Compared Shift-1 vs. 2 on PS3 (my thoughts)

[squeakD]

Hey folks.., I wanted to share some of my findings with you. I did a side by side comparison with Shift-1 to Shift-2 on the PS3 (using the same Flatscreen HD TV). Please don't turn this into a flaming thread either. Comparison threads like this can be beneficial to a forum.

First thing I looked into was the physics. Comparing vehicles between the two., I just simply chose identical vehicles, and drove them without modifications. I also used the default controller settings for the DS3.

My findings: There certainly has been a change in the physics with Shift-2.., but the real question is, "Are those changes an improvement?" What I have found is that the steering (at least from my perspective) has gotten worse. Over-steer was an issue with most on Shift-1.., but Shift-2 seems to have taken over-steer to the next level, and when driving identical vehicles between the two titles.., the Shift-2 versions (IMO) are much more difficult to control because of the excessive over-steer. They still have a floaty feel.., and in some cases have more of a floaty feel in Shift-2. I've also noticed major differences in grip too where the identical vehicles in Shift-2 have gotten worse and at time feel like you're on ice.

Another issue with Shift-1 that many spoke out against was the "over-drifting" of vehicles. We were hopeful that Shift-2 would address the problem. This is an interesting subject too. After comparing them., I'm left with the question of "Did they really fix it.., or did they simply "mask" the problem?"

I ran many identical vehicles (and made sure to run them in the chase cam.., as obviously this position is ideal to see the rear end kicking out). What I found was certainly a head scratcher. Visually.., the vehicles in Shift-2 are still kicking the back end out. However.., the difference in Shift-2 is that when this happens you "do not" hear the tires scrubbing. It "appears" that they just either greatly reduced the volume level of the tire squeal to mask the problem. I could be wrong.., but this is what I'm seeing (and hearing).

Graphics: Again.., this is a mixed bag issue. I also did side by side vehicle and track comparisons. What I've noticed is that (especially in the garage) it appears that the (exterior) of the vehicles have seen an improvement in graphics. However.., on tracks..., I've noticed some downgrading in the cockpit cams. I've also noticed that in some cases you may find yourself forced to use the helmet cam. What I mean by that is.., using the standard cockpit cam (as found in Shift-1) the drivers FOV (field of view) has been moved forward.., so much that in some vehicles you no longer have a good view of the rear view mirror or drivers side mirror. To get that FOV back you have to go into the helmet cam. That may be an issue for some as the helmet cam obviously isn't for everyone.

Some of the tracks have also (appeared) to have taken a slight hit in graphics downgrading. Track side objects (such as trees in some cases) have become more "generic" in appearance. I've also noticed that "lighting" when doing races in the DAYLIGHT has changed. Some tracks are now darker, and don't seem to be as crisp due to the reduction in lighting.

**Also on a side note; I've noticed that they've removed the feature where the dashboard lights no longer come on when running in lower light conditions. This results in cockpit cams being very dark.**

Quick Races: WOW a major change here in one area. With Shift-1 there was a VERY good feature available that doesn't seem to have carried over to Shift-2. In Shift-1 you could go into a quick race, and when selecting your vehicle you had access to the ENTIRE vehicle inventory. You had access to your garage.., and all other vehicles within the game. This does not seem to be the case with Shift-2.., and it seems you only have access to your garage. This will be an issue for many because now you cannot test drive a vehicle prior to purchase.

Another issue I've seen (which is really more of a cosmetic one).., but what is up with the bouncing of the rear view and side view mirrors. The movement to those is very odd.., and seems like they're ready to fall off.

I did notice some differences in vehicle gear shifts when using the auto trans. Some seem to be shifting too late.., hitting the rev limit for that gear and holding longer than it should before shifting.

Just for kicks and giggles.., I did a little test with the two games using my wife. My wife isn't a racer.., but a regular gamer. It doesn't take a racer to judger the "visual appearance" between two titles. I had her run identical cars on identical tracks (not telliing her which one was Shift-1 or Shift-2). I then asked her to pick which title (based on the graphics and driving characteristics) was the new title and the old one. WOW., in all areas she thought Shift-1 was the new title

 

[supergoop]

I agree with most of your comments, but just to flip the coin, here are some things (off the top of head) that are improved and appreciated:

Saving and sharing replays
Higher textures on cars (especially during gameplay and replay)
Much better crash physics
No more "melting" damage models
A.I. don't all pile up on the first corner.
Cars don't widge under other cars
Vibrating wipers animations at high speed
More racing liveries to choose from
A.I. also has more liveries to choose from (less duplications during races)
Drifting is vastly improved (more drift tracks and a practice playground)
Better Drifting tutorial and hand-holding
I like the "boss fight" idea (having gotten that far yet)
Autolog
Night racing
Helmet cam (not necessary better, but interesting)
Less cockpit blur (when using cockpit cam)
More events
More cars
More tuning
More tracks
Better looking flag girls, cameraman, and pit crew
Marbles
Leaves and debris kicked up on road
Faster menu navigation (less loading)

 

[amar212]

.... This will be an issue for many because now you cannot test drive a vehicle prior to purchase.

I guess you still aren't aware that actual purchasing a car does not lead to "loosing" your funds because value of the car is the same when buying/selling.

When you sell a car you get all your invested money back, every cent.

So basically, you can purchase, sell and re-purchase anything you want, because there is no "real economy" there.

It's like that since the first game and although it's strange from the context of the genre-rules in driving games with money involved, I actually like it.

