Relaxed, General Forza 5 Chat
- Thread starter RacerPaul
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- 4,384
Well, it's the simple things like:
* Exhaust/cam upgrades making a major difference in sound ala FM2
* Rear diffusers along with a rear wing on practically all cars, again ala FM2
* Lobbies, rivals and all that
There's a tonne of stuff I can try to recall.. but what's the point? They're still using the same rim collection from FM3 for cryin' out loud.
Have a feeling though, great things are coming with FM6 and 7. Think back to the transition from FM2 to 4. 4 almost looks and feels like it's on another platform.
T10 know their stuff, it's cutting out features that is a bit off putting, but meehh.
@RacerPaul Man, if they don't bring pitstops and endurance races that require proper tire/fuel use strategy along with the need to pit, I'm giving up on Forza!
- 14,436
- Los Angeles, CA
- Lma_robot
- lImaRobotl
From what I see is that it does happen on some cars, not all though however. I upgraded the Wraith completely and it was so dull.
Those rear diffusers were ugly, especially with the exhaust coming out of the bumper, but if they can implement a better one Im all for that actually. What are you talking about on that wing though?
Lobbies I do miss, but rivals? What exactly is missing from Rivals?
- 4,384
I meant the front and rear wings were not the only adjustable race mods in FM2.. you had rear diffusers too. Sure, they can look wierd on some cars, but they plant the rear down, and work great combined with a rear wing.
It would be cool though to select from a number of front/rear wings and rear diffusers. FM2 had only one generic type of diffuser. FM3, 4 and 5 still have more or less one basic type of front/rear wing for muscle cars, exotics and so on.
I would just love to select different types of wings, diffusers, wheel spacers and racing and/or wide body kit upgrades, along with the ability to mod brake/headlights, side view mirrors, add roof scoops, more options for aftermarket hoods, skirts and bumpers. You get the idea. A new rim collection would really make my day too. So would 1000+ HP upgrades, especially for dem' muscled up beauties.
Left me disappointed FM5 didn't offer all this, but mehhh! Still having a jolly good time with FM4.
It would be cool though to select from a number of front/rear wings and rear diffusers. FM2 had only one generic type of diffuser. FM3, 4 and 5 still have more or less one basic type of front/rear wing for muscle cars, exotics and so on.
I would just love to select different types of wings, diffusers, wheel spacers and racing and/or wide body kit upgrades, along with the ability to mod brake/headlights, side view mirrors, add roof scoops, more options for aftermarket hoods, skirts and bumpers. You get the idea. A new rim collection would really make my day too. So would 1000+ HP upgrades, especially for dem' muscled up beauties.
Left me disappointed FM5 didn't offer all this, but mehhh! Still having a jolly good time with FM4.
- 14,436
- Los Angeles, CA
- Lma_robot
- lImaRobotl
@Speedster911 Aw I must have misread it then. What I wish you could do is add the front splitter to any of the aftermarket kits, instead of just having it on the stock body. Opening up more uniqueness in the higher classes where downforce is absolutely necessary sometimes.
As for the customization options, I would like all that minus the roof scoops. I especially would like some spacers, some cars drastically need it. I think adding those little square "race" mirrors would be awesome as well, a nice little touch to make it look more "track car" ish.
As for the customization options, I would like all that minus the roof scoops. I especially would like some spacers, some cars drastically need it. I think adding those little square "race" mirrors would be awesome as well, a nice little touch to make it look more "track car" ish.
- 4,384
@ImaRobot Absolutely! Or how about those racing cockpit upgrades Ala' Shift 2? 
I like the front splitter idea, I do. Not a very big fan of adding that Forza front wing with the big metallic arms sticking out. Wish I could get rid of those.
Exhaust upgrades T10..helloo!? Please give use different exhausts to choose from... not just for looks but also to change sound and performance characteristics.
Oh heyyy I forgot: I want those engine upgrades that make the cams stick out of the hood, reminiscent of Dom's Charger from Fast and Furious!
I like the front splitter idea, I do. Not a very big fan of adding that Forza front wing with the big metallic arms sticking out. Wish I could get rid of those.
Exhaust upgrades T10..helloo!? Please give use different exhausts to choose from... not just for looks but also to change sound and performance characteristics.
Oh heyyy I forgot: I want those engine upgrades that make the cams stick out of the hood, reminiscent of Dom's Charger from Fast and Furious!
