Honest Project Cars Review

[GT1 Esperante]

After watching the IGN review of this game, I was left satisfied that I made a wise choice buying Project Cars. As an avid racing game fan for 14 years, I am no rookie to the genre.

The game looks, feels, sounds and plays just as a next-gen racing sim should. But the IGN review left out some very key pitfalls that CANNOT be overlooked. I could begin with all of the absolutely fantastic things about this game, but any serious racing game fan won't need me to re-emphasize them.

Yes, the actual list of cars is rather minimal in comparison to games like Gran Turismo 6 or Grid AutoSport. But that is forgivable if only because of how much time and effort it would take to have even a 300 car list with the amount of detail both in and out of the car that is available in DriveClub, let alone Project Cars. But here are some things that are unforgivable:

1. The Damage model:
The damage in this game is absolutely abysmal and the worst offense of the offenses. It lags behind even last generation games, some of which are almost 10 years old at this point. For example, the damage in NASCAR 2004 is more realistic than the sad excuse for damage in this game. Yes it is better than DriveClub and head and shoulders over the attempt at damage in the last 2 Gran Turismo games, but this is 2015 for the love of Chuck. I understand that less emphasis should be on crashing and wrecking in such a serious and unforgiving real racing sim, but the truth is that things happen in racing. I was expecting a damage model that almost mirrors what damage would look like on a real car. Yes, racing games to this point have been incredibly forgiving, allowing cars to continue to drive even after crashes that may critically injure a real racer, but those days need to end. It is time for racing game players to experience the ENTIRE experience of racing, including what happens when hitting a wall to hard causes a car to come apart as it tumbles down a track and not being able to simply hit a restart button and start again.

2. Pit stops:
The pit stops in this game are almost non-existent in my experience. For me, pit stops have been me pulling into my pit box, going into the on-helmet view, and sitting there as the only person in my pit box is the guy holding the sign. There is no one changing my tires, no one putting fuel in the car. Just me and the guy holding the sign. This is unacceptable, even GT6 has a full pit crew animation, why is that absent in this game, a so-called next-gen, realistic racing experience?

3. Laps:
This is one of my smaller gripes, but not every race that is run is determined by laps. I would like to see timed races, because if this is supposed to be as realistic as racing can me, then timed races should not be absent.

4. Cars and Tracks:
I am sure this is not something that Slightly Mad Studios has much control over, but a realistic racing sim like this should encompass many more types of racing than what is available currently. There are so many they are hard to list here, but what about the Rolex Series, the DTM (yes the Mercedes is here, but that is not the only one in that series), IndyCar, Moto GP and some of the smaller ones? And the types of tracks in the game cover a very large array of racing, but what about street racing circuts, like the kind TOCA Race Driver 3 had, or the other 24 and 12 hour racing circuits like Daytona and Sebring? I am sure it is not as simple as adding these track into the game, but I would rally to have them included into the game.


Project Cars is probably one of the first new IPs that not only didn't disappoint with a broken launch and a lack of content whilst pushing a season pass, but turned out to be a damn good game, but it is far from the reputation it set for itself and not what it could be. Who else here agrees?

 

[giorgos21]

Hi.
1.We should be thankful that with this A.I. the damage is not realistic enough.
2.Totally agree.
3.Totally agree
4.No game in history of man kind, had ever,all the types of racing you asked.(moto gp too)?Really?
I agree about the tracks.

 

[RX-7_FD3S]

Fair review, a few things to note tho. Laps : wrong, there is endurance race, I've just got a 3h endurance race with mclaren f1 in career.

