I know you're all die hard GPL & PC fans, but I thought you might like a
review of something from the other side of the fence (so to speak).
Please, no flames about posting firstly a PS/2 review, and secondly, one
that's for a two wheeled sim - which I'd call it, as it's definatley not an
arcade game!
Just got Riding Spirits and thought it right to do a quick review as this
has been slated a bit!
Firstly, this game really is GT3 on two wheels. The interface and the
graphics quality are all on a par with the hallowed game. Some have bagged
it for that, I applaud the fact that rather than trying to be novel in this
area, they've learnt from one of the best.
Controls.
In one review, the reviewer was complaining about mashing the X button to
try and get full throttle. My question would be why didn't (s)he simply use
the controller configuration option to set it to any button or stick they
desired? Basically, any config is fine. Personally I went with throttle,
brake & steering all on the RH stick, with gears on L1 & L2. Suits me
anyhow.
Menu interfaces.
Fine really, as said, if you're a fan of GT3 you'll be at home. However,
when doing a quick race you can't see the spec of the bikes (everywhere else
it's L1), which is a bugger if like me, you don't have an encyclopaedic
knowledge of the last 3 years worth of bikes. Otherwise, they're fine
really. Functional.
Bike handling. Aka Physics.
I'm not a bike rider, although I've gone pillion a few times, and am
generally a petrol head so have many biking friends. My views might be a bit
out, but I'd say that it's not bad.
There's no way to recreate the feeling of being on a bike with a controller,
but RS does a credible job I think. Some say that the braking zone is too
big, I reckon that if you get the braking right and are set up right for the
corner you'll be fine, after all the amount of rubber to stop the bike is
smaller than a car's (i.e. they do indeed take longer to stop).
What's nicer is that upgrading your bike does improve turn in and braking
dramatically, but more on that in a minute.
Interacting with the real world is a bit odd. I mean, it's fine that hitting
the dirt when leant over makes you drop the bike, but brushing a barrier
also stops the bike in it's tracks. I guess they've made it a bit more of
this to stop people wall riding past the other bikers. Overall, you have to
learn the bike, and the track or you'll be mullered at the first corner.
The"game" Riding Spirits.
I went straight into the game and started a career, none of the fussarsing
around with training, which seems to be optional. I wanted to race!
Outright you get a choice of bikes, again with no details on what's what
(that I could see) so I had a guess that the RGV250Rsp would be quick (has
most letters anyhow!) and it looked like a race bike!
When you start you get a stock road bike, wing nut wing mirrors an all, and
you get 100k in points to spend on what you like.
I suggest you don't spend it on new helmets or leathers (which you could) as
you'll need a little spice to get the bike competitive. I bought a 50k
exhaust and 50k throttle body upgrade, which did nicely.
First race was a thrash round a GT3 test oval type track, and having the
extra go made all the difference. I won easily. Without the mods you loose
easily. Simple!
What was even better was that you win 80k for what is a tremendously boring
event. I suppose there's the option of trying to slipstream someone, but the
controls aren't really precise enough to tuck in behind a 2 foot wide bike.
Better to have the guts to thrash past.
So, I now had more cash, and spent it on more bike upgrades. IIRK I got a
sports tire to improve the cornering.
Next race, which I'm feeling pretty confident about (I am a racing games
master after all!;o)
How wrong was I! It's the circuit called Stone Maze, which should have given
it away somewhat. But it's a street circuit, and pretty tight at that!
I loose big time. But it's all my fault, turning in late, braking late,
clipping barriers.
It's completely frustrating, and if I was just testing the game for an hour
I would probably have had enough of the game. But. I persevere, learn the
circuit, race a couple more ovals to get some basic frame stiffening and a
lightweight stage one conversion (loses the dippy mirrors) and eventually
get to the point that I can start lapping within sight of 2 minutes on this
circuit. This is enough to win the race complete with a drop or two.
So, what do I think of the racing now? It's excellent. You can't just jump
on a bike and win a race, even on a tricked out race bike (like mine is
now), you have to know the track, every bend, bump and camber. And even
then, if you push too hard you'll be off, and a couple of offs and you'll be
passed. Marvellous!
The other riders (there's 5 or 6, GT3 stylee) are OK. To be honest, they
become mobile chicanes as they generally have slower bikes, but corner
nearly as well. Still, they do win their fair share of the races.
Summary:
For those of you who can win in just about any car in GT3, find the
competition a bit light in TOCA and generally don't like arcade games, this
is a must have. Rent it first if you don't believe me, but learn the bike,
learn the circuit, and you'll be addicted. It's incredibly frustrating, but
not in a poor physics way. I know it's fast, I know I can lap Stone Maze in
less than 2 minutes. But can I? Nah!
Glad I've got it, and it'll be a regular racing game from now on.
Gripes:
Stuff to complain about is pretty light. There needs to be more bike
information. And at one point I bought a bore upgrade for my 250, and it was
ineligible for most of the racing from thereon (I had to start again),
better to have given me a warning.
Oh, and second hand bike value doesn't go up even though I've spent over a
million "points" on it. Bummer. Mind you, I'll keep it anyhow, as although
it's a 250, it's now quicker than most 400's easily!.
Other gripes, no option to start a fresh RS game, you have to delete your
saved game (and settings). Oh, and I've not seen an option to race my own
bike in a quick race.
Also, races are only two laps (at the moment) long enough, but could be
better.
Regards,
Andy
