Project CARS 2 - Racing Sim vs Real.

[slthree]

I now realise I should have come on here and started the thread "Tell me everything you hate about SMS & Project CARS 2", because clearly sharing a very well put together and complimentary video doesn't fly.

Please don't feel that way, Nathan! Don't let these armchair critics affect you in any way.

Like I tweeted to Ian a month ago, this game is a masterpiece. There are virtually no games on any console that can't be picked apart in one form or another but that doesn't mean they aren't fantastic

I don't believe you owe me a single patch or fix for project cars 2. I've received enough of that already and I'm extremely pleased with the game.

Please continue to post here and don't let complainers and bratty children push you away.

To be perfectly honest, I don't understand how you have given us such a deep and robust game on a PS4 console. I also have AC for my PS4 Pro and it is extremely bare bones and I never play it

 

[NathanBell]

Cheers for the kind words guys. We do our best to support our games until our community is happy. The nature of sim racing games is a different beast, it truly is. They're so complex, they're almost impossible to polish to a perfect state - unless you have the budget of a Microsoft or a Sony. Even then it's not a guarantee. Unfortunately we don't have those kinds of budgets. We're just a medium-sized developer taking on the big boys - doing the best we can. I can tell you our internal attitude is and always has been keeping the customer happy - hence WMD and our constant involvement with the community throughout development. You all helped shape our games.

 

[Sick Cylinder]

I only just got round to watching the video clip and agree it is very close!

I realise that most people are probably more interested in modern GT3 cars however, where this game scores above its rivals, for me and my online friends, is in the selection of classic tracks and cars. The Historic Le Mans track and the associated cars from Porsche and Ferrari were outstanding - I very much want this thoughtful and high quality approach to continue with an expansion of the classic track and historic race car roster.

As an enthusiast I attend as many Historic race meetings each year as possible. This game enables me to re-enact those meetings and others from the past which I attended or read about or have watched thanks to the wonder of You Tube! A level of commonsense and knowledge is applied to car list which is not evident in other games. Obviously there is always room for improvement, but I would like to thank @NathanBell and @IanBell and all other SMS staff. Guys - please keep an eye on the suggestions threads as there are many good ideas for future game content from GTPlanet members!

 

[cjr3559]

where this game scores above its rivals, for me and my online friends, is in the selection of classic tracks and cars. The Historic Le Mans track and the associated cars from Porsche and Ferrari were outstanding - I very much want this thoughtful and high quality approach to continue with an expansion of the classic track and historic race car roster.

This x1000. The vintage track and car selections along with their respective DLC is the best there is.

 

[barryf1fan]

Cheers for the kind words guys. We do our best to support our games until our community is happy. The nature of sim racing games is a different beast, it truly is. They're so complex, they're almost impossible to polish to a perfect state - unless you have the budget of a Microsoft or a Sony. Even then it's not a guarantee. Unfortunately we don't have those kinds of budgets. We're just a medium-sized developer taking on the big boys - doing the best we can. I can tell you our internal attitude is and always has been keeping the customer happy - hence WMD and our constant involvement with the community throughout development. You all helped shape our games.

@NathanBell It may not mean a whole lot to you, but I think most people really appreciate the game. I, for one, am thrilled to have it, I wish it had this or that, or did this better. But in it's current state, i just love playing it; online, offline, TT, custom events, etc... It's like my 2012 GTI 6MT I have, I love this car - and there are still things about it, little nuances, that I wish were different (read: better) but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I SMILE every time I drive - feel the same way about your game. You guys kick so much ass, you're kicking dick!!

 

[Daz555]

I now realise I should have come on here and started the thread "Tell me everything you hate about SMS & Project CARS 2", because clearly sharing a very well put together and complimentary video doesn't fly.

@NathanBell Some people have indeed gone overboard with the criticism, agreed. That's the internet for you.

There is some honest fair criticism hidden amongst the toxic comments as well though and I'm sure SMS take such comments in the manner they are intended. I'll be honest I'm disappointed the game has been abandoned so soon. It does not stop my enjoyment but I think this game had even more to offer than we ended up with.

 

[Jab1362]

Some people have indeed gone overboard with the criticism, agreed. That's the internet for you.

