Shift Patch 1.02 Review

[RacerPaul]

hi all i haven't been able to get into an online driver duel since the patch

i click to enter and i get the message 'an ea server is unavailable, please try again'

try again, same message

no problems getting into a versus online game, so i'm a bit stumped about the duels

any ideas anyone?

 

[reaperman]

patch 1.02 does not address force feeback. The steering wheel is still pretty much limp and dead unless I run over something. there is no real road feel, and no centering force. Worse my g25 seems to still only provide resistance in one direction at a time (when I turn right there is no resistance left until it delays a moment and switches direction). so what if cars handle better? there's no sensory payoff motivating me to play this game. What's the point of force feedback at all if there's no tactile response and all the cars feel like airboats?

the steering wheel actually feels better in *menus* where it centers itself and resists turning. I have much more car feel sitting there than I do driving around the track.

 

[Perfect Balance]

So basically, the game still sucks.[/thread]

 

[MannyMoenjack]

patch 1.02 does not address force feeback. The steering wheel is still limp and dead unless you run over something. there is no real road feel, and no adjustable centering force. Worse my g25 seems to still only provide resistance in one direction at a time. so what if cars handle better? there's no sensory payoff motivating me to play this game. What's the point of force feedback at all if there's no tactile response and all the cars feel like airboats?

the steering wheel actually feels better in *menus* where it centers itself and resists turning. I have much more car feel sitting there than I do driving around the track.

I agree, the FFB needs to be improved. My G25 has a big deadzone on center. This deadzone is really obvious in the tunnel on the Ambush Canyon track where I have to turn a full 1/4 turn or more to the right to start changing direction! And this is not a wheel settings issue.

Also I'd like to see some braking feedback through the steering wheel. It's very tough to brake well in this game when all you've got to go on is the sound of squealing tires. Ferrari Challenge does FFB better than any other racing game. I wish EA would improve Shift FFB to somewhere near that standard.

 

[Aldo]

hi all i haven't been able to get into an online driver duel since the patch

i click to enter and i get the message 'an ea server is unavailable, please try again'

try again, same message

no problems getting into a versus online game, so i'm a bit stumped about the duels

any ideas anyone?

PositionZero and myself were having this very same problem. We just kept on hammering the "x" button and it eventually connected then we changed the settings in the lobby thing pre-race. It was a real annoyance so we ended up playing Dirt 2 (with PZ absolutely hammering me when i was using my wheel )
This was on the day the patch was released or thereabouts
EDIT: We were having difficulty getting into Versus games not Driver Duel

 

[Biggles]

For what it's worth: the FFB in Shift is far superior with my Fanatec GT3 RS wheel than with my G25 - not a small difference, but a big difference. The FFB is really very good with the Fanatec, & I find the braking, once you get the hang of it, is more descriptive than in any other game I've had tried.

The problems with Shift are still all about the GRIP - the artificial "super-grip" just doesn't reward "accurate" driving, which in the end, makes the whole exercise a bit pointless.

In contrast, SCC is inferior in just about every way: graphics, sound, cockpit view, sense of speed, track accuracy, car selection, online lag, even the AI, BUT in the one thing that really counts - PHYSICS - it provides a detailed, consistent, challenging racing experience that actually rewards driving skill.

Also, as jjaisli pointed out, SCC has well-implemented time trial & leaderboard functionality, which is strangely missing from Shift.

The thing that Shift is best at, IMO, is providing an impressive introduction to sim-racing for the newbie. If I want to show of my sim-racing cockpit set-up to someone, I think Shift is the best choice as, overall, it looks, sounds & feels better than any other game, including GT5P, without being all that difficult to drive.

 

[reaperman]

For what it's worth: the FFB in Shift is far superior with my Fanatec GT3 RS wheel than with my G25 - not a small difference, but a big difference. The FFB is really very good with the Fanatec, & I find the braking, once you get the hang of it, is more descriptive than in any other game I've had tried.

It's good to know that, but I'm not nearly willing to entertain "buy another $300 wheel" as a sane option for playing the game simply because EA decided to do a terrible job with the officially supported g25. I'm unhappy enough that I wasted $60 on this--no way am I throwing more money at Shift.

especially when I feel what FC or SCC does with the g25 and feedback. I should really just upgrade myself from the supercar challenge demo to the retail version, and leave shift in the pile.

