Image Space Incorporated has released two all-new screenshots of their upcoming rFactor 2 simulation title, showing us a very detailed dirt track located in the desert.
After showing us both road courses and a kart track, the dirt track adds another category of motorsport to the simulation as rFactor was already known to support all kinds of racing events – From circuit racing to rally and hillclimbs.
rFactor 2 will give the modding community a new and powerful base to work with, including often requested features like weather, driver animations, improved modeling of track bumps and much more.
Zenitchik
September 8th, 2009 at 23:10
Looks very nice!
Any highres screenshots?!
sediol
September 8th, 2009 at 23:16
More? Oh please, if possible, improve the AI. That would really be nice.
GeraArg
September 8th, 2009 at 23:29
Yea dirt races!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Currently aren´t popular the server with “dirt mods” it’s strange because to play online is EXTREMLY fun.
6e66o
September 8th, 2009 at 23:39
Dirt tracks…meh
Screens look ok.. i guess.
I´m still waiting for a preview that blows my mind..
did not happen yet.
F1Racer
September 8th, 2009 at 23:44
Nice.
Just think, another 869 screenshots and 476 videos and they`ll catch up to Shift
stabiz
September 9th, 2009 at 00:05
Ahh … rFactor2, I want you so bad.
UncleChuckle
September 9th, 2009 at 00:10
Absolutely. I will not be buying RF2 until I’ve heard if the AI is actually decent. I’m increasingly tired of online racing (don’t even get me started on iRacing which I have a trial of right now) and Evo has the best AI of current sims. I remember at the time ISI were working on a new AI, but then said it was being saved for RF2, much to the consternation of those they lead to believe it was coming in an RF update.
Yes, but first they’ll need to hire some concussed monkeys to do the editing.
As for dirt racing… Makes me sick. Literally. Can’t take the bouncing of the view.
steve30x
September 9th, 2009 at 00:16
Yeah I suppose they should have DX11 graphics in there also. Maybe then you will be happy.
Howie47
September 9th, 2009 at 00:23
bout time they threw us a bone! What happened to the promised weather video?
Uff
September 9th, 2009 at 00:37
They will probably release it once they think it’s ok to show it to the public. Showing an unfinished version doesn’t have too much sense.
6e66o
September 9th, 2009 at 00:38
huh?!
Who cares about DX11?
I just would like to see a decent preview picture or video where you can see some of the new features.
Like the sun coming through the clouds, new weather system, dynamic emaps etc.
But its probably too early to show anything like that..
All i said was, that im not impressed by a picture showing some cacti in the desert.
Yes the selfshadowing looks good,
but that´s about it.
But of course i still have high hopes of great things to come :)
Just havent seen any of them yet.
steve30x
September 9th, 2009 at 00:45
If its as good as rFactor I will buy it and I hope they release a trial demo like they did rFactor also. One thing I am hoping is that ths guys who done Nordschliefe will upgrade it for rFactor 2. Will Physics be changed in rFactor 2 also or did ISI say anything about that yet?
Sommergemüse
September 9th, 2009 at 01:15
Both screens looks very boring and like games released ~2003 (Yeah old Flatout looks 1000 times better – and there “dirt” tracks too)
Come on show us 67346347634 Pictures and 259823856 Videos like EA does for Shift :D
BTW: The second screens looks like old old Battlefield 1942 – washed out floor textures …
Shum94
September 9th, 2009 at 01:59
The sky, the tree and the shadow look nice.
The road and side road surface however look not HR.
But the screen are too small to judge well.
Howie47
September 9th, 2009 at 01:59
Remember this one. http://www.tothegame.com/sshotfeat.asp?screen=3366&pic=6
How old is it? Had great, dirt, sand and snow tracks.
carbonfibre
September 9th, 2009 at 02:03
It lives! A welcome bit of news after so many months.