- 1,789
- The Motor City
- HAL20xx
- HAL20xx
That was a blower and intake.@ImaRobot
Oh heyyy I forgot: I want those engine upgrades that make the cams stick out of the hood, reminiscent of Dom's Charger from Fast and Furious!
- 4,384
- 2,045
- TX
- whitemanLS1
How can cams stick out the hood?!
A nitrous backfire is one way to make a lot of things stick through the hood.
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- 4,384
Okay, so I don't mean to taint the relaxed chat mode or anything but, was checking out a load of FM5 vids today..especially vids of stock vs tuned sound.
I've got to say the upgrades still don't change the character and "personality" of the sound the way it should. It still sounds like the same engine.. just louder.. with more prominent turbo or supercharger sounds. Saw vids of the Supra, Mustang Cobra, WRX Impreza and R33 Skyline.
For those of you who do own FM5, do you think T10 didn't exactly hit the mark with sound, or do you feel they are adequate? I know judging from YToob vids isn't the best indicator, but I just cannot help but notice how the sound are just a simple upgrade from FM4 - you can hear the exhaust even better this time, turbo sounds are more pronounced, doppler effect has been better implemented, but that's it.
I also watched several onboard and replay vids of FM5 first with the Aventador and then Murceilago SV. Then checked out the same on YouTube. FM5 still sounds synthesized and linear/loopy. What will it take for the devs to simulate engine under load sounds?
Once again, can't help but mention D3's fantastic sound design and modeling.
@BoneSawTX
@TayeezSA
@Fat Tyre
@TheCrazySwede Any thoughts at all?
I've got to say the upgrades still don't change the character and "personality" of the sound the way it should. It still sounds like the same engine.. just louder.. with more prominent turbo or supercharger sounds. Saw vids of the Supra, Mustang Cobra, WRX Impreza and R33 Skyline.
For those of you who do own FM5, do you think T10 didn't exactly hit the mark with sound, or do you feel they are adequate? I know judging from YToob vids isn't the best indicator, but I just cannot help but notice how the sound are just a simple upgrade from FM4 - you can hear the exhaust even better this time, turbo sounds are more pronounced, doppler effect has been better implemented, but that's it.
I also watched several onboard and replay vids of FM5 first with the Aventador and then Murceilago SV. Then checked out the same on YouTube. FM5 still sounds synthesized and linear/loopy. What will it take for the devs to simulate engine under load sounds?
Once again, can't help but mention D3's fantastic sound design and modeling.
@BoneSawTX
@TayeezSA
@Fat Tyre
@TheCrazySwede Any thoughts at all?
- 2,744
- England
- RacerPaul65
After coming over from GT's notoriously whiny sounds, I'm in engine noise heaven with Forza 5 (and 4 before it)
Of course that's not an indicator as to how good/realistic Forza's sounds are, given the above
edit: kind of off topic but allow me to ramble, i'll get to the point eventually...
I've finally got round to upgrading my pc so that I can play at a decent level settings-wise the 4 old-ish pc games I have on my shelf
GT Legends
GTR2
rFactor
Race WTCC
They are indeed epic, given the amount of adjustability of the cars and the amount of third party cars and tracks available
It's taken a lot of tweaking of the gfx card and various other settings to achieve results that I can live with
So there's a lot to be said for console gaming imo when you can just pop the disc in and be ready to go
Of course that's not an indicator as to how good/realistic Forza's sounds are, given the above
edit: kind of off topic but allow me to ramble, i'll get to the point eventually...
I've finally got round to upgrading my pc so that I can play at a decent level settings-wise the 4 old-ish pc games I have on my shelf
GT Legends
GTR2
rFactor
Race WTCC
They are indeed epic, given the amount of adjustability of the cars and the amount of third party cars and tracks available
It's taken a lot of tweaking of the gfx card and various other settings to achieve results that I can live with
So there's a lot to be said for console gaming imo when you can just pop the disc in and be ready to go
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- 2,534
- Johannesburg
- Tayeedz1
@Speedster911 has brought me to the other side
Alright, so I haven't owned an Xbox before but have played them a few times.
I got around to trying Forza but I've seen plenty of Youtube vids.
I'd agree with @Speedster911, but I'd say that FM5's sound is a polished version of FM4's. FM4 for me has some pretty loud and somewhat distorting exhaust noise. FM5 sounds very polished. I'm surprised to hear that with FM5 the exhausts don't really change in sound when they're modded.
