• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Project CARS | OT | Made by 80.000 slightly mad developers

Gen X

Trust no one. Eat steaks.
Wish I was able to make my own setups, because now I just do everything on standard setups.

Dunno what the PC version is like but feels like a waste of time on the PS4 version especially not being able to fine tune gearing. I love the game, my fav sim on console for years but some of the actual tuning options are extremely limited. Why can I only choose from three Final Drive ratios on some cars? How come when I want to lower the top gear ratio it drops in preselected amounts to the same gear as the next one down making the option useless?

I used to spend hours on Forza tuning gears so I reached top speed at the end of the longest straight. Now the gears are either too short or too long.
 

kie25

Member
Dunno what the PC version is like but feels like a waste of time on the PS4 version especially not being able to fine tune gearing. I love the game, my fav sim on console for years but some of the actual tuning options are extremely limited. Why can I only choose from three Final Drive ratios on some cars? How come when I want to lower the top gear ratio it drops in preselected amounts to the same gear as the next one down making the option useless?

I used to spend hours on Forza tuning gears so I reached top speed at the end of the longest straight. Now the gears are either too short or too long.

Yes I'm on ps4 I agree with the gears but it seems like it's car dependant, maybe it's what the cars in real life allow, as it all changes dependant on car.
 
Very much so.

Some of the input fine tuning is also in the car setup screen. Not allowing custom setups is a really bad idea in this game.

I always wished they had something like that in Forza though, leaderboards per car per track for performance classes as well as stock-performance.

Yes I'm on ps4 I agree with the gears but it seems like it's car dependant, maybe it's what the cars in real life allow, as it all changes dependant on car.
I think, I've read somewhere in a PCARS-wiki or so that the available gear ratios depend on the regulations of the racing league the car is used in.
 

Arucardo

Member
1:32.562 now, I'm content with this (dammit Dilly! it's the other way around this time :p). Might try some more laps if I have the time later.
 

Gen X

Trust no one. Eat steaks.
TylerDurden4321 said:
I think, I've read somewhere in a PCARS-wiki or so that the available gear ratios depend on the regulations of the racing league the car is used in.

I guess it makes sense if it's regulations, but then why allow them at all when most adjustments to gearing render them worse off?

Though it doesn't explain why some other options like front and rear wings are adjusted in increments either. One should be able to fine tune the degrees of downforce. *shrug*
 

saladine1

Junior Member
It certainly is strange that tuning parameters are limited.
Even if their intention was to emulate certain league restrictions, why wouldn't they at least state this in the actual tuning menus or something?
 

Zeth

Member
The default setups in general seem unusually bad - but I'm not an expert. Seems like there are some fairly straightforward adjustments you can make to many of the cars that improves their performance on most tracks.
 

Speech

Member
Managed to shave a couple of tenths off my time. I think I have reached the limit of my ability, at least with the default setup.

My Time : 1:33:909
PC/Assists Off(Auto Clutch)/Wheel.

YgaEqSD.jpg
 

Sickbean

Member
Finally got a chance to try the Oulton Park lap. Crashed a lot, then nursed it round for a 1:40:324 (PC, 360 pad, no assists, Steam ID=Shodan).

Since there are some literal aliens on here with superhuman ability, I think my target is best pad time, which currently is 1:35:236.
This seems doable, as I braked REALLY early in a lot of the corners.

edit: pic

cIsTA23.png
 

ProximoGamer

Neo Member
I heard that the physics engine is so good that it's hard to drive using a controller.

Is this true?

I have a PS4 and plan on buying a steering wheel at some point, but wanted to know if I would enjoy the game using my controller.
 

Sickbean

Member
I heard that the physics engine is so good that it's hard to drive using a controller.

Is this true?

I have a PS4 and plan on buying a steering wheel at some point, but wanted to know if I would enjoy the game using my controller.

You have to do some guessing as to what your car is doing. It's still lots of fun though.
 