One thing you should take into account when speaking about dmg model. It was much easier to do a good dmg model 10 years ago, cars had much less polygon count, so they were taking way less time to render, which means more time to model other stuff. Now it's very long to render a car, and a virtual car is not build like a real one, so it's hard to recreat exactly how a car would react to each dmg. Even more with the manufacturer saying what kind of dmg you can see on the car and what you can't. I admit it can be better tho, just look at AC dmg is handled much better on realistic setting. As for what happen when you hit a wall, you got an option to turn off restart, so you can't restart like you want. Try it

For cars and tracks the biggest problem is the licence, I'm guessing for most tracks you gotta buy the licence to use it now, same goes for cars. And it's hard to make series because let's say you take a gt3 series or even super GT series, it will be very hard to get all manufacturer's to agree. Then if you take a DTM/Rolex or other series, you have licencing right coming into play. All that cost money and you have to remember that Pcars was mostly crowd funds so they had to keep cost somewhat down. Also mixing moto and cars in the same game is not wise simulation wise.

I think for a first game in a series with a developper trying to go away from the big studios it's a really nice game. It could have been better in many ways but honestly it's already good. The problem is that this game reputation and what it would be was pushed so high by a few forums members that I can't help but be a bit disapointed by the final result.

All in all, it's a good game, I have fun and all but it's far from beeing what I was reading on the forum before it went out.

 

[m3lover1]

Yea I laughed at Motogp :laugh

 

[RacerPaul]

Yea I laughed at MotoGP

I assumed it was a typo. Surely no-one would seriously suggest that?

 

[avilab]

Just remember it's a brand new game with a very limited budget. I do believe SMS will improve the experience a lot over the coming year, which is fine by me as I am thoroughly enjoying the game even with its glitches.

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

1: I really don't pay that much attention to the damage model. Sure it could stand improvement but for me it is not a big deal the mechanical part is apparently better than the visual part and of course mechanical damage is the more important of the two but still needs work. Is better than other games I have played recently though. Graphically I have paid very little attention as this is not an important factor. With the current AI full on realistic damage would hurt more than help in career mode.

2: Totally not important. I do not care if there is an animated pit crew or not, makes no difference at all other than something to look at while you are in the pits. There are many things that are far more important that have been done and are yet to be done that having this animation may have taken resources from. A non issue.

3: I have not ran the endurance races yet but do they not have timed races in that segment? I am assuming that they are timed races and if so then they have not left that out, just have not added it to solo and online modes yet. I'm sure it will come in an update so again a non issue.

4: For the first game in a series I think the cars, tracks and race types are pretty well represented.

Overall what I see is not an honest review, instead it is just nit picking at the game and not bothering to mention any of what makes it good.

 

[GT1 Esperante]

Just remember it's a brand new game with a very limited budget. I do believe SMS will improve the experience a lot over the coming year, which is fine by me as I am thoroughly enjoying the game even with its glitches.

I agree, but why not start discussing improvements now right?

 

[psychoazubi]

1. Damage model has been discussed a lot of times. It's also a licensing issue.
2. Pit stop animations are coming, they didn't work 100% on release time and we get them when they are accurate.
3. There are timed races in career. They will also come to Quick races pretty sure
4. There are far more different racing series than in most other games I have played. Sure, there is always room for more and there will be more (indycar for example). But you just can't get expect every series in one game.

If you'd have informed yourself a little bit on here, you could find all 4 points already discussed. And really? motoGP?

This is not a honest review, this is just complaining about a few issues and belongs here:

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/the-great-project-cars-whinging-and-crying-thread.327084/

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

You asked who else agrees, I was under the impression that was a call for opinions but I suppose you just want to hear people who will parrot your view and not anyone who disagrees.

I will not sink to your level of name calling but I have reported the abusive and insulting post.

 

[psychoazubi]

Okay first to address your first 4 points:

1. Well, that is unfortunate.
2-3. Good, I look forward to the day.
4. Yes, motorcycle racing is racing just like DTM or anything else. You may not like it, but it is still circuit racing and it still deserves to be noted.