I'd say T10 is adequate in sound. I congratulate them on their samples very much although they just need to broaden their spectrum when it comes to mods and other sounds. I'd say they're pretty much on their way to good things.
To compare to GT though, it's a tie. Tie in the sense of in FM, while they have great samples, the emission of the sound is a bit standard for me. GT is the opposite.
Alright, so I haven't owned an Xbox before but have played them a few times.
I got around to trying Forza but I've seen plenty of Youtube vids.
I'd agree with @Speedster911, but I'd say that FM5's sound is a polished version of FM4's. FM4 for me has some pretty loud and somewhat distorting exhaust noise. FM5 sounds very polished. I'm surprised to hear that with FM5 the exhausts don't really change in sound when they're modded.
I'd say T10 is adequate in sound. I congratulate them on their samples very much although they just need to broaden their spectrum when it comes to mods and other sounds. I'd say they're pretty much on their way to good things.
To compare to GT though, it's a tie. Tie in the sense of in FM, while they have great samples, the emission of the sound is a bit standard for me. GT is the opposite.
- 589
- United States
I'll say this: FM5's exhaust sounds are very accurate representations of their respective motors. What Forza does replicate in sound, it does well, but it doesn't replicate everything. Here's a video of my favorite racer, GTR2:
Notice how many different sounds there are compared to FM5? You got squeaking racing brakes, the racing ignition, the turbo, the transmission, the tires, the suspension, the exhaust, gravel sound, the wind, and on, and on. I believe GTR2 has 32 different sounds going on at any given time, from the car alone. This can always be added upon with mods.
Mind you, this game was developed in 2004.
That's what FM5 is missing. It's not that they do a bad job at replicating sounds. They just aren't replicating the whole picture. Personally, I prefer to leave all of my exhaust stock on my FM5 cars. They sound much better, IMO. Wasn't like that, for me, in FM4.
Notice how many different sounds there are compared to FM5? You got squeaking racing brakes, the racing ignition, the turbo, the transmission, the tires, the suspension, the exhaust, gravel sound, the wind, and on, and on. I believe GTR2 has 32 different sounds going on at any given time, from the car alone. This can always be added upon with mods.
Mind you, this game was developed in 2004.
That's what FM5 is missing. It's not that they do a bad job at replicating sounds. They just aren't replicating the whole picture. Personally, I prefer to leave all of my exhaust stock on my FM5 cars. They sound much better, IMO. Wasn't like that, for me, in FM4.
- 4,384
@Speedster911 has brought me to the other side
Alright, so I haven't owned an Xbox before but have played them a few times.
I got around to trying Forza but I've seen plenty of Youtube vids.
I'd agree with @Speedster911, but I'd say that FM5's sound is a polished version of FM4's. FM4 for me has some pretty loud and somewhat distorting exhaust noise. FM5 sounds very polished. I'm surprised to hear that with FM5 the exhausts don't really change in sound when they're modded.
I'd say T10 is adequate in sound. I congratulate them on their samples very much although they just need to broaden their spectrum when it comes to mods and other sounds. I'd say they're pretty much on their way to good things.
To compare to GT though, it's a tie. Tie in the sense of in FM, while they have great samples, the emission of the sound is a bit standard for me. GT is the opposite.
Oh you must get a 360 just to experience FM4. THE best sim on that console. There's a way to fix those loud distorted notes; also noteworthy, it happens on some sound systems not all. How you've set up your in game sound also plays a contributing role. Make sure you have your output set to Home Theater, in game sound to around 15 or 16 (keep it under 18) and set the sound focus to tyres. I feel that evens out the sound better. Give it a go. Also your console's output should be set to DD not DD w/WMA Pro as that can make the sound too sharp and "trebly" in most games.
Going back to history, FM3 had virtually no change in sound after upgrades and FM2 did an amazing job as you added on parts - most noticeable were cam and exhaust upgrades.
Good things are indeed in wait.. I know for a fact T10 is capable of a heckuva lot more than meets the eye. They're being somewhat held back by hardware number 1, and number 2, it's common business sense not to unveil all your goods in one offering!
Gosh, I can hardly wait to see all that detail in a Forza game. They've done wonderful things with audio, but they can do SO much more. I hope they never get stuck in that race to deliver too many cars on launch.
