I just read a preview of ICR2 in, ehh, PC Gamer, wasn't it?
The Papyrus representatives stated that they have worked a lot
with optimizing the SVGA code. ICR2 runs 70% faster than NASCAR
in SVGA because of their efforts! Hurrah! I have noticed this,
and so have many of you. It will run flawlessly on a P90, they
said.
The engine sound is not sampled from an IndyCar, Papyrus wasn't
able to get that worked out so they have actually sampled
a motorcycle which you can easily hear when accelerating in
first gear. It sounds pretty good, though.
(It works with the GUS!! I have a GUS in addtion to an SB16.)
They admitted that in ICR1.x the AI wasn't actually tested in
real conditions at all. They concentrated on the driving model.
We've noticed, uhh? Anyway, with ICR2 that has changed, not only
is the AI very aware of you but the AI are subjected to the same
physics as the human driver, ie the AI suffer from tire wear, =
G forces, etc. From the demo it is difficult to check the tire
wear but I find the AI to be very arrogant and alert, which is
good. You are just another car. I have driven side by side to the
AI at Laguna and it was great. The AI see you, but you have to
work for each pass, no *** lines to let you through.
(Opponents Strength: 100%) =
Here are some more observations(Laguna Seca):
Have you noticed that the Penske chassis (PC24) sucks just like
it should? Lacking downforce. To make it work for you, you have
to be as proficient as Al Unser, Jr. =
The front wings are 1.4 degrees lower than the rear wings and
still the car suffers no oversteer. FW: 16.60, RW: 18.00(MAX)!
Top end torque is very reminiscent of the real thing.
We are running max rear wing 18.00 (may change...) and still
the top speed are ~176 on the slightly decling front straight!
This is a very pleasent surprise. It adds so much to the actual
driving experience, ie you have to coast through the corners more
often than not, apply 50% throttle, let off, etc.
Again, just like the real thing.
Also notice that at Michigan you have 3.50/3.50 wings and still
the top speed is ~240mph, ie relatively little change from 18.00
to 3.50.
The increased top speed affects breaking distances which will
yield great dividends for those who master the intricacies of
late breaking. Can't wait for Elkhart Lake and the street circuits,
especially Long Beach and Toronto!
The downforce/traction is much less which will effectively =
prevent "wing abuse", ie no low wings galore. =
(I really hope this is an accurate observation.)
At Laguna the fuel milage with max rear wing is ~1.45. With fuel
restrictions limiting the milage to no less than 1.8mpg we are
probably looking for a ***y difficult car to drive,
ie yet another challenge. :)
With yellows ON, please, make way, tactics abound! ;) =
Another feature I like is the damage scheme which is =
variable. In the demo the damage level is set to Arcade
which is ok, but the important thing is that this goes
for the AI too! I really look forward to racing with damage ON,
realistic damage that is! It may prove to be very possible,
indeed.
I think this damage scheme is very important for the commercial
potential of ICR2 since this will appeal to the casual race
race driver(read F1GP fanatic ;-) ), too, ie GP2 may get tough
competition in its own blurred niche. This may prolong the life of
the IndyCar Racing product(and GP product(read competition)) and
I'll bet that one day we will have ICR5.0 installed on our HD's.
But still the car remains pretty difficult to drive which may
put some off... (Although, help is available.)
The cars look terrific, completely textured.
The dash board screams for a design award. (Btw why are there
two speed-o-meters?) =
The mirrors work great.
The general interface is very good. (ICR1.x style)
(Great track pictures in SVGA. A must see!)
ALSO:
I hope the race stats will be as extensive as those
seen in F1GP. =
BUT:
Where are the clouds? The sky is ***y boring.
I'll bet rainy condtions will be as in ICR1.x.
Local yellows...
I found a bug in VGA mode on my machine. Parts of the rev bar
take on a life of their own, starts blinking, etc.) =
But it's a demo...
That's it actually.:)
Bottom line:
ICR 2 rulez!
Payrus, rock ON!
-- Terje Wold Johansen "I am your inferior superior." Speaking --
-- Dept. of Informatics, University of Oslo, Norway myself! --