Gestault

Member
After a consistently frustrating night of playing, where the game kept forgetting my tuning setups for particular tracks, kept crashing to the OS menu, and when I was first encountering the issue where AI cars aren't affected by track conditions like rain, I sent out this tweet:

"#ProjectCars has to be one of the buggiest retail racing titles I've put any money behind."

The official Project Cars twitter account then blocked me. It was my only communication about the game ever, and it wasn't a direct message. I can't take this team seriously.
 
Could've sworn the gear ratios were different too, but I guess the different aero might make it seem that way. But as I said, I have no real say in this matter, just felt like sharing my opinion.

I can tell from the video, setup or no setup you're a waaaaay better driver than I am :) . Looking forward to Betta's answer haha.
Forgive me if I missed a direct question, but I'll offer my general views on setup...

Setup helps in two ways - making the car behave in a more comfortable/predictable manner, and making a car fundamentally faster. I believe the former produces, in most cases, a much bigger effect on lap time than the latter. There are exceptions, where the default is particularly unsuitable for the track, but I don't think that's the case with this combo.

Setup work is mostly about confidence. If the car feels right, you can push harder and explore the limits more easily, resulting in better lap times. You could even be making changes that fundamentally slow the car, but if it feels better you might still achieve your best times.

It's also a exercise in compromises. A track like Oulton has many different corner types, cambers, bumps, etc. A car perfectly set up to attack the kerbs at Britten's is a very different car to the one set up to carry the most speed through Island Bend for instance. You'd likely want to compromise on both, and figure out which takes priority (which has the most impact on lap time), but that can be just as much down to the driver as the car (in terms of where they can feel most committed). While there is bound to be a theoretically-optimal setup for every combo, it definitely won't be faster for everyone (and probably slower for many).

There are a huge number of variables that affect a fast time in reality. In a sim, much of this can be controlled, which is why I find it a bit strange that they're worried about making track temps consistent across platforms and yet still allowing open setups. The variables they're locking down with that fix is far less significant than the variables they're leaving open in terms of setup.

That said, the differences are fairly marginal across the board, and as you say, people tend to get the wrong impression about the impact of setups and lose interest in time-trialling if they feel it's not a level playing field. But the fact is, if you're a few seconds off the top times, any setup changes you make are almost entirely about confidence (some might say a 'placebo') - they're not making the car faster. People feel at a disadvantage for not knowing how to adjust setups, when they're still leaving bags of time out there on the track - much more than can be found with any setup adjustment.

I'm in two minds about how SMS have done this. On the one hand, setups unquestionably have an effect on ultimate lap time, so if you're on for a world record, you'd definitely want to tune the car as every millisecond helps. And I don't dispute that the right setup can help anyone drive a car with more confidence. So in that sense, they should lock it all down so that there are no question marks. But on the other hand, it adds more depth (and I suppose in some sense, realism) to the overall process of finding speed, and the differences in fundamental pace aren't significant unless you're really going for a record... so perhaps it should stay in.

Two sets of time trials isn't bad idea, but if they're sticking with one, I think at the very least they should display whether or not a custom setup has been used.
 
After a consistently frustrating night of playing, where the game kept forgetting my tuning setups for particular tracks, the game kept crashing to the OS menu, and when I was first encountering the issue where AI cars aren't affected by track conditions like rain, I sent out this tweet:

"#ProjectCars has to be one of the buggiest retail racing titles I've put any money behind."

The official Project Cars twitter account then blocked me. It was my only communication about the game ever, and it wasn't a direct message. I can't take this team seriously.

I've hit an interesting bug on PS4 these last few days running this time trial, on occasion and with no predictability it will feel like I've crashed into something invisible in the middle of the track. Car will jolt/jump, gears will return to neutral and most weirdly the tires will go immediately stone cold. Very odd!
 

Arucardo

Member
Forgive me if I missed a direct question, but I'll offer my general views on setup...

Setup helps in two ways - making the car behave in a more comfortable/predictable manner, and making a car fundamentally faster. I believe the former produces, in most cases, a much bigger effect on lap time than the latter. There are exceptions, where the default is particularly unsuitable for the track, but I don't think that's the case with this combo.