The exhaust/cam sounds was one reason I stopped upgrading in FM3 altogether. I would drive only stock cars or race-ready cars. And yes, FM4 does portray a noticeable change in engine/exhaust audio characteristics as a result, though FM2 did this better. The idle sounds are also very pleasing in FM4. Dang.. can't help but drag D3 into this!
However, I'd say there is major room for improvement, and after the release of FM6, we should be able to see some drastic upgrades in audio fidelity and detail. Provided they don't focus too much on graphics.. which seems to be the case in FM5, as the game still has disappointing particle effects, while offering stunning car and track detail. I for one, am looking forward to some graphical consistency and audio being at the SAME level as graphics, if not higher.
I can't view UToob vids.. link please!
- 589
- United States
Gosh, I can hardly wait to see all that detail in a Forza game. They've done wonderful things with audio, but they can do SO much more. I hope they never get stuck in that race to deliver too many cars on launch.
The exhaust/cam sounds was one reason I stopped upgrading in FM3 altogether. I would drive only stock cars or race-ready cars. And yes, FM4 does portray a noticeable change in engine/exhaust audio characteristics as a result, though FM2 did this better. The idle sounds are also very pleasing in FM4. Dang.. can't help but drag D3 into this!
However, I'd say there is major room for improvement, and after the release of FM6, we should be able to see some drastic upgrades in audio fidelity and detail. Provided they don't focus too much on graphics.. which seems to be the case in FM5, as the game still has disappointing particle effects, while offering stunning car and track detail. I for one, am looking forward to some graphical consistency and audio being at the SAME level as graphics, if not higher.
I can't view UToob vids.. link please!
Part of me thinks it's going to take a long time until we see detail like THIS in a Forza title. (I put the youtube video in that link)
FM3, FM4, and FM5, along with the Colin McRae Rally games, Grid 1 and Dirt 1 and the TOCA racing games, had all of their sound work done by these guys: http://www.theaudioguys.co.uk/
While they do a great job, they don't get down to the amount of detail like the lads over at SimBin or whoever Codies are using these days. I remember reading an article about how SimBin is using Tesla's to record different suspension, brakes, etc. setups. Also, following behind cars in a silent electric car is really clever. Their argument is that there are a lot of sounds left out when all you do is a dyno run, which is what those guys do with Forza. They want to replicate the sound of every little thing on a car, from light load to heavy load.
Whatever Codies is doing in terms of audio, it's working very well! My favorite racer at the moment is their F1 series (I'm a complete F1 nut) and the sound in those games is fantastic. You got different engine and exhaust notes, gravel sound, suspension, transmission, KERS, the wind, sparks flying when you scrape the ground, information from your pit crew, etc. Not to mention, the game itself is super fun. Likewise, D3 has amazing sounds. I love how "dirty" the dirt game sounds, haha. Race cars don't sound like civilized road cars. They are mean, dirty, arrogant and always, always pissed off. Not many cars in FM5 sound like that. My two favorite sounding cars in FM5 is the McLaren F1 (the induction sound and the sound of the V12 from cockpit view sounds spot on. I've compared it to a video I have of when I was in an F1 and they sound very identical) and the other is the Ferrari 250GTO, mainly because of how they captured the sound of those Weber carbs under load. I own Weber carbs and I'm a huge fan of them, so the fact that they nailed that sound is awesome. Unfortunately, they didn't do the same for the Aston and the Jag. What a shame....
McLaren
Premium
- 45,702
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This is one of the bigger cons Camaroboy & I had with the game compared to FM4 where mods such as even weight reduction, allowed a more audible sound from the car. Throwing upgraded cams were also instantly noticeable & gave cars such as the Super Mk. IV, Grand Sport, or GT500 a really nice sound.
- 4,384
Mehh, on the upside of things, you guys can still go back to FM4 as and when you please!
I will check out those links soon, just wanted to shoot a reply first:
Codies and SimBin are probably among the top 3 pioneers in virtual driving audio today. Their work is unparalleled and really speaks for itself. Topnotch stuff. BTW, I'm sure you're aware of this - T10 used a Tesla in FM4 to record the tire screech and road noise sounds and as well as wind noise. I'm sure they must have done something similar in FM5, but I'll tell you very frankly, I prefer the tire screech and exhaust pop and crackling sounds from FM4. I know I'm basing this off YouTube vids, but you get a very fair idea of it all.