Now for your second:

I literally re-joined this forum after about 8 years of a lapse. I don't care about what other people have said, what is the point of anyone posting their ideas at this point if every one who has been here a while will simply point them to what some other Joe Shmoe has said? It is not my fault that my opinions happen to be similar to others, I still have a right as a member of this forum to post them just as much as those who you direct me to. Lay of the animosity please, I am just here to discuss the game. And you sound quite unintelligent if any criticism is viewed as crying. It is as though if someone doesn't sing the praises of a game no matter what improvements could be made, it is whining, this is what is wrong with human beings in this day and age. I am not even allowed to discuss improvements without being viewed as whining. Seriously, grow up.

I also like motorcycle games, but it is not just done with adding some motorcycles. The physics, the controls, FFB, everything hast to be addressed. That's not a two weeks task.

I don't say that your opinion should just be like mine or everyone else's. Or that criticism isn't welcome. But what do you thinks happen when everyone posts his opinion or criticism or ideas in his own thread? To discuss things, they should be discussed in the appropriate threads.

If you want to make suggestions, you could for example use this thread:

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/project-cars-gtp-wishlist.305544/

Or this:

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/thre...s-tweaking-and-what-do-you-want-added.328301/

 

[GT1 Esperante]

You asked who else agrees, I was under the impression that was a call for opinions but I suppose you just want to hear people who will parrot your view and not anyone who disagrees.

I will not sink to your level of name calling but I have reported the abusive and insulting post.[/QU

You asked who else agrees, I was under the impression that was a call for opinions but I suppose you just want to hear people who will parrot your view and not anyone who disagrees.

I will not sink to your level of name calling but I have reported the abusive and insulting post.

You can disagree as much as you like, but when you say things like "I don't care" constantly, you do not give yourself the impression doing anything more than spiting my comments. I will not waste my time trying to explain the dynamics of criticism to you, but I have reported your post for its offensive and abusive language.

 

[Johnnypenso]

1. The Damage model:
The damage in this game is absolutely abysmal and the worst offense of the offenses. It lags behind even last generation games, some of which are almost 10 years old at this point. For example, the damage in NASCAR 2004 is more realistic than the sad excuse for damage in this game. Yes it is better than DriveClub and head and shoulders over the attempt at damage in the last 2 Gran Turismo games, but this is 2015 for the love of Chuck. I understand that less emphasis should be on crashing and wrecking in such a serious and unforgiving real racing sim, but the truth is that things happen in racing. I was expecting a damage model that almost mirrors what damage would look like on a real car. Yes, racing games to this point have been incredibly forgiving, allowing cars to continue to drive even after crashes that may critically injure a real racer, but those days need to end. It is time for racing game players to experience the ENTIRE experience of racing, including what happens when hitting a wall to hard causes a car to come apart as it tumbles down a track and not being able to simply hit a restart button and start again.

Yes it would be nice to have better visual damage, but it's not a top priority for me. Even the visual damage in the GT series is enough for me, if the actual physical damage to the car is well done. I'm more concerned about radiator punctures being incorporated into the physics for example, than I am about seeing water leak onto the track and steam coming from the front of the car. To me the damage is more eye candy and I'd rather they spend more time on modeling other things with their very limited budget.

2. Pit stops:
The pit stops in this game are almost non-existent in my experience. For me, pit stops have been me pulling into my pit box, going into the on-helmet view, and sitting there as the only person in my pit box is the guy holding the sign. There is no one changing my tires, no one putting fuel in the car. Just me and the guy holding the sign. This is unacceptable, even GT6 has a full pit crew animation, why is that absent in this game, a so-called next-gen, realistic racing experience?

Pretty much the same as above. Yes it would be great to have it fully modeled but again it's not a top priority so long as the physics aspects of pits stops are correctly done. They should fill fuel at the appropriate rate, change tires at the appropriate rate, pit stops should take the proper amount of time etc. Limited budget means other things take a higher priority.

3. Laps:
This is one of my smaller gripes, but not every race that is run is determined by laps. I would like to see timed races, because if this is supposed to be as realistic as racing can me, then timed races should not be absent.