There is some honest fair criticism hidden amongst the toxic comments as well though and I'm sure SMS take such comments in the manner they are intended. I'll be honest I'm disappointed the game has been abandoned so soon. It does not stop my enjoyment but I think this game had even more to offer than we ended up with.

I agree I’m disappointed too that the updates and the season pass ended. I thought you guys were just starting to really hit it out of the park. I originally bought the game for my ps4 and I enjoyed the game so much I upgraded to a xbox one x and a 4K tv. Like some others I really enjoy all the vintage cars and tracks to me they are such a great bonus in this game. With such a long time between games it would be nice to get some more content.

 

[Cholton82]

My wife would say that SMS has a lot to answer for , If your reading this @NathanBell I hold you and all of SMS accountable for the endless money your SIM has caused me to spend on my rig along with the countless hours spent enjoying it.

Damn you SMS for producing a great product.

 

[marmint]

Fix the ai's speed though water!
Make a dlc with the new gt3- and gte-cars, and the game would be perfect!
Too soon to abandon the game!

 

[Mr Grumpy]

There's so many more types/groups of cars I'd put in before adding anymore GT3/E cars.

Imo obviously.

 

[Krazymonkeys]

Cheers for the kind words guys. We do our best to support our games until our community is happy. The nature of sim racing games is a different beast, it truly is. They're so complex, they're almost impossible to polish to a perfect state - unless you have the budget of a Microsoft or a Sony. Even then it's not a guarantee. Unfortunately we don't have those kinds of budgets. We're just a medium-sized developer taking on the big boys - doing the best we can. I can tell you our internal attitude is and always has been keeping the customer happy - hence WMD and our constant involvement with the community throughout development. You all helped shape our games.

Interesting first post for me, but here it is:

I just recently was finally able to get into VR. It's something I've wanted to do since seeing the first videos for PC1. All the other things to do in VR are interesting, but shelling out $2k on a good laptop and another $500 on a hmd isn't something I was really willing to do for "interesting"... until I saw your game. The first game I bought was PC2. Does it have its quirks? Absolutely. Has it ever failed to put a s*** eating grin on my face? Hell no. I don't even have a decent wheel yet because my budget is still recovering from $2500 in gaming equipment over the last 2 months, but I still enjoy the game more than anything else I've ever played. Yes it has a few bugs, but nothing game breaking, and nothing unexpected from an undertaking so massive. Your comments about limited resources are honestly spot on. What you didn't say is that PC2 was released just before a whole new generation of video cards were released and with that comes the choice of getting left behind by other developers while continuing work on a game that was designed for older hardware or designing something truly breathtaking that will have a longer life cycle. Even the software giants do this, even though they have the budget to continue support.

 

[fernandito]

I enjoy this game every day

and holy when are you guys unveiling your next project. It's about bloody time don't you think

 

[NathanBell]

I enjoy this game every day

and holy when are you guys unveiling your next project. It's about bloody time don't you think

Yes I think it’s about bloody time. News coming very soon.

 

[FOG-Smokebeer]

eeeeeeeeeeeeek

 

[xtro01]

I am rediscovering the game after a 6 month pause I realized my wheel firmware was way outdated the other day and probably not fully compatible with the game I'm now completely comfortable with it and enjoying every bit of detail put into it... I just wish I didn't give any wrong feedback on the game because my experience with it was completely wrong for many months. I was trying to fix my issues in game when the peripheral was not working correctly to begin with. Also I hope next time in the requirements the dev could put the minimum firmware version the game has been tested on for each wheel supported.

 

[Sander 001]

Cheers for the kind words guys. We do our best to support our games until our community is happy. The nature of sim racing games is a different beast, it truly is. They're so complex, they're almost impossible to polish to a perfect state - unless you have the budget of a Microsoft or a Sony. Even then it's not a guarantee. Unfortunately we don't have those kinds of budgets. We're just a medium-sized developer taking on the big boys - doing the best we can. I can tell you our internal attitude is and always has been keeping the customer happy - hence WMD and our constant involvement with the community throughout development. You all helped shape our games.

Even Microsoft and Sony with their huge budgets haven’t done very well in getting the feel of driving physics. Project Cars 2 does a much better job!

Also absolutely love the intro song and menu music. The vintage voice overs are a really cool touch too.

 

[rj5992]

Also absolutely love the intro song and menu music. The vintage voice overs are a really cool touch too.