Oh yes, I just love the cars getting dirty, along with their dirty sounds! Too good a feeling. I don't really get tired of playing D3 even after hours, even though I somewhat resent 30 fps in driving games!
The F1 sound, they had nailed back in FM4. It sounds oh so meaty and wonderfully accurate. The best part - it gets meatier with upgrades. The Ferraris and Lambos are fairly close as well. The Aston sounds are good too, particularly the One-77 and DBS. The Vanquish sounds a bit dull by contrast, even though it isn't IRL. Speaking of McLarens, I'm not overly impressed with the MP4-12C(hope I got the model name right this time), as it's missing a few details - far more exciting to listen to IRL. But this is given - you have so many cars, some details will get lost in the mix. Anyhoo...
T10 extending their deadline to 3 years or more for each game, is highly unlikely. So I suppose we'll have to put up with these minor annoyances. I bet PCARS will not have a single inconsistency audio-wise. I know that's really saying something, but I'm fairly confident it won't.
Edit: Just checked out the GTR2 link. Man.... blown away again by the audio. I couldn't believe that was a sim and not an actual video. I don't think we're seeing this in Forza game anytime soon. At the rate they are progressing with the sound design, I doubt it. I mean FM3 to 4 was a pretty major jump. 4 to 5, not to the same effect.
I hope SimBin considers making console sims one day. We have got to have our hands on this.. we must! BTW, the player loses it pretty good on one particular exit, almost hitting the distance markers. Nice save! He was driving one of those old school BMW GT cars wasn't he? The M1 I think. And the way he was moving that wheel, that's exactly how the wheel should be moving in Forza cockpit views. Come on T10, up your game already!
I will check out those links soon, just wanted to shoot a reply first:
Codies and SimBin are probably among the top 3 pioneers in virtual driving audio today. Their work is unparalleled and really speaks for itself. Topnotch stuff. BTW, I'm sure you're aware of this - T10 used a Tesla in FM4 to record the tire screech and road noise sounds and as well as wind noise. I'm sure they must have done something similar in FM5, but I'll tell you very frankly, I prefer the tire screech and exhaust pop and crackling sounds from FM4. I know I'm basing this off YouTube vids, but you get a very fair idea of it all.
Oh yes, I just love the cars getting dirty, along with their dirty sounds! Too good a feeling. I don't really get tired of playing D3 even after hours, even though I somewhat resent 30 fps in driving games!
The F1 sound, they had nailed back in FM4. It sounds oh so meaty and wonderfully accurate. The best part - it gets meatier with upgrades. The Ferraris and Lambos are fairly close as well. The Aston sounds are good too, particularly the One-77 and DBS. The Vanquish sounds a bit dull by contrast, even though it isn't IRL. Speaking of McLarens, I'm not overly impressed with the MP4-12C(hope I got the model name right this time), as it's missing a few details - far more exciting to listen to IRL. But this is given - you have so many cars, some details will get lost in the mix. Anyhoo...
T10 extending their deadline to 3 years or more for each game, is highly unlikely. So I suppose we'll have to put up with these minor annoyances. I bet PCARS will not have a single inconsistency audio-wise. I know that's really saying something, but I'm fairly confident it won't.
Edit: Just checked out the GTR2 link. Man.... blown away again by the audio. I couldn't believe that was a sim and not an actual video. I don't think we're seeing this in Forza game anytime soon. At the rate they are progressing with the sound design, I doubt it. I mean FM3 to 4 was a pretty major jump. 4 to 5, not to the same effect.
I hope SimBin considers making console sims one day. We have got to have our hands on this.. we must! BTW, the player loses it pretty good on one particular exit, almost hitting the distance markers. Nice save! He was driving one of those old school BMW GT cars wasn't he? The M1 I think. And the way he was moving that wheel, that's exactly how the wheel should be moving in Forza cockpit views. Come on T10, up your game already!
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- 589
- United States
A good sound system makes a huge difference. I remember playing FM4 with our 7.1 surround sound for the first time. Huuuuge difference. We have two subs in our system, and the V8's really did rumble! Couldn't get the system to work with the XBOX Juan, so I don't know how FM5 will sound. Heck, the sound system made GT6 sound descent. Dirt 3, though, sounds like a battlefield with the system on full blast. I have the music off, so after races, the menus would make it seem like the world had stopped...that's how quiet it would get, haha.
