality, why should't I just
% waite for it. Thanks for your opinions.
If you are truly "***ed", you can't wait for GP3, you must move on to
a "harder" drug. And at the moment this is F1RS. If you have Voodoo
based 3Dfx card, you will receive a better frame rate that is possible
with GP2. Faster frame rates (almost always) translates to a better
driving awareness, thus enhancing the simulation experience that much
more.
Many feel that F1RS provides a more accurate physics model over GP2.
And if you want to experience racing in the wet, you will find that this
is missing in GP2.
However, you may want to just spend another 3-4 months immersed in GP1
and await Papyrus' Grand Prix Legends. But, then again if you are now
"***ed", you must get the following immediately:
NASCAR Racing 2
CART Racing (not to be confused with CART Precision Racing)
SODA
--
**************************** Michael E. Carver *************************
Upside out, or inside down...False alarm the only game in town.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<[ /./. [- < ]>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
If you are like me, my computer is a AMD K-6 233-MMX notebook, you have no
choice, just GP2 because I never saw a notebook with a 3D video board (F1RS
just run on machines that support Direct 3D).
Go to http://www.racesimcentral.net/(Sjon's GrandPrix Homepage) and download any
kind of upgrade you desire for the game (cars, tracks, graphics, ...)
Roberto
If you're lucky, unlike me, to have the possibility to buy F1RS in a
store that accepts returns, buy it. I own both games, and no matter
how I forced myself to like F1RS (graphics, patriotism, whatever :), I
like GP2 better. This is only my very subjective opinion.
The graphics in F1RS are fantastic. The rain is beautiful, the drops,
the transparent water pouring from behind the cars, the faint rear red
light, the sudden lighting change in Monaco's tunnel.
Yet I have spent so many hours in GP2 that F1RS looks like a cartoon
or an arcade game (like F1 racing _has_ to run in worse graphics). A
question of visual habit (?).
I find I can control the car a lot more precisely in GP2, and yes I
have tried everything that has been said here (adjusting the
sensitivity, calibrating my T2 as a steering device, etc.). Also some
habits are hard to lose, like GP2 slows down so much in Monaco at Ste
Devote (the first right turn after the s/f line) that I can take it at
around 140 kph. F1RS is a lot smoother (unfortunately? some are never
happy, aren't they?:), and I have to brake to below 80 or I wreck the
car.
F1RS is a pain in the rectum when it comes to setting up the car. The
menus are slow (even with a full install) and not very logically laid
out IMHO. So to change a wing angle you have a lot more clicking and
even more very frustrating waiting to go through. Also F1RS does not
remember what saved setup you used between races (types of races).
These problems with setup definitely killed the game for me.
F1RS has a wonderful feature called ghost car, but I think you've
already been briefed on that one. I wish it'll be there in GP3 (but
I'll see when I open the box).
I've got everything I need in GP2, '98 season, new tracks every week,
editors, season editors. I really wish I didn't waste 60 USD on F1RS.
Karim