Totally agree on that. It's amazing how much the intro and soundtrack can influence a game. I think SMS really nailed the majestic aspect of road racing with the tone of the game... You kind of feel like you're going to be a driver in some kind of montage sequence each time you load up a track. I hope they keep that same feel and don't go for a manic tone that tries to pump you up in the next game.

Only other game I've come across recently that conveys such a strong emotion with its tone was Battlefield 1. The soundtrack for that game and the harrowing opening sequence really came across well that it wasn't going to be a game that glorified war.

 

[Nismonath5]

I must say I've recently gotten into PC2 with my new wheel setup, and I'm loving the racing feel! I can take virtually any car for a blast and thoroughly enjoy it! Props to SMS!!

Though if you could maybe be so kind as to add some extra NZ tracks...?

 

[jake2013guy]

Though if you could maybe be so kind as to add some extra NZ tracks...?

Pukekohe would be nice.

 

[Sander 001]

Totally agree on that. It's amazing how much the intro and soundtrack can influence a game. I think SMS really nailed the majestic aspect of road racing with the tone of the game... You kind of feel like you're going to be a driver in some kind of montage sequence each time you load up a track. I hope they keep that same feel and don't go for a manic tone that tries to pump you up in the next game.

Only other game I've come across recently that conveys such a strong emotion with its tone was Battlefield 1. The soundtrack for that game and the harrowing opening sequence really came across well that it wasn't going to be a game that glorified war.

Yup, GT was known for its great soundtracks and music flavour but PC2 outdoes them, especially now with the emphasis on competitive racing. The pop is nowhere near as good.

Love BF1, great score as well as superb sound design overall, wish BF5 was even half as good. Wish BF5 was half as good in all areas actually!

 

[mattikake]

Well I kind of hope it is accurate given you laser scanned the tracks. If it wasn't, there'd be something wrong with your programming!

Still, good stuff though.

Funny how a pro-pc2 post instantly degenerates into a "how dare you be bolshy, it's still not finished yet" argument. Such bi-polar-ness. PC2's singular defining feature. It may well only be remembered for just that. To abandon an unfinished game, for version 3, isn't very professional though. More like something you'd expect to find from one guy doing it for fun as a hobby from a 90's public domain freeware game.

For most other products a manufacturer is often legally obligated to make a product "as described" and "fit for purpose" or they can expect to issue refunds. Pains me that for some reason (historical piracy, now no longer possible?) software is exempt.

But it is what it is. Still a vast improvement on PC1 in all areas.

I wanted something you could be seriously competitive with, but there's too many issues that appear to randomly affect people [on PS4] that can ruin a race even before the lights turn green, so I just treat it as something that's for a bit of fun. I no longer care about winning races. Nor my licence rating. I only about having some fun scraps. Not much different to Mario Kart on the SNES. If you want serious competitive racing you do what everyone else does and build a ninja PC for iRacing.

edit: btw, looking at the two speedo readings made me smile. Pretty close on max and min speeds, and on the acceleration.

 

[Sloppy Shades]

Cheers for the kind words guys. We do our best to support our games until our community is happy. The nature of sim racing games is a different beast, it truly is. They're so complex, they're almost impossible to polish to a perfect state - unless you have the budget of a Microsoft or a Sony. Even then it's not a guarantee. Unfortunately we don't have those kinds of budgets. We're just a medium-sized developer taking on the big boys - doing the best we can. I can tell you our internal attitude is and always has been keeping the customer happy - hence WMD and our constant involvement with the community throughout development. You all helped shape our games.

I loved both the Pcars releases, even if the first was a very rough diamond. I loved the second so much I spent a couple of months tuning all the cars in career mode to make a guide for beginners to be able to have lots of fun with the game. The threads are here and over at your forums. (Sloppy fast stable and fun career tunes) .
Nothing I found during all that intense racing was enough of a problem to stop me from having a blast, I talked about the hurdles and how to get past them. Only ONE issue stopped me playing as I love long races and pit stop strategy .PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remove those ghastly random pit errors. Or give us the option to turn them off. I literally quit playing pc2 and switched to the F1 series so I could race for 2 hours without having to watch my pit crew spend an AGE ruining an exciting race by spending 90 seconds repairing a car without a single mechanical problem and therefore destroying the race and also race series as well.
I would marry your game if the random race destruction was made optional. At the moment I'm waiting for her to call me saying she wants me back as I miss her so much. It's like living with a beautiful and caring woman who makes a superb 3 course meal which you are enjoying immensely only to have it ruined by her dropping a silent and deadly during desert. You have to draw the line somewhere!
Oh, great video by the way I also had those "is this real or what?? " moments a number of times!