Here's another cool video. A friend of mine I race with IRL is driving the Ford GT40 around a 1975 rendition of the Nordschleife (GTR2): Link
I still can't believe this game was made in 2004. Comes to show how far ahead SimBin was back then. I've been part of pCar's development since the beginning, and although the cars sound awesome, they are very....choppy. Have you played NFS: Shift 2? They sound a lot like that. Shouldn't be a surprise, since it's by the same studio. Although the cars sound good, the quality is nowhere near as crisp as Forza or Dirt. Choppy is the best word I can use. Don't know how else to describe it.
- 1,693
- Connecticut
- GroupB
They did. Race Pro for the 360 sank without a trace.
- 10,871
- Plymouth, UK
- motorforum
@Speedster911 the 12C in Forza represents the earliest models on sale. The car has had exhaust and engine work to make a better sound, based on customer feedback. It was also offered as a retrofit upgrade so there might be very few left on videos that are the earlier car.
- 4,384
"Sank without a trace"... "Yeeelph! Maydayy!"
I was among those folks ultra-excited to see a SimBin game coming to the 360 and rushed out to get it... suffice it to say, I never knew I could experience disappointment on such a grand level.
Ahhh, you don't sayy! No wonder it sounds uninteresting compared to all those car review and Top Gear vids. Even the turbo isn't that audible, and the notes remain uninspiring after upgrades. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction VXR! This explains a lot.. the 12C on those Top Gear segments sounds growly and oh so pleasing to the ears. Does FM5 have this latest model?
The F1 and F1 GT on the other hand... mind-blowing and spot on.
Sorry Forza.. sorry if I doubted you.... you'll always be my favorite pet.
It does indeed. Not just the system itself but also how you place the speakers. That, and setting up the in-game sound properly as well. After all the right tweaks, I changed my speaker set up in a way, so as to accommodate two more satellites and an additional smaller sub-woofer.
Even though I get 2.1 digital stereo surround, some of my gaming buds have remarked how the system can hold up against a mid-range Dolby Digital set up. I don't get DD 5.1 since the amp doesn't support connections from external sources, it only does 5.1 through the built-in DVD/CD player...
. Bought it in a hurry, cos I loved the sound quality so much...mehh, serves me right. 
Anyway, the four satellites are placed high up.. the mids in the center, and both subs close to the corner...so I'm getting all the right high, low and mid frequency in the sweet spots. The additional sub really helped, as it not only made the sound more pronounced, but now you can also hear the bass better rather than just feeling it more. Works out great when you want to hear the engine AND exhaust...along with the tires squealing, turbo kicking in, transmission whine etc. Shooters are a real treat.
The GTR2 vid (as usual) blew me to bits as soon as I heard that GT40 hit it's top rev range. The cockpit cam movement is really good too and the simulation looks convincing.
I hear you when you say the cars sound choppy in PCARS. Though I saw a vid few months back titled "sound is everything", and in that specific vid they sounded very true to life. However, almost every gameplay vid I've seen on YouTube, they do sound "choppy". I know exactly what you mean - it's as if the sounds lack character and it's just a simply rev up/rev down sound; quite the opposite of what you hear in GTR or Dirt.
Yeah, I deleted S2 from my HDD not too long ago. I just got really frustrated with the driving; cars most certainly do not behave like that IRL. Decided to put an end to it. While the sounds did please me at first, especially the tire wear/squealing sounds, turbo sounds (sooooper), exhaust and downshifts were okay, but then I realized FM4 and D3 were already doing all of that in a far more convincing way.
Not too thrilled to know the sound design hasn't changed much since, but I would wait for a review before passing on a final verdict.
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Right, I thought maybe they had upgraded it in 5 to the better, growlier version
- 589
- United States
It does indeed. Not just the system itself but also how you place the speakers. That, and setting up the in-game sound properly as well. After all the right tweaks, I changed my speaker set up in a way, so as to accommodate two more satellites and an additional smaller sub-woofer.
Even though I get 2.1 digital stereo surround, some of my gaming buds have remarked how the system can hold up against a mid-range Dolby Digital set up. I don't get DD 5.1 since the amp doesn't support connections from external sources, it only does 5.1 through the built-in DVD/CD player...
Anyway, the four satellites are placed high up.. the mids in the center, and both subs close to the corner...so I'm getting all the right high, low and mid frequency in the sweet spots. The additional sub really helped, as it not only made the sound more pronounced, but now you can also hear the bass better rather than just feeling it more. Works out great when you want to hear the engine AND exhaust...along with the tires squealing, turbo kicking in, transmission whine etc. Shooters are a real treat.