We already know some of the facts about rF2. It is an evolution of the original engine, with a couple of new bells and whistles. These new shots show the continuation of clear cut and perfectionist track designs, whether those bells and whistles are turned on for these screenshots I doubt it and the small resolution means we can’t gather much info on the graphical side of the engine atm, so there’s no point guessing. However, whether you’re a fan of dirt tracks or not, it brings yet more confidence of the capability of the physics department as we know rF1 off road tracks don’t fair very well in any mod without specifically designed suspension for them. Physics affecting airborne vehicles already badly needs renovation.
Lastly let’s not forget that great track and car design go hand in hand in rFactor. But likewise for rF2 I don’t think the new engine is going to be some holy grail that fixes all the realism issues with handling and FFB for any possibility. We have learned of the measures introduced in rF2 to reduce the pits falls of bad track design and smooth as silk surfaces. But hopefully rF2 can finally sort out some correct behaviour on a much wider range of tracks even with unorthodox designs that used to expose the bad side of rFactor.
Shum94
September 9th, 2009 at 02:07
We are in 2009 i dont get why we get Facebook screen size.
720p at least would be nice.
And why dirt ? Give me some tarmack, curbs, rain whatever !!
TehFuzzi0n
September 9th, 2009 at 02:26
@ Shum94
Hopefully they are showing these offroad screenies to show that the engine can do that too meaning we can have proper offroad mods :)
scca1981
September 9th, 2009 at 02:34
Nice to see off-road support
Give us full bike support and your golden :)
smashingpunk007
September 9th, 2009 at 04:33
Why such a low resolution? I don’t mind the low quality graphics in WIP screenshots, but I would prefer at least a higher resolution. A thumbnail tease is kinda “meh”.
Imagine if Codemasters was showing off Dirt2 with tiny screenshots, lol. Be proud of your work ISI, don’t be shy now :p, show us higher res screenies we all know its a WIP anyways.
superapex
September 9th, 2009 at 05:37
After a long hiatus from rFactor playing iRacing and GTR Evo, I recently tried the new rFactor supra mod with realfeel. While it was missing some of the “liveliness” of the other sims, I was still very impressed. It seems that if rFactor 2 improves the physics at all it will be a significant milestone for the sim community. I still hold out hope that from a simulation perspective and as a nodding platform, that it will be unparalled. I still feel that if rFactor wants to be as accessible to the masses as other sims, it needs to create an autoinstall module for all mod teams and force them to use it. That would eliminate many of the hEadaches for newbies and help to expand the user base significantly. “the server you are attempting to connect to is currently running a mod or track you have not installed… To automatically download and install the missing components click here” it would then send you to any number of load balanced regional serve-share hosts for the download… Just my 2 cents
felipe
September 9th, 2009 at 06:54
oh I almost forgot about this game! ever ytime they have a release date in reach they have lots of headache trying to catch up with GT5 graphics!
moppenheimer
September 9th, 2009 at 07:25
What are you on about? they have never been close to a release….you must have it confused
Hompe
September 9th, 2009 at 07:26
I really hope they have comed up with nice dirt physics
I remembered them saying “loose surfaces not planned for initial release”
I hope that wasnt trough
well well looks good anyway
ForzaBarca88
September 9th, 2009 at 10:27
Grr…still waiting on the new stuff like weather or substantial improvements to graphics. Or even (hopefully) improved AI, although ISI have been ominously quite regarding that aspect….
GTEvo
September 9th, 2009 at 10:46
Bravo shum
those thumbnails are Jokes
“Just a very last Week, were all diving in a new Generation of Grafikengines”
on the Road to NFS Shift
Holger
-eRNIe-
September 9th, 2009 at 11:13
I rather think that they develop rF2 on 9-inch displays. I have no other explanation for this tiny screenshots.
AaronC
September 9th, 2009 at 11:39
What are you guys trying to do, just trying to find shit to complain about? I’m happy as hell for the rFactor 2 updates. We haven’t received any in a few months, and finally we get some new style stuff, DIRT! I love Dirt Oval, CORR, and Rally style racing just as much as I like paved oval, and paved road courses as well. Who cares if it is a small screenshot, it’s better than no screenshots, and that’s what we’ve gotten over the past few months. Why not next time, have the courtesy to thank them for releasing updates for you when clearly others haven’t at all. Need For Speed: Shift, Forza 3, and Gran Turismo 5 have been in the works for years and you haven’t gotten updates until just recently. When some people act like you do, it makes me sick sometimes to be a part of a sim community where they’ve lost all respect for those who make the games we race.
