What is the current game of choice of PC sim racing enthusiasts?

[blurredvision]

I'm wanting to get into a racing simulation, but I don't want to invest money and time into a game that the community no longer supports. I currently own GTR2, but I see GTR Evolution recently came out. I also played the rFactor demo, but I've seen mention of rFactor 2, but can't find any info on it (such as if it's even released or not).

So, any advice on which game I should gravitate towards?

 

[NYHoustonman]

GTR Evolution has a decently big fan base (or did a few months ago, haven't played it in a bit), and is a damned good game - as an owner of GTR2, you probably already know what to expect. There are a few new cars and a few new tracks, and (I would guess) a more lively multiplayer scene.
If you want absolute realism and can afford it, iRacing.com sounds like a great simulation, and there are quite a few people playing it, although I haven't tried it yet... The monthly fees scare me away.

AFAIK, rFactor is by far the most modded of the PC sim racers, haven't heard much about rFactor 2 yet.

 

[blurredvision]

Just checked out iRacing. What is supposed to make it worth $19/month, besides all the glowing celebrity racer testimonials? I'm assuming they add content constantly?

EDIT: Just read through the Wikipedia and a couple of reviews of iRacing, and it seems absurdly overpriced to me for what's there. I'm still intrigued to try it out, though, even though I'm nowhere near good. There are only a dozen cars available, you get only 2 of them to start. If you want more cars, you purchase them with cash (even though you get some credit back based on your subscription level).

It seems the biggest pluses to iRacing is that there seems to be a highly detailed league structure for players of all skill levels, as well as the subscription model keeps out the griefers. However, I don't like that I would pay a monthly sub and still have to pay extra for any new car models and such.

There are no private online races, and no races against AI drivers. You're either racing time trials or in a league race. There is no detailed car customization.

I'll probably still try it out.

 

[BW86]

I thought GTR Evolution was pretty good - It's fun to play on my g25.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Carmageddon.

 

[blurredvision]

Found the following promotional code to get your first month for $5 on iRacing:

PR-GAMESPOT

I'm gonna give it a whirl and see what it's all about. I find it kinda interesting that they tell you immediately after signing up that iRacing isn't a videogame, it's a simulator.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

gtr evo is ok, very similar to gtr2. too similar.

i tried the rfactor demo, and i think it's well done and a little better than gtr evo (especially the menu screens), but not enough for me to drop gtr and buy rfactor.

anybody have good info on wheels? are there any actually good ones? seems like they're all cheap plastic junk moments away from breaking, even the expensive ones.

 

[thilanliyan]

rFactor is really good IMO. And the CTPD F1 mods make it even better.

I use the Logitech Momo Force (the red one) and have changed the brake spring with a squash ball to give much better feel to the brake pedal.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
anybody have good info on wheels? are there any actually good ones? seems like they're all cheap plastic junk moments away from breaking, even the expensive ones.

Just obtained a G25, but the reverse doesn't work on the shifter. Seems like a very common problem with them. (Yes, I know to push down the shifter before moving into gate 6. 😉) Sent off an email to Logitech, hopefully they show me great customer service.

I've also used the Logitech Driving Force GT quite a bit lately. Great wheel, I don't really have much to say bad about it, but it is geared more towards PS3 use instead of PC (it is a PS3 wheel, after all).

 

[shortylickens]

The only ones I've played are Test Drive Unlimited, and GRID.
Neither is realistic enough to warrant a wheel. In fact they both play better with a gamepad.

 

[NoWhereM]

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
i tried the rfactor demo, and i think it's well done and a little better than gtr evo (especially the menu screens), but not enough for me to drop gtr and buy rfactor.

anybody have good info on wheels? are there any actually good ones? seems like they're all cheap plastic junk moments away from breaking, even the expensive ones.

I like the Logitech G25. It has two force feedback motors, a full size leather wrapped steering wheel, and a clutch pedal. The downside is the brake pedal and gas pedal are spaced apart a little more than they should be for heel/toe downshifting and the gated gear shift isn't as sturdy in construction as the rest of the package.

I use the G25 for race sims, I use a generic PC wheel I purchased at a local flea market for games like Need For Speed Underground.

 

[Marty502]

GTR Evolution, rFactor if you can deal with the constantly updated content, and of course Live For Speed which has been around since forever and it's still just as good as always.

 

[blurredvision]

I've been trying out iRacing.com for a few days now, and I must say that I like it a lot. It's definitely simulation only, I can't even keep my vehicle on any road courses, I'm always flying into the dirt. I'm glad the ovals are there, they are a bit easier to master and stay competitive. I'm really enjoying it, but I haven't been able to bring myself to buy another vehicle for $15 yet. I don't mind the monthly subscription fee as it is, given the structure of everything. But it just seems like a rip-off to be charging people for extra cars and tracks on top of the monthly sub. The whole thing reeks of a cash-grab, since they market the service directly towards real-life racers, those of which you would assume can easily pony up a few hundred for all the extra content.