rec.autos.simulators

I decided to put F1RC to the side and wait for the "imminent" patch from
Ubisoft.

This weekend I thought I would see what was available in the sim community
for F1RC. So I installed it from scratch and went searching.

After many downloads I ended up with what I now consider to be the best sim
to date - at least for me with my PC & controller setup.

In the end the downloads applied were restricted to five in this order:

Westside Flavias 2001 update (big - 30 odd Mb) from http://www.racesimcentral.net/
major update to graphics, carshapes, pitcrews etc.

Xaver's 1.4 physics patch - which includes a full update (Alesi/Frentzen
included) to 2001 and tons of stuff but most importantly helps dramatically
fix the way the AI drive (from http://www.racesimcentral.net/)

Rain effects by DJSSL. Not too sure what this does over the original but the
rain looks superb, again from http://www.racesimcentral.net/

Realistic T-Cam from Vuk also from f1-star (also included in Xaver's patch I
read afterwards!) . I think F1Rc looks great from the T-Cam, even for
driving (eek - nomex underwear on in anticipation) - this view makes it even
closer to the onboard TV shots.

JVs sound update (very new from http://www.racesimcentral.net/) - a major
improvement to the original weak sound.

So far watching races has revealed no abnormal pile ups, though they still
make mistakes and go off (which IMHO is good). Watching the clean install at
the chicane at Suzuka seemed to always lead to problems especially if cars
were close together leading to stupid queues. The patches above have
eliminated this.

Now there may be other problem areas still - I haven't had a chance to try
them all, but I have to say just watching the AI race is very realistic.

As for handling, it is a while since I tried F1RC so I can't comment too
much on the physics changes in Xaver's patch for driving the cars. My own
experience with F1RC setups is simply to add a lot of front anti roll bar to
stop swapping ends. I find it very drivable though extremely twitchy in the
rain, something I never managed to achieve in GP3.

Like I said F1RC fulfils the fantasy (for me. For some here it may be too
forgiving compared to the real thing. I guess I need that!

I am sure there are F1RC setup experts who can add a lot to enhancing
further the driving experience, plus there is relay to try (any experiences
here?).

So maybe it is worth another look after all.

Cheers

Tony

<snip>

Excellent post Tony. Very informitive.

I'm not at all familiar with F1RC... is the full title name, and is it
(still) available in the USA? Where to look? What system requirements
does the sim need? I currently use GP2, but wouldn't mind having an
alternative.

Thanks for any additional input you can share.

Andre Ming

"Andre Ming" wrote

F1 Racing Championship by Ubisoft.

Less processor hungry than GP3, I would guess min 400Mhz ish. As always
though the better the system, processor, graphics card & memory add to the
experience. With a fast system at high res the graphics are quite
something - especially the rain & spray.

The warning is that out of the box the AI _can_ be terrible - but
experiences of this group vary wildly. My personal experience so far with
the patches I referred to are favourable.

There is a demo (though it is 120Mb!) which lacks AI and the ability to turn
off the aids completely, but nonetheless a useful preview. Available at
http://www.avault.com/pcrl/demo_temp.asp?game=f1rc

Cheers

Tony

Thanks Tony.

So many choices, so little money.

Andre Ming

In a basic configuration (where you connect through the game natively...
like say through LAN), it shouldn't affect online play at all.

However, if you play through Relay, you will find that the physics patches
will force you to use "Modified Vehicles Allowed" settings in the sessions.
Relay has the accomodations in place to allow for alternate physics, but
those sessions with this are clearly displayed (so others know that Mods are
being used physics wise). Also, the tracking is then turned off (no
consistency calcs, fastest laps calcs, skill rating system off, integrated
championship is unavailable, etc.). Relay checks each players game files to
ensure that default physics are in place, and will automatically assign you
to "modified vehicles allowed" only sessions (that means hosting and
joining).

So in the end, the definitive answer is "No... it doesn't mess up online
playability at the core", but the rubtle is "it 'can' limit your
participation through Relay".

Hope that answers your question.

Cheers,

Schumi

|   Does making all these updates and changes mess up any participation in
| online racing?
| dave henrie

| (snips)
| > After many downloads I ended up with what I now consider to be the best
| sim
| > to date - at least for me with my PC & controller setup.
|
|
|

Eldred
--
Dale Earnhardt, Sr. R.I.P. 1951-2001
Homepage - http://www.umich.edu/~epickett
F1 hcp. +16.36...Monster +360.54...

Never argue with an idiot.  He brings you down to his level, then beats you
with experience...
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