Firestarter
September 9th, 2009 at 11:54
rFactor 2 will hopefully be a new fresh start for the simracing and modding community. But now, please don`t convert mods from rF, that have been converted from F1 Challenge etc etc.
rF2 will easily get fragmented with 1000 mods converted from rF at once. Atleast spend time on utilizing the new graphics and physics engine.
Content management is the worst thing about rF, i hope it`s vastly improved in rF2 and that modders are more structured and not rush to release their work.
Husky42
September 9th, 2009 at 12:33
I really am waiting for the day the nobody’s with no name in the community who post here will admit they are Arcade players.
The focus on graphics is ridiculous. I for one am happy they are not focusing on super shiny cars and crappy overused HDR and blur that is non existent in real racing like in shit err i mean Shift.
Shift is ugly by comparison to this. Combining all the little bits of previews RF2 will be nearly perfect. I want real life looks not arcade hype trash. And ISI is delivering in that department with physics overhauls that surely will provide many things we ask for I for one am very exciting.
Too bad SMS went the globalized sheep route. Thank you ISI for staying true to your roots.
stabiz
September 9th, 2009 at 12:39
Hear, hear!
Mr. A
September 9th, 2009 at 12:56
I can’t wait to see how the dirt surface actually feels and looks when you play.
The surface in these screenshots doesn’t really look loose in anyway (other than being brown). It would be nice if it looks loose in motion in addition to feeling like loose surface.
Sommergemüse
September 9th, 2009 at 12:56
What about my Idea:
ISI should distance oneself from SimRaceWay ;)
@ Husky Grapics like Battlefield 1942 are realistic? OMFG – Okay the HDRs and Blurs like in GRID and DIRT are very ugly – but this old washed out gfx isn’t realistic too ;)
F1Racer
September 9th, 2009 at 13:46
I think you`ll find in real life racing you do experience blur. F1 cars especially.
ForzaBarca88
September 9th, 2009 at 14:10
Your entire post is a series of bullshit comments one after the other but this one takes the cake. Ofcourse SMS went the globalised sheep route, after the BlimeyGames! debacle I doubt “staying true to their roots” wouldve been the first thing on their agenda. As for ISI….theyve been in the game a long time and they have a gazillion million affiliations outside of mainstream consumer simulators, so they pretty much have free licence to do whatever the hell they want with rF2. SMS and ISI…..theres no comparison and there wont be any time soon.
-Nobody
Hompe
September 9th, 2009 at 14:24
The pictures are so small because they are uploaded to facebook.
BSR-WiX
September 9th, 2009 at 14:27
However it goes.. rFactor still is and will stay the only real ” Native modding platform” it has been build with modding in mind. they deserve a big applause for that. dont forget that the ” Non moddable, Arcade” route would give them a better return on investment.
stabiz
September 9th, 2009 at 14:40
I enjoy simulators of other genres too, but sim racing is the only one where I see lots of name calling and internet tough guys en masse. At times the comments section here or forums remind me of FPS shooter boards.
Paul Kelly
September 9th, 2009 at 16:13
One of the few negatives of VirtualR covering so much console racing these days — namely, Shift — is that it’s attracting more and more people who only care about eye candy in racing games and couldn’t give a toss about realistic physics, AI and force feedback.
This thread proves that, with its inane comparisons to GT5, bleating about small screenshots, whining about textures, etc.
Sure, this desire is reactionary, but I kind of long for the days where VirtualR didn’t cover so much console racing. It was a much smaller community then, but at least the vast majority of its participants cared about what really mattered in racing games.
But Montoya still does a great job with this site, and I visit here many times daily. VirtualR and RSC are the premier spots online for any PC sim racer.
Montoya
September 9th, 2009 at 16:24
Paul, I fully agree with what you say.