The GTR2 vid (as usual) blew me to bits as soon as I heard that GT40 hit it's top rev range. The cockpit cam movement is really good too and the simulation looks convincing.
I hear you when you say the cars sound choppy in PCARS. Though I saw a vid few months back titled "sound is everything", and in that specific vid they sounded very true to life. However, almost every gameplay vid I've seen on YouTube, they do sound "choppy". I know exactly what you mean - it's as if the sounds lack character and it's just a simply rev up/rev down sound; quite the opposite of what you hear in GTR or Dirt.
Yeah, I deleted S2 from my HDD not too long ago. I just got really frustrated with the driving; cars most certainly do not behave like that IRL. Decided to put an end to it. While the sounds did please me at first, especially the tire wear/squealing sounds, turbo sounds (sooooper), exhaust and downshifts were okay, but then I realized FM4 and D3 were already doing all of that in a far more convincing way.
Not too thrilled to know the sound design hasn't changed much since, but I would wait for a review before passing on a final verdict.
A good sound system is the way to go! It really makes a difference in the overall experience. And much like everything else, if it fits, it sits!
GTR2 can be loaded with different modifications, so the list of tracks, cars, liveries, sounds, tweaks, etc. It never ends! We still have racing leagues competing today. Super fun if you're competing with the right group. The game features two practice sessions, two qualifying sessions and then the final race. There's day/night and weather for every track, so the experience is always changing. I've never raced around Laguna Seca at night before (It's my favorite track to compete in IRL) but I love doing it in GTR2, haha. Little stuff, like how much fuel you carry with you, effects the weight, and also where your tank is located effects balance. Driving on grass areas on a wet track can make your tires muddy, effecting their grip even further. Little details such as those blew every other racing game out of the water back in 2004/2005. Meanwhile, everyone was praising GT4....great game, no doubt, but it was nowhere close to GTR's level of detail and realism. But, I digress....
So you see what I mean with the choppiness? The cars sound....artificial. Like you said, the sound is just a latter of high and low revs. It's not smooth...continues...varied. That trailer of pCars you mentioned has awesome sound...especially that Zonda! But it doesn't really sound like that in gameplay...maybe they haven't released the full sound update for the beta testers? No idea...
pCars, the game itself, feels a lot like the successor to GTR2. In fact, SMS recruited a bunch of staff from SimBin to work on the title. I'm super excited, cause I've been waiting for a new GTR game for 10 years, haha. No idea when SimBin is releasing their jewel, but knowing them as perfectionists, they aren't releasing anything until they are 100% satisfied.
Oh God, don't get me started on Shift 2....what a hunk of junk. First of all, what the freak is up with the rear wheel steering in that game? Have you ever tried driving from the chase cam? You see the back end stepping out on every turn and then aligning back up again with no effort. Not to mention the fact that the cars feel like they are constantly being driven on ice. There was so much understeer and powersliding in that game, I couldn't even put 5 hours into it. I went back to it when they realesed a DLC pack (It had a Datsun 240Z, I believe a couple of Porsches, a GT40 and some other cars) hoping the game would be fun. Nope, still sucked.
In regards to the MP4-12C...it sounds better in FM5 IMO, but it doesn't have that dirty growl. No cars do, in fact. That's what I was mentioning earlier. D3 has those sounds. The cars in FM5 sound too....civilized.
- 4,384
A good sound system is the way to go! It really makes a difference in the overall experience. And much like everything else, if it fits, it sits!
GTR2 can be loaded with different modifications, so the list of tracks, cars, liveries, sounds, tweaks, etc. It never ends! We still have racing leagues competing today. Super fun if you're competing with the right group. The game features two practice sessions, two qualifying sessions and then the final race. There's day/night and weather for every track, so the experience is always changing. I've never raced around Laguna Seca at night before (It's my favorite track to compete in IRL) but I love doing it in GTR2, haha. Little stuff, like how much fuel you carry with you, effects the weight, and also where your tank is located effects balance. Driving on grass areas on a wet track can make your tires muddy, effecting their grip even further. Little details such as those blew every other racing game out of the water back in 2004/2005. Meanwhile, everyone was praising GT4....great game, no doubt, but it was nowhere close to GTR's level of detail and realism. But, I digress....
