I have nothing against driving "games", and enjoy many of them, but I prefer
a good "sim". Would it be too much to ask to get the producers of games
such as TOCA, CMR, GT and F1 to admit that their products are not sims?
For example, I wait with baited breath for RC, but know that previous
efforts by this squad were not even close to being simulations of rallying.
They were a patronising view of what the producers thought Mr Average Joe
Punter believed rallying to be like. A good ole blast. Nothing too
chalenging. Same with the TOCA games and CMR. Advertised as being super
realistic (and bafflingly, game reviewers concurring!) but nothing more than
a non motorsport enthusiast's guess at what racing would be like. I've
raced against a higher quality field when going karting wuth first timers
than I have with expert level TOCA.
But here's the thing - I quite like TOCA, GT and CMR, they're fun. But long
after they've been sold on to the second hand shop I'l still be playing GPL
and N2. Why? because they're sims that offer a more full and satisfying
racing experience. An approximation of what racing is actually about rather
than a lowest common denominator appealing action packed slugfest.
What's the point of this rambling? I guess I've been let down by all of
these "totally realistic" driving games not living up to their promise/hype
that it's pissed me off. Here's hoping that RC and SCGT don't let me down.
Mark
Reading, UK