 

[ItsHim]

First looks at the 360 patch:

The Works Lambo Murc does finally more than 220 km/h on the straights. And the patch itself was small, I can't give any exact numbers, but it didn't take longer than 20 seconds to download so a couple of MBs or 10 at the most.

Add-on is 60 MB. edit: The new cars appeared straight in the "My Cars" section (being Level 50), but it seems use is restricted to online and quick race.

 

[Biggles]

It's good to know that, but I'm not nearly willing to entertain "buy another $300 wheel" as a sane option for playing the game simply because EA decided to do a terrible job with the officially supported g25. I'm unhappy enough that I wasted $60 on this--no way am I throwing more money at Shift.

especially when I feel what FC or SCC does with the g25 and feedback. I should really just upgrade myself from the supercar challenge demo to the retail version, and leave shift in the pile.

Well, I definitely wouldn't suggest getting a Fanatec wheel "just to play Shift"!!!

But of all the games I've tried, the Fanatec makes the most difference in Shift.

 

[MannyMoenjack]

Well, I definitely wouldn't suggest getting a Fanatec wheel "just to play Shift"!!!

But of all the games I've tried, the Fanatec makes the most difference in Shift.

Biggles, do you have the Fanatec pedal set as well? If so how do they compare with the G25 pedals. They look really nice...

 

[scleeve]

I've had it with this game now. PS3 Shift online sucks, even after the patch.

Even though I have spent ages setting up and advanced tuning many of my cars, and I can set fast times offline in my own time attacks (far quicker than the average winner online) a lot of the time I still get beat online as soon as I get framerate and lag issues, my car just goes into complete slow motion mode and other users just pass me.

Thats before I look at the poor EA servers that, at the moment, are not letting me host private games, or keep going full, the complete lack of punting penalties which means kiddies just bash me off the course in nearly every race (especially the start), or skip chicanes on Spa but only get a small penalty so stay ahead, the complete random lobbies full of unlimited cars and short boring (2 lap) races, the floaty feeling that's got even worse with my G25, and the endless bugs still in the game like no Nitros (even though I purchased it) working on the tuned mx5 or civic, or the game still crashing during loading screens. Most of the bumps might have gone (not all) but come on EA, who on earth do you employ as game testers?

It has so much potential, but most of the problems are still there.

Although I dislike the graphics and one make races, I am going back to a proper racer..... SCC.

 

[MannyMoenjack]

I've had it with this game now. PS3 Shift online sucks, even after the patch.

Even though I have spent ages setting up and advanced tuning many of my cars, and I can set fast times offline in my own time attacks (far quicker than the average winner online) a lot of the time I still get beat online as soon as I get framerate and lag issues, my car just goes into complete slow motion mode and other users just pass me.

Thats before I look at the poor EA servers that, at the moment, are not letting me host private games, or keep going full, the complete lack of punting penalties which means kiddies just bash me off the course in nearly every race (especially the start), or skip chicanes on Spa but only get a small penalty so stay ahead, the complete random lobbies full of unlimited cars and short boring (2 lap) races, the floaty feeling that's got even worse with my G25, and the endless bugs still in the game like no Nitros (even though I purchased it) working on the tuned mx5 or civic, or the game still crashing during loading screens. Most of the bumps might have gone (not all) but come on EA, who on earth do you employ as game testers?

It has so much potential, but most of the problems are still there.

Although I dislike the graphics and one make races, I am going back to a proper racer..... SCC.

I hear you. I really do, but I'm not giving up quite yet.

I spent a good bit of time yesterday and today trying to tune the BMW e46 M3 Works conversion car. I said to myself if I can't tune this thing to drive like it's supposed to and not float around the track like a frickin' hovercraft, I'll just quit wasting my time with Shift.

After about 4 hours I think I finally figured out what effects on car performance most of the Advanced Tuning adjustments have in this game and I've now got the Works M3 totally locked in. It now feels actually connected to the track, like some of the better cars in the game (Audi's, Corvette etc)

My point is, that the framework is there for a really terrific game. Unfortunately it's buried under an undefined advanced tuning system and irritating bugs like the slowdowns you mentioned, and of course, the completely ludicrous online experience.

Being an optimist I'm hoping that the problems mentioned above will be addressed by EA in a reasonable amount of time, and they'll continue to support the game with DLC. Because at that point I think the wait will have been worth it.

 

[Rhino_WJB]

How many patches will it take to get this game right?

I've just played on PS3 and the FFB is still awful (G25), I see no frame-rate improvements, the manual transmission simulation is still terrible and the cars still feel like they are floating on air.