Setup work is mostly about confidence. If the car feels right, you can push harder and explore the limits more easily, resulting in better lap times. You could even be making changes that fundamentally slow the car, but if it feels better you might still achieve your best times.

It's also a exercise in compromises. A track like Oulton has many different corner types, cambers, bumps, etc. A car perfectly set up to attack the kerbs at Britten's is a very different car to the one set up to carry the most speed through Island Bend for instance. You'd likely want to compromise on both, and figure out which takes priority (which has the most impact on lap time), but that can be just as much down to the driver as the car (in terms of where they can feel most committed). While there is bound to be a theoretically-optimal setup for every combo, it definitely won't be faster for everyone (and probably slower for many).

There are a huge number of variables that affect a fast time in reality. In a sim, much of this can be controlled, which is why I find it a bit strange that they're worried about making track temps consistent across platforms and yet still allowing open setups. The variables they're locking down with that fix is far less significant than the variables they're leaving open in terms of setup.

That said, the differences are fairly marginal across the board, and as you say, people tend to get the wrong impression about the impact of setups and lose interest in time-trialling if they feel it's not a level playing field. But the fact is, if you're a few seconds off the top times, any setup changes you make are almost entirely about confidence (some might say a 'placebo') - they're not making the car faster. People feel at a disadvantage for not knowing how to adjust setups, when they're still leaving bags of time out there on the track - much more than can be found with any setup adjustment.

I'm in two minds about how SMS have done this. On the one hand, setups unquestionably have an effect on ultimate lap time, so if you're on for a world record, you'd definitely want to tune the car as every millisecond helps. And I don't dispute that the right setup can help anyone drive a car with more confidence. So in that sense, they should lock it all down so that there are no question marks. But on the other hand, it adds more depth (and I suppose in some sense, realism) to the overall process of finding speed, and the differences in fundamental pace aren't significant unless you're really going for a record... so perhaps it should stay in.

Two sets of time trials isn't bad idea, but if they're sticking with one, I think at the very least they should display whether or not a custom setup has been used.
Wow, great post! Definitely mirrors some of my own thoughts on the matter. The part about having the setup displayed on the TT leaderboard is actually better than splitting it up I guess.

Should've elaborated that I meant your answer to the lap time (oops) not the matter of using setups or not, but your post is most excellent so I'm glad you took the time to type it out.
 
Wow, great post! Definitely mirrors some of my own thoughts on the matter. The part about having the setup displayed on the TT leaderboard is actually better than splitting it up I guess.

Should've elaborated that I meant your answer to the lap time (oops) not the matter of using setups or not, but your post is most excellent so I'm glad you took the time to type it out.
Ah! Yes, may attempt to answer that... soon :)

[edit] .742
 
Here is my 1.31.800 in RUF GT3 at Oulton Park

http://youtu.be/ojbDrMvBIns

Only learnt the track yesterday so hopefully when I know it better and have a proper setup I'll be able to get into the 1.30s.

I've been watching this again mesmerised trying to understand where I am losing time to you. Our lines are identical, our braking points seem to be too, I must just be over braking and not carrying as much speed through the turns as you. You certainly don't hear the tyres squeal on my laps so much.

Time to man up and keep my foot in I guess!
 

sneaky77

Member
I heard that the physics engine is so good that it's hard to drive using a controller.

Is this true?

I have a PS4 and plan on buying a steering wheel at some point, but wanted to know if I would enjoy the game using my controller.

I've definetely have found it frustrating so far with a controller, I got the karts ok figuered out but as soon as I get to a car with some weight, recovering from over or understeering it suddenly snaps and I spin
 

flashmouth

Neo Member
Still on the fence, mostly because of two things:

1) I got an 270x, is performance on AMD still poor?
2) I would play it with a 360 wired pad, there still seems to be a lot of trouble with controller settings. Can you make it playable with the ingame settings, like Forza-playable?
(3) DiRT Rally keeps me busy)
 

Gestault

Member
Fine, we'll leave it as originally posted - International. Sorry for the run around.