I think the problem is that “sim racing” isn’t clearly defined. Some sim racers won’t settle for anything less than a hardcore approach such as what iRacing delivers.
Others are a little more into graphics and enjoy sims that are a little more mainstream. It`s really impossible to draw a line and impossible to please everyone.
The big plus with titles like Shift or Forza is that they bring fresh blood into the community. People who come here looking for the newest Need for Speed may one day try a Simbin simulation or rFactor. Nobody was born a serious sim racer, we all started at some point.
Still, that does not mean that VirtualR will ever be covering arcade games or something like that. For a title to be covered here, it has to offer at the very least a simulation-like experience. Hopefully Shift will do just that, one would expect looking at the people behind this effort.
Jos
September 9th, 2009 at 16:31
wow ISI, you really know how to impress us with your tiny screenshots
stabiz
September 9th, 2009 at 16:47
Sigh.
GeraArg
September 9th, 2009 at 17:59
It’s rare that many ask about the textures…
in the reality, look for example at Chula Vista. 
What I hope with this is support for the track surface is deformed with the passage of the laps, etc. (and a EXTREMLY BETTER damage model)
Anyway, this type of tracks aren´t “eye candy”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3eq6AM46Qs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5TZTcWQ2l4
LensFlare
September 9th, 2009 at 18:05
Any word on a physics engine improvement?
Paul Kelly
September 9th, 2009 at 18:18
You’re right, Montoya: There is no easy way to filter what’s a serious sim and an arcade game, regardless of platform.
But the current generation of consoles has helped one discern that line more easily, as the racing games developed for the 360 and PS3 have put a much heavier emphasis on eye candy over physics and AI than games for earlier generations of console hardware.
Everyone started somewhere, as you said. I started on consoles. But I never put graphics ahead of physics and AI on consoles, instead gravitating toward games like the original Colin McRae Rally, Touring Car Challenge and the TOCA series, and the Psygnosis F1 games.
I hope some who start on consoles gravitate toward PC-only sims such as rFactor, GTR 2 and iRacing. But I have doubts, given that the development focus of console and PC sims are heading in different directions more than ever (and I’m not talking about multiplatform ports, like Shift).
Sims don’t sell on consoles. Just look at RACE Pro for the 360. That was a commercial flop. Arcade games with insane, bloomed graphics do sell on consoles. Same with gorgeous car-collecting games like Forza and Gran Turismo.
Either way, I still LOVE VirtualR and appreciate all of the work that you do to provide news and a forum for sim racers of all stripes.
ermax18
September 9th, 2009 at 18:19
The harsh language and personal attacks do seem to be out of hand recently. I like that term Stabiz, “internet tough guys”. Hahaha.
idlejimbo
September 9th, 2009 at 18:41
I think that once those games (GT5, Forza, Shift) are actually released, we’ll hear very little about them again – they’ll be finished, people can buy them, that’s it. No modding community.
However, once rF2 is released, VirtualR will be covering that in place of all 3 of those console games.
As for complaints about the small screenshots, you only need to visit the rFactor website to see that ISI doesn’t really spend much time/money on PR. Fine by me. I’ve been playing games like rF long enough to know that high-end graphics are a waste of resources and a distraction for developers.
Hompe
September 9th, 2009 at 18:41
Hahaha yeah its going downhill, lets hope shift gets released an they can pack their things and leave so there will be more room for us hardcore simmers
Uff
September 9th, 2009 at 19:25
I think it’s a sign of what people expect too: we’re in 2009, Dx11 cards are almost here and we are still playing with sims that have a 4/5 years old engine. It can gives satisfaction if properly modded, but bringing something new would probably attract casual racers too, giving them the chance to try something deeper than Gran Turismo: should they look a beautiful Formula 1, with real time reflections, probably they would get interest in where it comes from. Watchin a car that crashes and barely loses a tire definitely not.
That’s why for me graphics are important too: I’m not only talking about the so called next-gen effects, but I think about visual effects for a tire that blows out (instead of just sinking in the tarmac), rubber on the circuit etc.