 

[panjandrum]

IMHO Shift 2's graphics on the PS3 and notably worse than Shift 1's graphics. It's pretty much the first thing I noticed. You would think that any software company, period, would be able to figure out the general principle that each version should be better than the previous version. That's not a complicated philosophy... So, yeah, I agree that the graphics have had a substantial downgrade from 1 to 2. Even the PC version doesn't look great. I actually purchased the PC version and am running it everything maxed at 720p, and the graphics are better than on the PS3 (especially the texture detail and geometry on the opponent cars), but they are still very poor (not even close the GT5). I borrowed a friend's PS3 copy for an evening for comparison. However, the steering on the PC version was much better "out of the box" than on the PS3. I didn't have to do anything special on the PC version to make the wheel animation agree with what I was doing with my actual wheel (Fanatec GT3 rs v2), and the feedback on the PC version in general seemed much more refined and realistic. So if you've got a choice, I would say "go with the PC version". Overall though, I think the graphics downgrade will have me going back to Shift 1 more often than Shift 2. On my very large screen the difference in quality is considerable.

 

[squeakD]

IMHO Shift 2's graphics on the PS3 and notably worse than Shift 1's graphics. It's pretty much the first thing I noticed. You would think that any software company, period, would be able to figure out the general principle that each version should be better than the previous version. That's not a complicated philosophy... So, yeah, I agree that the graphics have had a substantial downgrade from 1 to 2. Even the PC version doesn't look great. I actually purchased the PC version and am running it everything maxed at 720p, and the graphics are better than on the PS3 (especially the texture detail and geometry on the opponent cars), but they are still very poor (not even close the GT5). I borrowed a friend's PS3 copy for an evening for comparison. However, the steering on the PC version was much better "out of the box" than on the PS3. I didn't have to do anything special on the PC version to make the wheel animation agree with what I was doing with my actual wheel (Fanatec GT3 rs v2), and the feedback on the PC version in general seemed much more refined and realistic. So if you've got a choice, I would say "go with the PC version". Overall though, I think the graphics downgrade will have me going back to Shift 1 more often than Shift 2. On my very large screen the difference in quality is considerable.

I too think the graphics in general took a hit with Shift-2. I also noticed the same thing when I first played Shift-2 on my 42" LG model..., and it looked much better on my smaller 32" Vizio.

Even though I'm already near level 20 in the game (I think I'm towards then end of lvl 18).., I still find myself more drawn to the original Shift. Yes there have been some great new features added to Shift-2.., but I'm surprised that with the latest title the compromise for these features would be a hit in graphics and physics. In racing titles you expect them to keeping going forward with those aspects. In Shift-2 it seems for every step forward they took with a new feature., they took a step back with another.

 

[freedomweasel]

I guess you still aren't aware that actual purchasing a car does not lead to "loosing" your funds because value of the car is the same when buying/selling.

When you sell a car you get all your invested money back, every cent.

So basically, you can purchase, sell and re-purchase anything you want, because there is no "real economy" there.

It's like that since the first game and although it's strange from the context of the genre-rules in driving games with money involved, I actually like it.

Really? If I buy a $60k car and add $10k of parts to it, it sells for $70k? Awesome.

 

[RWB1213]

Interesting comparison . . .

Just my two cents . . .

I ran Shift one for about 20 hours on my XBOX (controller) last week for reference before Shift 2's release. I hadn't run the game in many many moons and thought it would be a good exercise pre-shift 2 release . . .

My memories came flooding back to me. The physics and presentation in Shift 1 felt like a mild drift in almost every corner. In addition, the on center steering was very very vague, as if the front tires were way over-cambered.

After about 12 hours on Shift 2 (360/controller) I can say, like the OP, that there has been a change. The on-center feel is better but still a bit vague, especially on several of the stock rigs. Mildly upgraded cars in shift 2 provide a much better and manageable feel (I ran a stock vs. upgraded comparo with several friends in an online lobby running a stock 135i and my 499PI modded version.) There is still a bit of slide in the rear, but as the OP said, no sound. I race helmet view, so I'm not really watching the rear of the car (chase) and my impression is that the rear feels like it's scrubbing (tires at or just beyond the limit) more than drifting. It's also important to note that with the helmet view, as the driver looks to the apex, you get the sensation that rear has stepped out, when it actually has not- I think some folks may be misled by this. After watching some replays, my opinion is that Shift 2 simply models a narrower slip angle for the rear tires than Shift 1 did. Add the change in sound, and the physics and presentation feel tighter to me (although still looser than FM3 or GT5.) Is this accurate? Who's to say? Hard to take the opinions of anyone who hasn't actually raced as gospel. Regardless, to me, Shift 2 is the best RACING game for both single and multiplayer on the market (console) right now, and a notable improvement over Shift 1.

This is slightly off topic, but worth noting IMO. I ran a 20 minute enduro with the Flying Lizzard GT2 car in FM3 last night with some friends. WOW what a difference. FM3 feels as if the car is anchored to the asphalt. The tires almost felt as if they were contacting the pavement below the racing surface, if that makes sense. Gobs of grip, and a very wide margin for error when entering a corner.

I'm in a GT5 league, and were racing 525PP cars at Cote d'Azur tonight. Should be enlightening.

In the end, I think driving/racing fans are lucky to have the current crop of games (console) available to them. GT5, FM3, Shift 2, F1 2010 - all with their shortcomings, but as a group, a treasure for all of us. Weld them all together, and you have what I thought GT5 was going to be.