--------------------

0rpWYd8.png


Hotlap Challenge #2


RUF RGT-8 GT3 @ Oulton Park (International)

Time Trial mode, Run it however you'd like. All platforms/skill levels/aids/controllers are welcome. An accompanying screenshot or video would be great, but it's not mandatory. If you've got a really competitive time, it get a little more so though ;-)

Have fun!

1:38.495 // PS4 -DS4, Auto-transmission w/ TCS

I'd have a pic, but I assumed the leaderboards would record my time so I could grab it later. That appears to be bugged for me right now. I have serious problems with losing control on the gradual turns using the controller, but overall I'm ok with my time since it's my first time out on this track.
 
Still on the fence, mostly because of two things:

1) I got an 270x, is performance on AMD still poor?
2) I would play it with a 360 wired pad, there still seems to be a lot of trouble with controller settings. Can you make it playable with the ingame settings, like Forza-playable?
(3) DiRT Rally keeps me busy)

AMD hasn't released the 15.5 driver yet, so performance isn't as good as it could be. I've got a 290 and an i5 3450 and Monaco is the worst performing track. 30fps with no other cars and sunny weather. If the driver update allows me to run with a few cars at Monaco with 30fps I'll be OK with it. If not then I may not buy a Slightly Mad game again. The games doesn't even remember my controller settings when I switch between using 360 pad and Simraceway wheel. In my opinion it isn't finished. Needed another 6 months to get all this ironed out.
 

Grikker

Banned
I agree the game has a lot of bugs that should have been fixed with such a long PC dev cycle. Nonetheless, I really enjoy this game and have put 15 hours in so far and plan on many more!

I do hope the bugs get fixed and more vehicles are added. The track selection is outstanding.

Hammock on Steam if you wish to add me. I am not very good but I am improving.
 
I heard that the physics engine is so good that it's hard to drive using a controller.

Is this true?

I have a PS4 and plan on buying a steering wheel at some point, but wanted to know if I would enjoy the game using my controller.

Seems to vary by person, but for me personally when I tried using a controller to see what it was like compared to a wheel, I very quickly (as in only a few laps) started getting close to my times set with a wheel. I find some things easier with a wheel but some things harder. So imo I wouldn't let the lack of a wheel deter you from playing if you really want to.
 
Finally getting some laps in on this after receiving the game from Dell on Friday (have to love those Dell coupons). PS4 version.

This is my favorite sim ever. I mean, the production value doesn't give you Gran Turismo music in the menus, but you can remedy that yourself with Spotify or any other thing. Playing on a gamepad and it plays fine for me, was never good with a wheel anyway, at least not without some big setup. This is the game for me until some Gran Turismo shows up. The new Forza will likely one up it.

Any news on the rumored 'rally mode'?
 
Finally into the 1:33 with a 1:33:867 which I'm comfortable with (any more will take months and lots of swearing!). Kudos to everyone running faster, some amazing times!

ldwfcgS.jpg


Edit: Should add PS4/Wheel/Assists real
 

RP912

Banned
Still on the fence, mostly because of two things:

1) I got an 270x, is performance on AMD still poor?
2) I would play it with a 360 wired pad, there still seems to be a lot of trouble with controller settings. Can you make it playable with the ingame settings, like Forza-playable?
(3) DiRT Rally keeps me busy)

1. There was a "beta" release of 15.5 which gave me a few fps, but it's nothing revolutionary. It's not the official release, but it'll due until AMD gets off of their asses.

2. The 360 controls work for me *shrugs*.

3. I want to get Dirt Rally so badly.
 

Fox Mulder

Member
I hope they patch in a safety car or at least get rid of shit on the track after wrecks.


Came around a corner littered with shit and barrier tires in the racing line that stayed the rest of the race. Annoying.
 
I hope they patch in a safety car or at least get rid of shit on the track after wrecks.


Came around a corner littered with shit and barrier tires in the racing line that stayed the rest of the race. Annoying.