We now have much better graphic cards than 5 years ago and cpus now are multicore: I understand that the priority is to reach the biggest audience possible (in order to maximize sales), but I would like to see some progress which is strictly connected to the simulation part itself. Ideal line the gets dry, detachable parts from cars and any sort of things like these: the whole experience would become even more immersive, imho. After all, it’s normal for the market to leave behind what’s old: it’s a little price to pay (sometimes just because a game is not optimized at all, I know ^^) for having progress.
Edit: after all, I don’t think I’m asking too much: F1 Racing Championship from Ubisoft had reflections, GP4 (if my memory serves me well) had wet road that became dry, F1 97 (for PS1!) had dirty tires after passing on the grass. I think it’s time to have all of this in a single title. ;)
DW
September 9th, 2009 at 19:38
I think you are very wrong here. I think titles like Forza 3 and GT5 are becoming more sim-like. Just look at the introduction of cockpit views for example. Eperienced PC simmers who have tried F3 and GT5 confirm the physics is very sim-like too.
Sims don’t really sell on PC either. Why do you think developers are moving to cross platform – even for titles which traditional sold well on PC? Race Pro for the 360 was not a commerical flop by Simbin’s standards – they were very happy with sales. Of course it didn’t rival Forza or GT but it doesn’t need to. If you can sell just 10% of GTs sales you are comfortably beating what you would sell on PC.
idlejimbo
September 9th, 2009 at 20:00
Yes. In fact, GP3 had it. In all the years since GP3, only GP4 has surpassed it’s weather effects. You could have light drizzle, which darkened the road surface, progressing through puddles forming (with reflections!) all the way up to monsoon conditions, where the road was like a mirror. Provided the rain stopped, a dry line could develop, and road that was under bridges, overhanging trees, etc. would stay dry throughout!
Honestly, I can’t think of anything else that has come anywhere near that level of realistic, dynamic weather.
DW
September 9th, 2009 at 20:27
I’d like to back this up.
ISIs roots are actually as a developer working for EA producing a relatively big selling racing game released on an annual basis. Sound familiar?
When ISI split from EA they slimmed down considerably (i.e. no longer employed many people) and decided to produce a mod platform, concentrating on the engine and relying on 3rd parties to produce (or convert) free content. They recently said they’d subcontracted their Superleague Formula title – confirming they are not primarily a content producer. If there was a market for a console based mod platform I’m sure ISI would produce it, and why not.
SMS on the other hand began life as a modding team – most of their employees were modellers and artists. Of course they recruited coders and expanded to the point where they could produce their own engine but content creation is their “roots”. Sadly, PC game sales have declined to the point where no game content creator the size of SMS can ignore consoles. The alternative is closure. SMS have always produced beautifully modelled cars and tracks with great sound and great physics. Shift certainly has beautifully modelled cars and tracks, sounds seem fine to me and while the jury may be out on the physics I think the early signs are encouraging. I don’t think SMS have gone any further from their roots than ISI.
Some haven’t woken up to this yet but the old days are gone. Developers have had to adapt. ISI adapted by slimming down and going for a mod platform as well as selling their engine to other developers. Simbin and SMS have stuck to producing complete games available in boxed form but have gone multi-platform. Papyrus/iRacing have gone the subscription route. The traditional PC only racing sim available in a box at your local store is now extinct I’m afraid.
EmptyBox
September 9th, 2009 at 21:25
Considering that we’ve yet to see what the Gm2 engine can do in the hands of the right mod teams (heck, We’ve just now got the light flare thingy! Supra + VLM Mid Ohio? Does it need to look any better?) I don’t think that it not being Dx11 or that garbage is all to important. Heh, who knows what VLM has planned for the PTC Conversion – we know that anything affliated with that mod fails to disappoint.
It’s going to be the same old stream of clunky half finished conversions from F1C anyways – which, mind you, will look worse in in an environment such as Shi(f)t’s.
Take iRacing’s texture quality and shadows, darken them up – add Gm2 lighting and shading on the cars with Dynamic Emaps, and we’re golden on the graphics front.
