My Impressions of Shift 2 after day 1

[JamboGT]

Had an hour or two on the game so far.
First off it is crazy how quick you level up, have unlocked everything bar GT1 championship already.
Positives
Great track selection
Good car selection
Good tuning
Good modifications
Good livery editor
And then so far for me negatives…
AI, nothing to do with their speed, they have absolutely no awareness of where you are on track, they turn into you all the time and incessantly so that if contact does happen, and it will, they just keep turning causing both cars to go straight on, very frustrating. Thankfully if you get a good start, which isn't that hard, you can take the lead by the first corner so this isn't much of an issue.
Handling. The lag or dampening or the strangeness, whatever you want to call it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the sheer inconsistency of it all. It seems to change its mind from one corner to the next, from one lap to the next so its really hard for you to be anywhere near consistent. Every corner requires me turning in and then dealing with what happens rather than having an actual plan for the corner. Using the DS3 so far so maybe using the wheel will help. Also slow speed stuff is fine but at high speed it is not great.
Frame rate, I can live with 30fps, it isn't what I prefer but its fine, the problem is the time when the game seems to pause every now and then, pretty much in the same corners, never fun.
Graphically I am quit disappointed to but that doesn't matter so much. I would like the option to turn off the depth of field blur effect that happens at speed, I have to say when travelling fast I have been able to look at instruments and mirrors with no real problems.

I haven't had much time with the game due to my work, and maybe the wheel will help with some of the problems. Also playing online will get rid of the crappy AI however if the handling issues remain I don't see me playing this too long.

 

[the_greeze]

Are you playing the PS3 or XBox version?

 

[JamboGT]

Playing the PS3 version, writing my dissertation which is due this week so not had an extensive play yet. that is why I haven't got the wheel set up yet to play it.

 

[tyl0r_r]

AI, nothing to do with their speed, they have absolutely no awareness of where you are on track,

I must disagree. They know where I am: I was against the AI going down a long straight with a right hand turn at the end of it. I pushed too hard like an idiot and missed the ideal braking point and was turning very late, barely still on the track. The AI ahead of me down the straight delayed taking his proper turn-in point because I would have plowed straight into the side of his car, I was inside of him. He slowed, and turned several degrees left instead of toward the right. No collision, we both get to continue the race. He kept his position ahead of me and basically gets total credit for the save. I was so impressed with that moment that it overshadowed my disappointment in ruining the turn and losing a bunch of time getting all my wheels back on the road.

Edit: PS3 version.

 

[JamboGT]

I must disagree. They know where I am: I was against the AI going down a long straight with a right hand turn at the end of it. I pushed too hard like an idiot and missed the ideal braking point and was turning very late, barely still on the track. The AI ahead of me down the straight delayed taking his proper turn-in point because I would have plowed straight into the side of his car, I was inside of him. He slowed, and turned several degrees left instead of toward the right. No collision, we both get to continue the race. He kept his position ahead of me and basically gets total credit for the save. I was so impressed with that moment that it overshadowed my disappointment in ruining the turn and losing a bunch of time getting all my wheels back on the road.

Edit: PS3 version.

Maybe they get it right sometimes then?

 

[jaycee_xr3]

I was so close... Almost buy it last monday but, thanks to various reviews, I was aware about the lag and the poor frame rate before testing it at the store...
It's unforgivable, the steering responde at high speeds (at least with ds3) sucks.

I will wait for a patch.

 

[brambos]

thanks to various reviews, I was aware about the lag and the poor frame rate before testing it at the store... .

I've never noticed framerates as an issue while driving (at least not on PS3). Is there something wrong with it?

Also, the alleged lag isn't there when you play with a pad that has been set up properly (deadzones & sensitivity adjusted to taste).

Perhaps it's different for wheel users or Xbox/PC users?

 

[JamboGT]

I've never noticed framerates as an issue while driving (at least not on PS3). Is there something wrong with it?

Also, the alleged lag isn't there when you play with a pad that has been set up properly (deadzones & sensitivity adjusted to taste).

Perhaps it's different for wheel users or Xbox/PC users?

Am playing on PS3, occasionally it skips frames or something, always in the same spots it seems too. Have tried various recommended pad setups and its just not good so far in that respect.

 

[thecraftgeek]

I've just started playing it (PS3) an hour ago - agreed the steering lag is horrible....but if you tweak the deadzone & sensitivity it does change it massively, making it feel much better.

The default deadzone was something like 20% - thats waaaay too much!