 

[slthree]

I'm puzzled by this last post. To compare this masterpiece to Mario Kart is ludicrous. It almost makes me think you have a personal agenda against SMS

This game is phenomenal for PS4. It actually is incredibly deep for a console that's not all that powerful.

I can't speak to online racing and lobbies since I'm mostly an offline racer. But, your criticisms are way off base.

Would we love to see patches and/or updates still? Of course. Every human who plays any game on Earth would say the same. But, SMS owes us NOTHING. They have more than earned my money for this product.

 

[pyrates]

I can't speak to online racing and lobbies since I'm mostly an offline racer. But, your criticisms are way off base.

To be fair, how do these two sentences make sense? On the one hand you have no knowledge about online racing but then say his criticisms regarding competitive online racing are off base?

 

[slthree]

To be fair, how do these two sentences make sense? On the one hand you have no knowledge about online racing but then say his criticisms regarding competitive online racing are off base?

There were elements of his criticism that covered more than online racing.

 

[pyrates]

There were elements of his criticism that covered more than online racing.

I am sorry but where?

I wanted something you could be seriously competitive with, but there's too many issues that appear to randomly affect people [on PS4] that can ruin a race even before the lights turn green, so I just treat it as something that's for a bit of fun. I no longer care about winning races. Nor my licence rating. I only about having some fun scraps. Not much different to Mario Kart on the SNES. If you want serious competitive racing you do what everyone else does and build a ninja PC for iRacing.

 

[Sick Cylinder]

Still a vast improvement on PC1 in all areas.

Apart from the audio mix / bass volume level.

If you want serious competitive racing you do what everyone else does and build a ninja PC for iRacing.

Or race in a league of which there are many listed on GTPlanet for PS4.

I very rarely encounter any issues with PC2 and I've raced online every week since release. They can occur and are frustrating when they do, but a new room normally sorts things in my experience.

PS from watching your overtakes thread, you are far too quick for random online racing - I think you would get more challenge and pleasure from an appropriate league.

 

[IfAndOr]

@pyrates to be fair to @slthree he did say he was mostly an offline racer, not that he had no knowledge of it. I've raced with him at least a couple of times and without any "issues". So his online experience would generally be positive. I hope!

As is my online experience and I race twice a week! Certainly no worse than any other racing games I have (PS4). In fact I rarely have any problems with the game on-line and off and find it very enjoyable. I certainly wouldn't call it abandoned and unfinished. Maybe unfulfilled might be a better description. A little extra polish and perhaps a little extra content would have pleased many. But as @mattikake says, it is what it is.

And as for the video, yes very realistic. You can get lost in the actually being there effect at times. Strangely more so than in GTS which has the graphical edge.


(I think @Sick Cylinder that @mattikake does mainly race in leagues.)

 

[slthree]

I am sorry but where?

I'm glad to hear you're sorry. Few people ever admit they've missed something.

Unfortunately, I won't be continuing this conversation with you anymore. If you can't see his criticisms of SMS in his original post, then that is not my burden to prove.

Have a nice day and let's just continue to have fun with the racing games we love

 

[slthree]

@pyrates to be fair to @slthree he did say he was mostly an offline racer, not that he had no knowledge of it. I've raced with him at least a couple of times and without any "issues". So his online experience would generally be positive. I hope!


(I think @Sick Cylinder that @mattikake does mainly race in leagues.)

Thanks If! Yes, I have nothing negative to say about online because I've only experienced it with your group of racers, Sick's group, and you guys are as polite as you are FAST!

And, I've joined a few others who share the same views on racing etiquette.

I have never just joined an online lobby where I knew no one.

And, I will repeat that I don't feel SMS owes me anything and I do feel like they have given me plenty of content for my money.

Of course, I have a wish list of things I'd love to change. (being able to schedule multiple pit stops, more than 2X tire wear, an overhead full track flyover camera: just to name 3) But, who doesn't?

I'm trying to finish up my work so I can rush home and race for an hour before going back out tonight!

Thank you SMS