demands a high performance PC, occasional online idiots, hard to play with keyboard
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This motor racing sim has been out quuite a while now, but still has its following, especially with online racing fans.
The cars included are based on actual cars from the 1960's and 70's . split into 3 classes. the TC65 (including the mini cooper and lotus cortina) GTC65 (E-type Jaguar, Ford GT40) and GTC TC76 (Ford Escort RS, DeTomaso Pantera)
The cars are modelled very well, and even though it isn't the most modern game out there, the realism of the way the cars look on the track is still one of the best. These aren't modern exotica and you can feel the old style suspenion complaining as you throw the cars into turns, the tyres smoking enough to make Top Gears "The Stig" proud. Sound quality is escellent, not only of the cars engine notes, but also the stereo or suuround if you have it, you can hear which side other cars are in relation to yours. the scrape of bodywork if a pass gets too close, or the shatter of panels should you lose control and hit another car , or barrier at the side of the track.
Also the tracks themselves are instantly recognisable. Although the only standard UK and Eire tracks are Donington Park and Mondello Park
Installation can be a bit tricky due to the game being on DVD Rom. (no CD here - its too big) so other then the DVD drive, you will also need a decent amount of hard drive storage. Also to get the best out of this game, a decent graphic card, and maybe sound card too.
The manual explains installation, but it is easy to attempt installation only to find the copy protection code in the manual doesn't work, but don't forget there are TWO codes. One is printed on the disk itself, and a different code is supplied with the manual. You will need both codes to install the game and play online.
Of course you can play offline, if you wish, competing in the various classes and race series. All the while gaining money with your race performances. The money you win can be used to buy new cars, and there is alot to choose from. Usually the better cars being more expensive.
Unless you choose the option not to, the game will record each practice and race you compete in, and when watching the replays, you can select various viewpoints from various cars that took part in the same race. However there is a bug in the replay system, and even to this day, it seems to be a 50/50 chance the replay will actually record anything or not. A shame really as the replays can be quite good quality.
You can play the game with a keyboard, but you will find the game alot easier to play with a joypad or steering wheel. A wheel can take up a bit of room though, so the joypad is usually the cheaper more compact option. If you have played other motor racing games before then you should find this not too hard to get to grips with, but to drive the cars at their best will take practice.
ONLINE PLAY However, it's the online multiplayer element that sets this game alight. As long as the 10T (tentacle) servers are running, you can create your online account name and password and log on to the main racing lobby. (This is free, you are not charged for any online play, unless your ISP charges you for your internet use anyway) From here you will see a list of available race servers you may be able to join, and the various tracks which the servers are running at this time. Also at the top of the screen will be an option to select your connection speed. Some servers may be passworded so you won't be able to access them, but there will be a few that are public entry. Also there is a chat function to enable racers waiting in the lobby to message each other.
Usually if a server shows that a practice or qualifying session is taking place, then you can join if there are spaces available (the amount of players allowed is shown alongside the actual number connected). Once you try to join a server, then you will be asked to select your car from the ones available. (as long as you own the car in your garage anyway - you did buy one already didnt you?)
Then you will be connected to the server and placed in your pitlane garage. You can then set up your car, chat to other players in the server and, when you are ready, go for a spin around the track.
If you havent raced online before then I would suggest selecting one of the easier difficulty level servers, (they do state a difficulty in the lobby). Although this won't guarantee that the other online players will be at this skill level, it may mean the cars are easier to drive.
Once moving then usually there is a certain etiquette that most others will expect. Just like in real life, driving around the track the wrong way will not go down well with others, and may result in you being voted or even kicked straight off the server. Also swearing, smashing other drivers cars off the track on purpose, or blocking others peoples progress by parking your car in a bad place may also cause people to complain. Take things easy, give way to the more experienced drivers as you leanr your way, most people will appreciate this and will thank you. (Chat messages will appear at the top of the screen while you are driving ).
This unfortunately brings me to the bad point about the multiplay. There are a few online players who deliberately go out of their way to ruin a race, and there is no easy way to get rid of them. There is an option to call a vote to have a "wrecking" driver kicked off a server, but over half of the players present need to vote in favour. A problem compounded by the fact other drivers may not speak the same language or even notice there is a problem. So the "wrecker" carries on and generally tries to ruin the race for all.
There are always options though, such as joinng another server, setting up your own using the games inbuilt server functions,and inviting only friends on it (by way of password) A few more dedicated racers will actually club together and put money into hiring dedicated race servers which may be more striclty policed. They may advertise their website in their server name (which you can see in the lobby). If you enjoy the game then it may be worth checking one of these groups out by contacting them via their website. there are quite a few of these virtual race teams around the globe. It is doubtful any will charge you for entry although they may have a code of conduct, which generally is to behave in a sporting manner when online.
