Rrevved,
When you've thrashed it around a bit, please post some in-depth comments.
Personally, as a notebook user, I cannot justify purchasing a desktop just
to run a game (which is what it would probably take to do the PC version
justice), but there is a conspicuously empty space under my TV which as of
yet does not contain a DVD player, and the PS2 just dropped to 440 SFr
(about 260 USD) here in Switzerland, and with WRC just around the corner as
well...
However, the F1 games to date on the PS2 (F1RC, Sony's F1-2001) left me flat
after a few laps. There was no comparison to the perceived realism of a
PC-based sim. Sure, GP3 is ugly as a brick compared to the newer PS2 and PC
games, but I still have a great feel of leaning on the car on a hot lap, and
of dicing with proper opponents (especially in GP3-2000). GPL with all the
graphical updates still leaves me breathless, and I've yet to find a console
rally sim which approaches RallyMasters for car feel.
So, give me a shout when you come up for air.
Stephen
> Joe, I just got this thing and I am in the middle of my 'tests'.
> I am SO impressed, I can hardly contain myself. I think a lot
> of people here will simply dismiss this as the 'PS2 version
> of F1-2001 PC'. As you know, nothing could be further off
> the mark. There is no similarity whatsoever. I encourage those
> that haven't seen this on PS2 to ...see it.
> I am more thrilled than a very thrilled thing. Thanks for
> taking the time to give me an idea of what this was like.
> To quote those much younger than myself:
> This r00lz!
> :)
> >Hey rrevved,
> >I'll save you some time with the PS2 versions: EA wins across the board.
> >Here's my comparison:
> >Physics:
> >EA: Feels the way I expect an F1 would except a bit grippy at times and
not
> >enough feeling of inertia when lifting and "gliding" through chicanes.
The
> >feel is one of tremendous power and speed with very tight control. Easy
to
> >drive but hard to drive extremely well. Control is very direct and
smooth.
> >FF is good, not GP3 and certainly not GPL but the best F1 after those.
> >Sony: Feels very similar to EA. Major difference for me is the actual
wheel
> >control (using the Logitech Force GP). The control isn't as direct or
> >immediate in this one.
> >EA wins here by transferring excellent physics to your hands via control
and
> >decent force feedback. I did my standard F1 physics test: cut the wheel
and
> >pop into first gear. This is the "celebration" dance where the car spins
in
> >circles. EA looked and behaved exactly as expected, spinning around the
> >inside front tire. Sony felt artificial, spinning slightly, moving
forward
> >and STOPPING then spinning again. This just didn't feel real.
> >Graphics:
> >EA: I can't believe how good this looks with 22 cars on the track! GT3
are
> >you listening? Trade in some eye candy for more cars and damage. Pure
> >racing experience is far more important than the color of the sky at
sunset.
> >Back to EA, the tracks aren't the most accurate but the graphics are
superb.
> >Great textures, lighting effects, particle effects, etc. Best F1 visuals
on
> >a console by far.
> >Sony: Looks dated but certainly still very nice. Little too much
shimmer
> >and jaggies. Colors muted and overall darker. Gameplay impact, it's
harder
> >to see what's ahead.
> >EA wins handily again.
> >Sound:
> >EA: Best sound ever, period. Won't waste too much time describing since
I
> >think it's not even close.
> >Sony: Sounds like a toy F1, not even close to reality.
> >EA wins again.
> >Gameplay:
> >EA: Bottom line for me: fun. The AI is a huge improvement over prior
years.
> >Competitive, sometimes daring, far from perfect. I play sim mode, no
> >driving aids with EASY opponents. For comparison, my avg. lap at monza
is
> >1:28. I'm hardly an expert but on easy I'm in the race. I qualify 12-13
> >and generally stay competitive throughout, finishing anywhere from top 10
to
> >last depending on the day I'm having. The racing is tight and exciting,
> >probably more exciting than real F1 which is okay for me since 1 hour of
> >lapping alone is not my idea of racing. I don't mind a slight departure
> >from pure F1 that includes more passing and action but still seems
realistic
> >and credible. I really enjoy this game. The challenge mode was a fun
bonus
> >that is worth going back to as a sort of driving school for the newbies.
> >Sony: The AI is pretty good around the track but I can't get around the
> >first lap! At monza I've crashed and restarted at least 30 times. I'm
> >either too fast and rear-ending the car in front or too slow and getting
hit
> >from behind. I know first turns can be treacherous but this is just
poor.
> >There are still hits and spins in EA but I get through the first chicane
in
> >EA at least 9/10 times. The lack of a true***pit view is a big
negative
> >for me as well since I never feel like I'm actually IN a car.
> >EA takes this category as well.
> >Overall:
> >EA is my choice for best modern F1. I won't spend anymore time with GP3
on
> >the computer since EA on my TV looks better (amazing considering the PC
> >resolution advantage), feels just as good if not better and is more fun
and
> >immersive.
