Hi frank2-ga,
Unfortunately the majority of the games on the list you provided me
with are older (from several years ago) and are thus not the most
realistic games on the market. Also, many of them (such as the Need
for Speed series) are designed primarily as a game and not a
simulation (i.e. they do not simulate professional races, but rather
street chases, and other such activities) I was, however, able to
come up with a list of the three best racing simulations currently on
the market:
Grand Prix 4 - $39.99
“Breathtakingly realistic, stunningly detailed and endlessly
exhilarating, Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix 4 arrives, taking this now
legendary series to new heights. Feel the tension, test your nerves
and experience the drive of your life in the latest of this award
winning series. Nothing Gets Closer.”
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/product.asp?pf_id=220217
User Rating: 4 out of 5
The following is the rating of game by a consumer who purchased it:
“While GP4 isn't as pretty as EA's F1 series it is leagues beyond it
in overall enjoyment and realism. F12k2 isn't bad physics wise, it's a
good hotlapper but it's not a racing sim due to the poor AI. If you
want the suspension of belief we buy sims for and the immersion into
the whole race weekend get GP4.
Weather is modelled excellently, AI is challenging and racey and they
make mistakes like humans do. Physics are solid, although there are
some flaws but they edge out F12k2's to make GP4 a more enjoyable and
less frustrating experience. Setting the game up and getting the
graphics just right can be a chore but once they're set you're in good
shape and can leave the game alone.
Overall the GP series is better than EA's, you can't go wrong buying
either as they both have their strengths and weaknesses. F12k2 is good
for hotlapping but is a joke for racing the AI, GP4 isn't as pretty as
F12k2 and neither of them support online play. EA's claims it does but
it doesn't work so I consider it in the same boat as GP4 for online
play which is a real shame.
If you want to hotlap only get F12k2, if you want to race then get
GP4”
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/editorial/reviews/reviews.asp?pf_id=220217&popf_id=220217
Additional reviews are also available at the above link.
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NASCAR Thunder 2003 (Ships 10/15/02) $39.99
"Feel the intensity and passion of being a NASCAR driver on a quest to
become Winston Cup Series champion. Jump behind the wheel of your
favorite car and take on real-life scenarios as you battle 43 of
NASCAR's biggest stars. Complete with dramatic pileups, walls of
smoke, and constant door-to-door, three-wide racing, no other game
tests your nerves and your racing skills this much. Gameplay is even
better thanks to a PC-specific game engine, with improved physics,
A.I., and control. Graphics rendering technology delivers spectacular
new car and track highlights, enhanced smoke and damage, and even more
dynamic racing venues. You're in the driver's seat now."
There is no user rating for this game, as it will not be released
publicly for several days, however Gamespot.com has released a
preview, which includes an interview with the developer:
“For the first time, the company's Tiburon studio is handling the
development on a PC NASCAR game, and from the looks of it, the
forthcoming NASCAR Thunder 2003 easily looks to be EA's best PC NASCAR
game in years. To find out more about this game, we sat down with the
director of NASCAR production at EA Sports, Ed Martion.”
Gamespot Product Preview
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/productReview_gamespot.asp?pf_id=224130&popf_id=224130&element_id=A2875327
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F1 2002 - $19.99
“Put your driving skills to the test in the first game to feature the
new 2002 Formula One season - vie for the coveted Formula One driver’s
title as the real season unfolds. The world’s best drivers pilot the
world’s sexiest racing machines, with the high-tech, high-intensity
panache that could only come from EA SPORTS.”
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/product.asp?pf_id=219476
User Rating: 3 out of 5
Product Review:
FI 2002 by EA Sports
http://www.f1gamers.com/f1/games/gameinfo.php?game=f12002
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The follow game may also be of interest to you, however I would like
to note that it will not be released until February 18th of 2003:
Pro Race Driver - $39.99
“Codemasters is promising the most immersive racing experience ever by
enveloping gamers in the heart of a global racing championship with
the announcement of Pro Race Driver. Retaining the series' core values
of close-contact racing with real cars, real teams, real track, real
drivers and an astounding damage engine, Pro Race Driver introduces a
character-based narrative and episodic storyline. The game blends real
world global championships with a fictional cast.”
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/product.asp?pf_id=220213
I have included links to EBGames.com, where these products can be
purchased, as I have found that this site is the cheapest (both
product-wise and shipping-wise) of the major online game stores.
I would also like to suggest that to dramatically improve the realism
of these games, you may want to purchase a driving wheel/pedals for
your nephew. There following is a link to some of the available
racing hardware on the internet:
Computer Steering Wheels
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/deptpage.asp?web_dept=computer+hardware&web_sub_dept=Steering+Wheels
SEARCH STATEGY:
1) Browsing ebgames.com
2) Searching for "Racing games" reviews on Google
://www.google.com/search?q=%22Racing+games%22+reviews+&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&start=10&sa=N
3) Searching for Game reviews on Google (to find general sites which
reviewed PC games) ://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=game+reviews
I hope this information is of assistance to you. If you need any
additional help, please let me know.
-rmn-ga |