Yes, we should be able to create timed races.

4. Cars and Tracks:
I am sure this is not something that Slightly Mad Studios has much control over, but a realistic racing sim like this should encompass many more types of racing than what is available currently. There are so many they are hard to list here, but what about the Rolex Series, the DTM (yes the Mercedes is here, but that is not the only one in that series), IndyCar, Moto GP and some of the smaller ones? And the types of tracks in the game cover a very large array of racing, but what about street racing circuts, like the kind TOCA Race Driver 3 had, or the other 24 and 12 hour racing circuits like Daytona and Sebring? I am sure it is not as simple as adding these track into the game, but I would rally to have them included into the game.

Could we use more? Yes, of course. But I think the cars chosen for the game make a great mix of racing classes, both modern and historic, as well as modern track day and supercars and the DLC will only make it better. Track selection is IMO the best of any game I've played and adding the historic versions of some of the tracks via DLC will only make it better. I like the mix of FIA and smaller tracks and really appreciate the lack of Tilkedromes. Given the budget they had to work with, the fact that it blows Forza 5 away and is on the same page as GT's track selection, is simply outstanding.

I have more than a few complaints about the game, but yours and mine don't seem to line up

 

[GT1 Esperante]

Yes it would be nice to have better visual damage, but it's not a top priority for me. Even the visual damage in the GT series is enough for me, if the actual physical damage to the car is well done. I'm more concerned about radiator punctures being incorporated into the physics for example, than I am about seeing water leak onto the track and steam coming from the front of the car. To me the damage is more eye candy and I'd rather they spend more time on modeling other things with their very limited budget.

I am all for more intricate mechanical damage taking priority over the visual. Perhaps I have watched too many racing accident compilations on YouTube (oops)

Pretty much the same as above. Yes it would be great to have it fully modeled but again it's not a top priority so long as the physics aspects of pits stops are correctly done. They should fill fuel at the appropriate rate, change tires at the appropriate rate, pit stops should take the proper amount of time etc. Limited budget means other things take a higher priority.

That is true, fair enough.

Yes, we should be able to create timed races.

I know right?

Could we use more? Yes, of course. But I think the cars chosen for the game make a great mix of racing classes, both modern and historic, as well as modern track day and supercars and the DLC will only make it better. Track selection is IMO the best of any game I've played and adding the historic versions of some of the tracks via DLC will only make it better. I like the mix of FIA and smaller tracks and really appreciate the lack of Tilkedromes. Given the budget they had to work with, the fact that it blows Forza 5 away and is on the same page as GT's track selection, is simply outstanding.

Well absolutely, the game is a well rounded mix of many types of racing. Perhaps I am a tad greedy. But more is never bad.

I have more than a few complaints about the game, but yours and mine don't seem to line up

We both have different complaints apparently, I would love to hear yours.

 

[Johnnypenso]

We both have different complaints apparently, I would love to hear yours.

I've already voiced mine in the appropriate threads.

 

[BrandonW77]

We both have different complaints apparently, I would love to hear yours.

Your complaints have readily available answers though. The game is capable of very detailed damage, but the car manufacturers decided to not allow it. Pit crews are in the game but weren't quite perfect for release so they will be coming soon to a patch near you. I believe timed races are also being added. As for your car/track requests, I'm sure if you convinced the likes of Tudor/Rolex, DTM, and MotoGP ( ) to give SMS free access to their licenses then they would be included in the game ASAP. (And IndyCar is already slated to be added to the game via DLC.)

 

[GT1 Esperante]

Your complaints have readily available answers though. The game is capable of very detailed damage, but the car manufacturers decided to not allow it. Pit crews are in the game but weren't quite perfect for release so they will be coming soon to a patch near you. I believe timed races are also being added. As for your car/track requests, I'm sure if you convinced the likes of Tudor/Rolex, DTM, and MotoGP ( ) to give SMS free access to their licenses then they would be included in the game ASAP. (And IndyCar is already slated to be added to the game via DLC.)