Are punctures in the game? Or if not punctures then blowouts?

Certain tracks with the Formula Rookie are destroying my tyres.

Edit: in terms of temperature
 

kie25

Member
Just got a 1.31.512 in RUF GT3 Challenge :) can feel a 1.30s if I give it some time and effort. Might save video untill I get closer to 1.30s I'll post screenshot when time actually uploads to leaderboard.
 
0rpWYd8.png


Hotlap Challenge #2

RUF RGT-8 GT3 @ Oulton Park (International)

---------------

1. 1.31.352 - kie25 (video) // T500, PS4
2. 1:31.408 - Betta Lines (pic)
3. 1:31.442 - markao (pic)
4. 1.32.528 - Dilly (post), PC
5. 1:32.562 - Arucardo (pic) // PC
6. 1:32:578 - Ryökäle (pic)
7. 1:32.651 - Big Takeover // pic
8. 1:32.893 - paskowitz (pic) // PC
9. 1:32.915 - Azzawon (pic) // XB1, wheel, no assists (auto clutch?)
10. 1:33:499 - PjotrStroganov (pic)
11. 1:33:843 - saladine1 (pic)
12. 1:33:867 - Scaramanger (pic) // PC, gamepad
13. 1.33.905 - Jilt (pic) // no assists wheel
14. 1:33:909 - Speech (pic) // PC/Assists Off(Auto Clutch)/Wheel
15. 1:34:744 - Metfanant (pic / video) //PS4/T500RS/Real/manual w/auto clutch
16. 1:35:047 - Flightwave (pic) // Wheel, real assists, automatic
17. 1:35.049 - Scaramanger (pic) // PS4
18. 1:35:665 - Brentech (pic/ video) // DS4, Manual/TS/ABS
19. 1:35.787 - TylerDurden4321 (pic) // wheel, no assists but auto-clutch, softer car setup
20. 1.35.993 - PriitV (pic) // stock setup, wheel/real assists/pc
21. 1:36:332 - danowat (video) // pad no assists
22. 1:36.526 - Mascot (pic) // PS4, no assists, manual gears
23. 1:37.200 - Anton668 (pic) // PC - DS4
24. 1:37.474 - soundscream // wheel, real assist
25. 1:38.495 - Gestault // PS4 -DS4, Auto-transmission w/ TCS
26. 1:38:716 - mitchlol (pic) // Logitech DFGT / Auto Clutch + racing line // PC
27. 1:39:040 - FunkyLounge (pic) // Newbie with a wheel, assist set to real, manual shifting, auto clutch on PC
28. 1:39.073 - soundscream // wheel, no assist
29. 1:40:324 - Sickbean (pic) // PC, 360 pad, no assists,
30. 1:42.378 - RP912 (pic)
31. 1:46.853 - DoctorWho (pic)
32. 2:25.035 - nabe_shogun (pic) // XBO, controller
 

Dave_6

Member
I can't get any quicker than a 1:36.xxx so far, and I don't really think I can with the default setup (wheel on PC).
 
Finally even with the framerate and Xbox one pad on xo, I managed one of maybe three valid laps. Man... need lots more practice

http://1drv.ms/1FapEEp

If you are being hit with the oversensitivity bug on XB1 then to even get round cleanly is a massive achievement! I am hit on the XB1 (I have all three versions) and I can barely control it with the gamepad, it is a magnitude harder than PS4/PC with pad.

Edit: Actually thinking about it even more I think even playing with the XB1 gamepad is a disadvantage because the short throw of the sticks makes it much harder to drive. To me the XB1 pad although very comfortable has been designed primarily to facilitate twitch shooters which has compromised it as a driving pad.
 

danowat

Banned
Which camera view is everyone using?

I flip flop between in car view and helmet cam depending on the vehicle.

Contentious issue for me.......

I like the immersion of the in car / helmet without helmet on, view, but I am much faster in hood cam.

So I switch between the two depending on how important the result is.
 
Top Bottom