But yes, GP4 is still so far ahead in several areas it’s shocking. hopefully stuff such as the scripted AI and the rain system will become part of rF2.
Husky42
September 9th, 2009 at 21:47
ISI has directed its core marketing at those who helped propell their titles to new heights. If you go back to 99-02, or 2002 there has been a continual development in adding features that simmers want, not those who are arcade racers.
The progression is core ISI – They have stayed with their roots in terms of a development company, they have pushed the functionality and incorporation of elements into our titles the proper way and not made an attempt to appeal to the masses. Essentially ISI has always provided a basic engine to work off of.
As for the BF2 Graphics, I could only wish BF2 looked as good as what ISI has shown.
Taking every single one of their preview shots you are shown what the engine has added, then you need to think outside of the box on what you will be able to do with the new features and how you will incorporate them into your own project.
But that is something the narrow minded individuals who only focus on pretty shiny lights fail to grasp I guess.
As for “blurring” The overused overdone effect in SHIFT is non existent in real life.
The motion blurring seeen by the human eye is merely the rate at which you are passing objects by, being in a car at 170 MPH i can assure you that the blur is far more accurately represented in RF (where there is none, just the simulated rate of closure and passing the object) Also your typical blur is limited to road cones, the curbs, armco’s and grass. Trees and grandstands are far enough back from the track that our focus in on the object is quite clear. So do not try and give me the “shift is realistic” approach in terms of blurring.
But my time in fully prepped NHRA Dragsters means nothing because somebody will try and say its not the same.. Your right its not, although I was in an 11 second car and F1 is a 10 second car Top Fuel cars run faster then F1 cars ever will be at strips. Blur is so limited to close objects it doesn’t make sense to blur out your entire cockpit or every object around you, the relative speed sensation already provided does quite well in realistically depicting the feeling.
I apologize if my previous comments seemed harsh, however I am getting annoyed with what i see as an attempt to pull titles into the realm of arcade for the sake of profit margins where as, ISI in my opinion is still trying to give the community exactly what it wants.
flowie
September 9th, 2009 at 21:49
Stop writing anything about AI, it’s just stupid. Sim-racing is about racing with/against other sim-racers and not against the computer.
stabiz
September 9th, 2009 at 22:00
I think quite a few people will object to that.
Paul Kelly
September 9th, 2009 at 22:06
I’m a passionate iRacing member, but I still think that’s one of the stupidest, most short-sighted posts I’ve read at this blog in quite some time.
EmptyBox
September 9th, 2009 at 22:09
Well, when you consider that 99% of the time a public server is nothing be demolition derby, I wouldn’t say thats accurate either.
Sure, league racing fixes that, but I like to race when I want, where I want, and with what I want. Sure I’d rather race humans cleanly, but rarely does it happen. iRacing gets away with it as there is zero addon content and the races are clean – something rF1/2 will NEVER be.
Uff
September 9th, 2009 at 22:22
It’s been stupid since today just because AI has been stupid… since today.
Seriously, AI is quite important for a racing sim: sure, racing against other people is more fun, but what if you can’t find a server with the mod/track you want or you find it but it’s empty? AI should be a way to improve your skills in racing against other opponents too: with drivers able to drive against a competitive AI, probably we would see less crashes online.
UncleChuckle
September 9th, 2009 at 22:42
Be really nice if someone would do their job and actually MODERATE the comment I posted around number 12 that was inexplicably flagged for moderation.
And AI is extremely important. I can race where I want, when I want, and more importantly if anything happens in the real world, I can just pause! Plus if I get the urge I can drive like it’s a public server without ruining anyones racing. There’s no lag (every race I’ve been in in recent months there has been at least one person warping all over the place).
In short, I’d rather race AI than other people the majority of the time.
In the case of GTR2 I HAVE to race the AI, as I get the “booted possible cheat” crap every single damn time I connect to a server, despite it being a brand new, clean install. (And yes, it’s patched.)
