rec.autos.simulators

These are Japanese games, something similar to NFS:PU, I'd say.
There's a Toyota edition and a Nissan edition, each one allowing
you to drive several cars.

Toyota edition:
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

Nissan edition:
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

There are playable demos for download here:
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

Unfortunately, the "Config" program options (somewhat like the
"3D setup" programs in the EA games) have all the text in Japanese,
as does the downloadable manual... The in-game setup menus are
in English, fortunately.

Anyway, to my original point: has anybody heard of these games/played
them? I'm going to give the demos a try, but I'm curious...

--
__________   ____---____       Marco Antonio  Checa  Funcke
\_________D /-/---_----'      Santiago de Surco, Lima, Peru
       _H__/_/                      http://www.racesimcentral.net/
      '-_____|(    

remove the "no_me_j." and "sons.of." parts before replying

Yep, I tried them some time last year. They are just like Grand Tourismo
on the PS1, abeit with seemingly upgraded physics. I personally found the
physics 'feel' to be very good. The setup was confusing, and I seem to
remember having to use a picture guide someone posted.

I would have liked to have a chance to buy an English version.

MRSisson

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LOAD "GPL",8,1
RUN

I tried one of them a while back...it felt very incomplete as a full package
(some awkward menus, meager graphics, very bare bones cars, etc.), but
driving the cars felt OK.  They sell the games retail in stores here in
Japan (where they are not very popular, I might add).  Nothing stunning or
exciting to be found here, but the driving model itself is no 'worse' than
the feel of driving in a game like NFS.  In fact, I recall thinking that the
sensation and visual depiction of weight transfer through turns and in
braking was quite good and felt superior to most 'arcade' racers.

Itazura