So you see what I mean with the choppiness? The cars sound....artificial. Like you said, the sound is just a latter of high and low revs. It's not smooth...continues...varied. That trailer of pCars you mentioned has awesome sound...especially that Zonda! But it doesn't really sound like that in gameplay...maybe they haven't released the full sound update for the beta testers? No idea...
pCars, the game itself, feels a lot like the successor to GTR2. In fact, SMS recruited a bunch of staff from SimBin to work on the title. I'm super excited, cause I've been waiting for a new GTR game for 10 years, haha. No idea when SimBin is releasing their jewel, but knowing them as perfectionists, they aren't releasing anything until they are 100% satisfied.
Oh God, don't get me started on Shift 2....what a hunk of junk. First of all, what the freak is up with the rear wheel steering in that game? Have you ever tried driving from the chase cam? You see the back end stepping out on every turn and then aligning back up again with no effort. Not to mention the fact that the cars feel like they are constantly being driven on ice. There was so much understeer and powersliding in that game, I couldn't even put 5 hours into it. I went back to it when they released a DLC pack (It had a Datsun 240Z, I believe a couple of Porsches, a GT40 and some other cars) hoping the game would be fun. Nope, still sucked.
In regards to the MP4-12C...it sounds better in FM5 IMO, but it doesn't have that dirty growl. No cars do, in fact. That's what I was mentioning earlier. D3 has those sounds. The cars in FM5 sound too....civilized.
I hear that captain! I've had the same sound system since I picked up an X360 in late 2005 (I'm on my second console actually), and with the addition of the smaller woofer plus satellites, along with proper speaker placement, it's made a heckuva difference. I'd say games sound nearly 40% better.
GTR2 is no doubt a fine product, along with all the other signature PC sims. Mate, if I could, I'd rush out to get a gaming PC TODAY! Unfortunately, I do not see the same level of detail being translated into console racing games or sims, perhaps because devs think "hey, it's a console only being used by casual gamers, why bother?". I wish this philosophy would change, as there are a handful of us console gamers who would absolutely LOVE to see the same level of detail being showcased in a console racer/sim.
GT4....great game...and the ones before it. Sadly, other devs caught on fast and released products that absolutely plummeted it into the earth!
The same choppiness and artificial sound you speak of can also be heard in the X360 version of Race Pro as well as other games.. such as the SBK and MotoGP games..those are kind of dreadful too.. the sound offends me! Though I am eagerly waiting to see and hear what the finished PCARS will look like. Those guys are perfectionists, and judging from their track record, they will leave no stone unturned.
BTW, can you honestly tell me what's stopping SimBin from also releasing GTR3 on current gen consoles? They don't think anybody would buy their game on a console? They are WRONG!
I was excited when I popped in S2 for the first time seeing how it was a game coming from SMS. However, the "need for speed" title in the game irked me a little. And even after countless tweaks and tuning, I find the control extremely bizarre. It's as if you're driving hovercrafts. And that pivot and turn model is just too annoying - as if someone is forcibly shoving your car into corners, even though you're being completely smooth on the controls. Oh gosh.. don;t get ME started on the understeer/oversteer in that game! Even with full wheel lock, you can't reverse or turn your car properly in case you happen to end up the wrong way on a narrow track. You have to try at least 3 times, banging into walls before getting the car to turn, even though it's in first gear turning at 5 or 10 kph! Terrible understeer...only ice on the front wheels, no tread! And now the oversteer - couldn't get the back end to step out under aggressive acceleration even on a 500 HP car.. whaathh?! Enough said.
Oh I can think of a whole bunch of cars in FM4 that exhibit that dirty growl. RS200 anyone? How about a GTR or F40? D3 is indeed king when it comes to exhibiting those effects, and FM4 is a close second. Too many people complained the cars were loud and distorted in FM4 (little did they know their sound wasn't set up properly no matter how expensive the systems were), and T10 makes the cars sound more Horizon-like: meek and civilized.
Well, good thing we held on to our last gen consoles then. For me, it's the only one I have, so no complaints whatsoever. I count thy blessings each day!
- 2,744
- England
- RacerPaul65
Ahhh, S2 could have gone down as one of the great games were it not for the shockingly bad handling
Good content, good sound, good looks. Like you, I could just never get it to drive right no matter how much I fiddled with handling settings
- 4,384
Right you are, absolutely. Pretty sure it was EA's say that mucked up the handling.