I will not be buying RF2 until I find out about the AI. And if ISI haven’t bothered putting the time into it, I won’t be buying it. RF’s AI is pathetic. (Screw anyone who says otherwise. They clearly have never driven against a GOOD AI opponent. I spent months working on various things to improve RF’s AI until eventually I gave up.) I’m done buying sims with crap AI. There is no excuse for it.
Howie47
September 9th, 2009 at 22:59
Well looking at Stabiz’S Avatar, he is the number one internet tough guy!
Howie47
September 9th, 2009 at 23:11
I think that is a really “dumb” statement and touching on an elitist, snobbish attitude. When I tried “Gird”, the first thing I thought, was. “If some one would just combine what’s in this game with realistic physics, Sim racing would finally mature into the mainstream.” I think some people might be afraid that might happen. Here’s hoping “Shift” fills the bill!
Uff
September 9th, 2009 at 23:11
Just a bit OT, but keep an eye on VGP3 if you’re looking for a good AI.
http://www.vgp3.com/main.php
stabiz
September 9th, 2009 at 23:19
Hehe, who doesnt love Full Throttle??
Howie47
September 9th, 2009 at 23:19
Maybe “Shift” will have good AI. TeeHee. Just couldn’t help myself.
Paul Kelly
September 9th, 2009 at 23:42
You and I may have different definitions of what we consider realistic physics. Plus I don’t consider the saturated, bloom-infested graphics in games like GRID or Shift to be fantastic or realistic. I’ve never seen cars or tracks that have that kind of Vaseline sheen or bloom either at a track in real life or on TV.
If that makes me snobbishly elite, so be it!
Uff
September 9th, 2009 at 23:57
Me too didn’t like GRID; having seen NFS with my own eyes, I can say that the result is completely different. And better.
Howie47
September 10th, 2009 at 00:17
I’m sure we have different defin. of real physics. Seeing virtually every one does! You assume I was speaking of bloom and HDR. When I’m pointing to (atmosphere) that isn’t just sterile 100% clear vision. But something that draws you in to the real racing experience. So you don’t just feel like some Geek, sitting in front of a computer monitor. IF developers have to use some graphic magic, to give us the since of really being in a race; so when we spin or wreck it is not just, “oops! Oh well least I get to take a drag of my Cig”.
Paul Kelly
September 10th, 2009 at 00:41
I’m not sure I understand, Howie. Seriously. When I crash in a PC game like iRacing or certain rFactor mods and see a crumpled hood or a dislodged wheel and feel a huge thud from the FFB in my wheel, I know I screwed up.
What graphical and force feedback cues do you seek?
Howie47
September 10th, 2009 at 01:03
Maybe your iRacing carrier should end for 6 months while you recover in the hospital?
Paul Kelly
September 10th, 2009 at 01:38
smashingpunk007
September 10th, 2009 at 02:05
Funny how a lot of you guys get mad because someone doesn’t like those screenshots. haha.
Also graphics are important, who ever says they are not needs to stop lying to themselves, saying that you don’t care about graphics is absurd, would you go back to playing something that looks like this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/VirtuaIceMan/PC%20graphics%20evolution/1989_test_drive_ii.gif
Even if it had the most realistic tire model ever created? No you wouldn’t.
HDR, bloom, and motion blur do exist in real life, the problem is that developers still have not gotten it right in video games. Those technologies are relatively new and some of those effects are in their infancy. And on top of that the hardware to properly simulate those effects is not even available yet ;/.
ForzaBarca88
September 10th, 2009 at 06:16
This is true, think how differently people would drive if there was a way to simulate the danger and self-preservation aspect of racing. But I think the safety rating in iracing is about as close as were going to be getting to that. Or maybe theyll bring out mild tasers that you can hook up to shock you everytime you do something stupid
There we go again. Ok we get it, you dont like pretty graphics. Doesnt give you the right to call others who do have an appreciation for these things narrow minded. And its not like we’re going around advocating shit physics, its 2009 and it should be possible to have both realistic graphics and physics. Get with the times sir.