 

[JamboGT]

I've just started playing it (PS3) an hour ago - agreed the steering lag is horrible....but if you tweak the deadzone & sensitivity it does change it massively, making it feel much better.

The default deadzone was something like 20% - thats waaaay too much!

Yeah I have the deadzone down to 1% now.

 

[jaycee_xr3]

I've never noticed framerates as an issue while driving (at least not on PS3). Is there something wrong with it?

Also, the alleged lag isn't there when you play with a pad that has been set up properly (deadzones & sensitivity adjusted to taste).

Perhaps it's different for wheel users or Xbox/PC users?

I don't know if is exactly a frame rate issue, but it freezes slightly on some track points.
The PC version has not problems at least where I try it (Friend's high en PC) but I don't own a decent PC

 

[mogreen42]

I've just started playing it (PS3) an hour ago - agreed the steering lag is horrible....but if you tweak the deadzone & sensitivity it does change it massively, making it feel much better.

The default deadzone was something like 20% - thats waaaay too much!

how would i make such tweeks? deadzone etc.....

 

[jaycee_xr3]

Yeah I have the deadzone down to 1% now.

That helps or don't?

 

[JamboGT]

It is better than default, it still isn't great.

The dampening is mainly a problem if the car gets a little sideways, it can cause a lot of see sawing before you can be under control again. as I said though the main problem to me feels like inconsistency, if it was the same each time you could learn the nuances of the handling model and adjust your driving to match it.

the way it is, however, feels like a magical mystery tour each time you enter a corner, rather than approach it with an idea of throttle input, apex etc a lot of the time you seem to have to "wing it" each time.

When I set the wheel up I will get a better idea.

 

[Pakt Sardine]

The AI has its moments of pure brilliance, but also moments (many, I might add) of pure stupidity. Most people mistake it for aggressiveness, but that's not the case. They are simply unaware in those moments.

The physics is another issue. The base production models (unmodded) are good, some or most mods make them "okay", and the Works conversions almost make the cars un-drivable (there are exceptions, I hear). Not to fear or be dismayed, because the FIA GT1 and GT3 cars are absolutely flawless. Well.. Maybe not flawless, but they are quite nice to drive.

I get the frame-skipping, too (I have the PS3 version as well). I also get the sound skipping during night races.

 

[JamboGT]

The AI has its moments of pure brilliance, but also moments (many, I might add) of pure stupidity. Most people mistake it for aggressiveness, but that's not the case. They are simply unaware in those moments.

The physics is another issue. The base production models (unmodded) are good, some or most mods make them "okay", and the Works conversions almost make the cars un-drivable (there are exceptions, I hear). Not to fear or be dismayed, because the FIA GT1 and GT3 cars are absolutely flawless. Well.. Maybe not flawless, but they are quite nice to drive.

I get the frame-skipping, too (I have the PS3 version as well). I also get the sound skipping during night races.

Regarding the AI I agree, my problems aren't aggressiveness, its the stupidity.

 

[bmwisme]

To those with little tweak or track time... patience pays big rewards! I too was ready drop kick it after the first day or so but I am so glad I stuck with it. I am old enough to be most game racer's dad - IF I CAN DO IT ANYONE CAN! I am not very good compaired to the serious but I can hold a line, race in close corners, and put up consistent times. Granted the DS3 is harder than a wheel (using a cheapo) but then again I don't play any games other than driving/racing so my thumb is out-of-shape.
For a change, after a week of Shift 2, I put in some laps with GT5. Wow, what a difference. Control at speed as very smoooooth, my speed and control through the grass/dirt when missing my braking point was great, kept my car scratch free (must be VERY hard paint), and after getting to the front I was amazed at all the beautiful scenery...
Then I put Shift 2 back in because I needed to get my heart rate back up. Spent a few hours doing nothing but trying to see how close I could come to the AutoLog track leaders. Wow, my Pagani is a blast on the edge.
Sure S2 had some problems - maybe I am more willing to enjoy what it does right...

 

[Pakt Sardine]

Regarding the AI I agree, my problems aren't aggressiveness, its the stupidity.

I've noticed, if you're like me and have to get used to a new racing game by turning the best line on for a little bit, that they looooooove the line. So a simple (but, not always right) remedy for the AI issue is to avoid the line as much as possible (straights, mostly). Or you can simply turn the line off like I did.

 

[JamboGT]

I've noticed, if you're like me and have to get used to a new racing game by turning the best line on for a little bit, that they looooooove the line. So a simple (but, not always right) remedy for the AI issue is to avoid the line as much as possible (straights, mostly). Or you can simply turn the line off like I did.