Your words, they sooth my aching racing soul....

 

[Blood*Specter]

I saw some very convincing damage models in early video of game development. I was very surprised upon hearing reports that is was bad. I think SMS got a big hunk of what is good about racing. Of course SMS needs more time and money to produce more cars, racing modes and tracks.

They deserve a chance to iron the bugs out, and fully realize their design/development goals. They also need to develop relationships with the car manufacturers that are painfully missing from their initial release. That said, what they do offer is pretty damn good. I fully expect the car selection (both racing and road) to grow.

The most pronounced issue I see is with the steering control with DS4 controller and indeed with any controller in the PC version. Even though the PS4 renders beautifully, the game on PC with proper GPU is stunning.

No initial release game now a days is ready for prime time upon release. It's just a fact of life. Developers need to reach a deadline, and once they have it in view, they resolve to release and fix afterward.

The AI level of aggression and it's willingness to "Sena" you in the first corner (or any corner for that matter) mar the career mode, and solo racing. I mean if you really want that experience, just enter a race on-line.

I give SMS high marks on PCars. I would like to see them get the Logitech wheel back into play. But beyond that, I really think the controller problem is the only real blemish on the game. It really takes the fun out of the game. As losing control on a perfectly straight/level section of race way due to wheel jitter is frustrating as hell.

I should point out this is only with a DS4. I have no reference using a wheel.
I can't use my G27 on PS4. And Logitech USB driver and Profiler software versioning prevent me from using the same G27 on the PC version.

The remainder of problems are not going to be an issue for SMS to fix. The interesting part will be how soon they are addressed and fixed.

So what is left for SMS to prove is that they are capable of fixing their issues in a timely manner and keeping their word to their customers in terms of DLC.

No one can deny that for a grass roots project, augmented by laymen gamers and shoe string funding. Project Cars is indeed a successful and promising player in the sim racing market. And to offer it on PlayStation is simply off the hook. 👍 Project Cars is a hell of a racing/driving experience.

 

[Johnnypenso]

I should point out this is only with a DS4. I have no reference using a wheel.
I can't use my G27 on PS4. And Logitech USB driver and Profiler software versioning prevent me from using the same G27 on the PC version.

What is this issue about?

 

[Blood*Specter]

What is this issue about?

It seems that with Windows 8.1, the LGS (Logitech Gaming Software) will not properly install and detect the G27.
Also, the USB driver offered on the Logitech support page is a 32bit copy. Win8 is 64bit.

But people have been asking Logitech to update their driver and software for two years now. They have done nothing.

I really long to play this game with a wheel, because it just feels good and challenging. Plus the adjustments work in a realistic manner. I'm going to try an get my DS4 to work for both versions. I got the "DS4Windows.exe" to enable me to use the DS45 on my PC.

 

[Johnnypenso]

It seems that with Windows 8.1, the LGS (Logitech Gaming Software) will not properly install and detect the G27.
Also, the USB driver offered on the Logitech support page is a 32bit copy. Win8 is 64bit.

But people have been asking Logitech to update their driver and software for two years now. They have done nothing.

I really long to play this game with a wheel, because it just feels good and challenging. Plus the adjustments work in a realistic manner. I'm going to try an get my DS4 to work for both versions. I got the "DS4Windows.exe" to enable me to use the DS45 on my PC.

That means it won't work on W10 either I presume. That sucks!! I would rather upgrade to W10 while it's free but I don't want to have to buy another wheel in order to do it.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

It seems that with Windows 8.1, the LGS (Logitech Gaming Software) will not properly install and detect the G27.
Also, the USB driver offered on the Logitech support page is a 32bit copy. Win8 is 64bit.

But people have been asking Logitech to update their driver and software for two years now. They have done nothing.