Husky42
September 10th, 2009 at 11:48
Unfortunately you cannot have your cake and eat it to. The graphics offer exactly what is needed. It is not overdone and is an accurate representation of atmosphere and the dynamic lighting offered by the real world. Anything else is glorified and shear exageration. I’ve gone faster in a real race car then a large percentage of those posting. Again that experience is not comparable to an F1 car or open wheeler except for the shear speed matter. Those who solely complain about the graphics when they offer exactly what they should leads me to believe they only care about the graphics.
Also with the dynamics of what can be put into a title physics can completely limit a title and make that particular title unplayable even with poor graphics. ISI provides dynamic lighting, dynamic shaodw map’s, real time weather and a advanced tire model. And that is just a small sample of what is offered.
On a fairly respectable system rain in GTR2 still reduces frames in 1/2 couple that with the very large grids i run and even then it can be taxing.
Lets look at one of the best looking tracks in RF. Putnam Park – This is a very simple track yet the lighting is perfect and the atmosphere ideal for what we want to see. The combination of RF2 screens on Facebook present and atmosphere and overall look that IMO rivals the best looking Simulation titles to date. The textures are far less cartoonish then before.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2689/19/50/754293424/n754293424_1545614_8345438.jpg
Look at the dynamic shadow casting, the horizon and overall lighting. This to me is quite nice indeed. The dynamic casting and reflections that will be offered are going to ultimately use up a lot of video card memory. Adding larger 30+ grids again will hurt even the highest of high end hardware due to the calculations asked of processors. If ISI implements everything they have stated and we assume some basic improvements are made to the overall physics engine it is IMO safe to say the load will be intense indeed. There will always be compromise coming from a developer and there is IMO a perfect balance to what ISI is offering.
Look at shift – No weather, no tire wear, no pitstops and a very limited amount of cars. The amount of cars o race against already kills that title for me. But SMS has stated this was a compromise they had to make. Yes its 2009 and PC hardware is not near as powerful as it needs to be to offer us everything we want.
I’m still waiting for a FS2004 or FSX quality sim to be offered in the racing genre and so far ISI has been the best to deliver that. I want to truly simulate the experience in the cockpit, i want to be able to have animations that show me adjusting the cockpit, and also have a fully clickable working cockpit. Real time temperature monitoring of the surfaces and a more accurate line build up and progression through the weekend. I want engineer advice to be giving based on current setup and the track being used. Engineers help drivers adjust their cars, I want this to be simluated along with my full ability to setup the car in the garage my way as well. Pit to driver com’s – accurate marshaling and incidents to be called/investigated etc.
One thing I always go back to, I know a guy who set’s up simulations for flight schools around the world. I got to experience a Boeing dreamliner simulation and it was one of the most satisfying experiences i have ever had. The detail, and complexity was enormous. Sure we will never get full setups quite like that but the accurate real time acquisition of data in regards to weather, wind, temp and overall vehicle dynamics left me wanting so much more in our current crop of sims.
Yes I’m asking for a lot, but this is all stuff I would rather see implemented before making the product all shiny and overladen with unrealistic glorified effects.
pleb
September 10th, 2009 at 12:15
Impressive graphics are not essential for a SIM’er, however, given the time we live in, we should be able to expect something to look a bit better than something that was made in early 2000’s.
JGoenR
September 10th, 2009 at 19:27
Cool screens!
Husky42
September 10th, 2009 at 21:48
And it already does, the BF2 comment holds no weight. Looking at the other shots you can get an idea on how tings are coming together. Also lets not forget that ISI has not yet implemented the postprocessing and HDR. It is still coming but even as they have hinted at, it will be very mild. But it will be there.
The shots are all early WIP. They are showing off and hinting at several key supported features with each screen. Look at the amount of attention shift is getting yet it looks so fake and overdone I cant understand why, this proves that many proclaimed simmers care more about shiny graphics then quality gameplay.
There always will be a balance due the nature of modern hardware and the general publics usage of that hardware
HarryCS
September 11th, 2009 at 13:52
I hope with the rain comes moving wipers.