Got a new desktop, looking for a PC racing game

[Jim Bancroft]

I've put together a new desktop after 5 years of getting by. Not a total speed demon but an i5 46xx (xx==can't remember offhand), an R9 270, and 16 GB of Ram. I want to put it through its paces.

Been a while since I played video games, but I always like driving / racer games. Nothing too cartoonish, with mass demolition or rockets firing from the headlights.

I'm thinking of one of the Grid variants, but they're $30, while the PS3 and Xbox versions can be had used for $15? Been a while since I've gamed, is there a reason PC games are so much more expensive (or is it just some titles that are like that?)

 

[futurefields]

When I want to race I play GTA4. The physics makes it a more dynamic experience than other games where the cars feel artificially glued to the road and don't behave anything like real cars.

 

[96Firebird]

Do you have a wheel/pedals, or are you using a keyboard, controller?

If you are looking for a racing sim, Assetto Corsa is pretty good. Would recommend at least a controller though (I use my PS3 controller), if not using wheels/pedals. Or wait for Project CARS, I'm hoping that one is good.

If you're looking for a more casual racing experience, GRID works. Or look into The Crew, but I haven't played either of these...

 

[Jim Bancroft]

I'll have to look at Assetto Corsa, thanks for the tip. Don't have any controllers, nor do I have a PS3 I can borrow from; any recommendations for casual use, a good step above the keyboard but nothing that'll break the bank?

 

[CuriousMike]

I'll recommend either the GRID series of the F1 2012/13/14 series.
The GRID / F1 series goes on sale quite a bit, usually $7.49 or even $3.49.

The wired XBOX controller is great - but if you're on a budget, just look at one of Logitechs Playstation-clone controllers.

 

[ronbo613]

I like racing games, played Forza on Xbox until I got sick of Turn 10. I have GRID Autosport, which is a decent game, somewhat arcadey, Assetto Corsa, which is probably the most realistic racing game available right now and I have played a pre-release version of Project Cars. I have F1 2013 on Xbox, it's a challenging game, but limited with tracks and cars.

I would say buy a controller and wait a month for Project Cars, I think it's worth the price. The developers really seem to want to make it the best racing sim/game out there. I just hope that Microsoft doesn't buy Slightly Mad Studios, show Turn 10 the door, call it "Project Forza" and wreck it.

 

[jlee]

I can sell you a Fanatec GT2 but you'll need pedals too.

 

[Dankk]

If you're looking for realism, Assetto Corsa is good, and Project CARS is coming out in a couple months which is also pretty fantastic (I'm in the beta and it's a very impressive driving game). Keep in mind these are both pretty hardcore games and they take some time to get good at.

If you want something a little bit more forgiving (but still on the realistic side) I strongly recommend GRID Autosport. It's very polished and has a great career mode. It can also be comfortably played with a simple Xbox controller and you don't need a wheel setup for the full experience.

It goes without saying that using a keyboard for driving games is a generally awful idea. Wired Xbox 360 controllers can often be purchased on sale for $20 and are plug-n-play for most PC games these days.

 

[shortylickens]

GRID

 

[Stringjam]

Shift2: Unleashed with the Handling minimod.

Or just wait for Project C.A.R.S., they're from the same developer.

 

[Jim Bancroft]

Great suggestions, thanks everyone.