I have theline off, it usually isn't an issue anyway as they aren't all that fast so by half way through lap one I have been ahead. I have only done the first set of races and the retro races though so this may change.

 

[bmwisme]

Also, regaring the AI. Agreed they do some weird things "at times", but I found if I race like I "should" - hold a line, brake and accelerate when I "should", the AI is honorable. If I make the mistake or try to put my nose where I shouldn't I will pay the price - not just bounce off and continue.

 

[Pakt Sardine]

I have theline off, it usually isn't an issue anyway as they aren't all that fast so by half way through lap one I have been ahead. I have only done the first set of races and the retro races though so this may change.

It might. The game is supposed to have "adaptive" AI, so you'll see cars being a lot more competitive with you if you're getting first place all of the time. It would be a nice touch if the AI was smart all of the time but... They aren't.

 

[JamboGT]

Also, regaring the AI. Agreed they do some weird things "at times", but I found if I race like I "should" - hold a line, brake and accelerate when I "should", the AI is honorable. If I make the mistake or try to put my nose where I shouldn't I will pay the price - not just bounce off and continue.

I do race like I "should" though, I am not overly aggressive, I don't make over ambitious moves, it is very frustrating at times.

 

[JediRage]

...
AI, nothing to do with their speed, they have absolutely no awareness of where you are on track, they turn into you all the time and incessantly so that if contact does happen, and it will, they just keep turning causing both cars to go straight on, very frustrating. Thankfully if you get a good start, which isn't that hard, you can take the lead by the first corner so this isn't much of an issue.
...

You've been conditioned too deeply by GT5 I see. Ram your way into the front of the pack, disregard other cars and if you cut into the other cars' line, their fault for not flying in to the air to avoid you.

I guess this is what happens when you have to overtake 12 cars in one lap at the Nordschleife.

I've only seen one instance of the AI ramming in to me without reason. As others will say, they actually try and avoid you.

 

[bmwisme]

Don't get me wrong, you are most likely a much better game racer than myself. I haven't found the AI to be that bad most of the time - just putting in my $.02

 

[JamboGT]

You've been conditioned too deeply by GT5 I see. Ram your way into the front of the pack, disregard other cars and if you cut into the other cars' line, their fault for not flying in to the air to avoid you.

I guess this is what happens when you have to overtake 12 cars in one lap at the Nordschleife.

I've only seen one instance of the AI ramming in to me without reason. As others will say, they actually try and avoid you.

Sigh...

Assume much do you? I don't ram, I don't go for ambitious passing moves, Apparently I am not allowed to express opinion either.
(Now why did I view the post of a user I ignored some time before?)

 

[JediRage]

I'm trying really hard to see WHERE in my post I said you're not allowed to post an opinion. Assuming much are we?

Now why did I bother posting?

 

[JamboGT]

Don't get me wrong, you are most likely a much better game racer than myself. I haven't found the AI to be that bad most of the time - just putting in my $.02

I haven't played the game much, it hasn't happened every race so it isn't all the time or anything.

I think the frustrating thing is not that it happens but it is the continued turning on their part which causes both cars to go straight on that is the issue.

 

[thecraftgeek]

how would i make such tweeks? deadzone etc.....

Go into the control options...then you can enter the advanced control tab by pressing either R1 or R2 (can't remember which)....you'll then have plenty of settings to fiddle with.

 

[Pakt Sardine]

Well, I think the most frustrating thing about it is the inconsistency of it. If it were all of the time smart, or all of the time stupid, then you'd know what to expect and can act accordingly. This AI throws plenty of curve balls in this respect.


Hey, it may be frustrating, but at least it's not boring. That's all I'm saying.

 

[McLaren]

I've only seen one instance of the AI ramming in to me without reason. As others will say, they actually try and avoid you.

Kind of have to agree. If I cut them off through a turn by accident, they'll actually stay wide & even go in the grass. Sometimes, though, they're pretty sneaky and will come back around me into the next corner.

The only time I've been rammed is usually going into the first turn because 1 of the AI is trying to pass on my inside and bumping into me. These instances make it hard to try & out brake the AI into a turn sometimes because they may go wide & they may not. It pretty much means that you do need to keep an eye on them most of the time. As said above, they keep the race from being boring b/c they always have little tricks up their sleeves. I've noticed that 1 of these tricks is sometimes a faster car starting at the back, and finding his way up the field without notice & then waiting for you to make a mistake.