I really long to play this game with a wheel, because it just feels good and challenging. Plus the adjustments work in a realistic manner. I'm going to try an get my DS4 to work for both versions. I got the "DS4Windows.exe" to enable me to use the DS45 on my PC.

Surely this 64 bit Windows 8 driver works: Link

That means it won't work on W10 either I presume. That sucks!! I would rather upgrade to W10 while it's free but I don't want to have to buy another wheel in order to do it.

Works fine for me in Windows 8.1 and I imagine with the G29 there will be a driver update too.

 

[Johnnypenso]

Surely this 64 bit Windows 8 driver works: Link

Works fine for me in Windows 8.1 and I imagine with the G29 there will be a driver update too.

 

[Blood*Specter]

That means it won't work on W10 either I presume. That sucks!! I would rather upgrade to W10 while it's free but I don't want to have to buy another wheel in order to do it.

I feel your pain. But I thought the talk was that WIN10 makes PCars jump. At any rate you may want to invest in some imaging software (chronos) to save your entire machine. Then you can restore the image if 10 does not work for you.
In my situation, WIN10 can't really hurt.

 

[Johnnypenso]

I feel your pain. But I thought the talk was that WIN10 makes PCars jump. At any rate you may want to invest in some imaging software (chronos) to save your entire machine. Then you can restore the image if 10 does not work for you.
In my situation, WIN10 can't really hurt.

^^^^^^^^^

 

[Blood*Specter]

View attachment 386544​

I will surely try it. Thank you both. Johnnypenso, I posted over in your garage too. Good to see you cranking out tunes.

 

[MANARANCHE]

View attachment 386544​

Equipment changes, equipment changes, and the jerk pays GRRRRRRR

 

[sems4arsenal]

Thought this was Honest game trailers, am dissapointed.

 

[GT1 Esperante]

I saw some very convincing damage models in early video of game development. I was very surprised upon hearing reports that is was bad. I think SMS got a big hunk of what is good about racing. Of course SMS needs more time and money to produce more cars, racing modes and tracks.

They deserve a chance to iron the bugs out, and fully realize their design/development goals. They also need to develop relationships with the car manufacturers that are painfully missing from their initial release. That said, what they do offer is pretty damn good. I fully expect the car selection (both racing and road) to grow.

The most pronounced issue I see is with the steering control with DS4 controller and indeed with any controller in the PC version. Even though the PS4 renders beautifully, the game on PC with proper GPU is stunning.

No initial release game now a days is ready for prime time upon release. It's just a fact of life. Developers need to reach a deadline, and once they have it in view, they resolve to release and fix afterward.

The AI level of aggression and it's willingness to "Sena" you in the first corner (or any corner for that matter) mar the career mode, and solo racing. I mean if you really want that experience, just enter a race on-line.

I give SMS high marks on PCars. I would like to see them get the Logitech wheel back into play. But beyond that, I really think the controller problem is the only real blemish on the game. It really takes the fun out of the game. As losing control on a perfectly straight/level section of race way due to wheel jitter is frustrating as hell.

I should point out this is only with a DS4. I have no reference using a wheel.
I can't use my G27 on PS4. And Logitech USB driver and Profiler software versioning prevent me from using the same G27 on the PC version.

The remainder of problems are not going to be an issue for SMS to fix. The interesting part will be how soon they are addressed and fixed.

So what is left for SMS to prove is that they are capable of fixing their issues in a timely manner and keeping their word to their customers in terms of DLC.

No one can deny that for a grass roots project, augmented by laymen gamers and shoe string funding. Project Cars is indeed a successful and promising player in the sim racing market. And to offer it on PlayStation is simply off the hook. 👍 Project Cars is a hell of a racing/driving experience.

I agree and understand all of your points. This game has the potential to blow the minds of racing lovers, and I am quite sure at this point that SMS will eventually build upon this fantastic base game to get it up to its full potential.