What a shame. Look like NFS:S will be a great opportunity lost, as I doubt now that these issues will ever be resolved.

 

[Biggles]

Biggles, do you have the Fanatec pedal set as well? If so how do they compare with the G25 pedals. They look really nice...

Yes, I have the Clubsport Pedals. They are really solid, heavy pedals, far beyond the G25 pedals, or in fact, the rest of the Fanatec components in quality - probably why they are so expensive. However, they do not fit easily onto my Playseat Evo rig, so mostly I have been using the G25 pedals. I haven't used the Clubsport pedals enough to really become aware of any subtle differences in performance between them & the G25 pedals, but I would say that they are not significantly different to use, in spite of their much more substantial solidity & feel.

Recently, I have been playing SCC with my G25. I have not yet tried the GT3 RS wheel with SCC. I'll give it a try soon. IMO the FFB of Shift using the Fanatec wheel is very nice - quite different from the vague "floating" feel of the G25. Unfortunately, it does not change the fact that once you start ratcheting up the pace, the actual physics of Shift are a big let-down.

 

[MannyMoenjack]

Recently, I have been playing SCC with my G25. I have not yet tried the GT3 RS wheel with SCC. I'll give it a try soon. IMO the FFB of Shift using the Fanatec wheel is very nice - quite different from the vague "floating" feel of the G25. Unfortunately, it does not change the fact that once you start ratcheting up the pace, the actual physics of Shift are a big let-down.

I've been tinkering around with the advanced tuning a lot the last couple of days for my M3 Works car, and I'd swear that the more sorted out the tune is the better the FFB feels. For the cars that are "floaty" feeling or are otherwise badly set up, the FFB feel is awful. Have you noticed that?

 

[boxox]

You're not seeing (feeling?) things. If you take a look over on some of the PC forums you can see some of the raw controller files for the G-25 and the other wheels, and there are all sorts of settings that control whether weight transfer, front/rear grip, etc, should impact FFB. So your advanced tuning absolutely has an effect on how much traction you feel through the wheel.

 

[peter_vod69]

I honestly can't see what so much of the complaining is about. I had about ten races online last night, and apart from the odd bit of framerate drop at Silverstone I found it fine. I also think the patch has made a big difference to the way some of the cars drive, for example the 911 GT2 is now great fun to drive, whereas before it was downright uncontrollable, and the Carrera GT is fixed (though there is still a weird bump at Eau Rouge in the invitational race). I think most of the cars are really quite good to drive now overall, the FFB seems much improved over the original release.

 

[EA11R]

Gamestop just gave me $19 in credit.

Guess why.

 

[Terronium-12]

I've been poking and prodding since the patch was downloaded and to be perfectly honest I just don't see the big difference, or big deal for that matter. Yes, the options finally extend from one extreme to the other and doesn't reset it's position to one setting before (which it should have done to begin with), and the gear ratio mapping finally reacts to changes in the ratio settings (again, which it should have done to begin with), and you get a couple of new cars, none of which I'd particularly throw a party for. Is this what all the waiting was for - nothing?

Call me choosy, call me a nitpicker, hell, you can even call me ungrateful if it makes you feel any better, but as hard as I've played this game, hard enough to the point where I actually used it's rather arcade-like sim fantasy physics to my advantage..I'm sure if there was something significant to notice it would have been noticed. Some cars (of the couple I tested) actually handle a bit worse than they already did...and the bouncing issue is still there.

 

[ShaneG]

I still say the bouncing issue has nothing to do with the cars, but is rather a major glitch with the tracks themselves.

It's only certain spots on certain tracks.

Could it be a bad Mesh, or something similar causing cars to jump & bounce when they get to these spots?

Finding any car that feels comfortable (within racing comfort limits) at speed on Ambush Canyon is almost an exercise in futility.

 

[ItsHim]

I still say the bouncing issue has nothing to do with the cars, but is rather a major glitch with the tracks themselves.

It's only certain spots on certain tracks.

Tuning was broken in the retail version of Shift, little doubt about that.

But as in real life, you can mismatch bump, rebound and spring settings to such an extent, that the suspension is no longer able to keep the tyres in contact with the surface and it hops like a stone over water.

Bumps and imperfections of road surface are emphasised in Shift, but that's one of the larger than life effects.

I felt like they got the weight calculation in Shift wrong, so that cars were either far too heavy or far too light and thus spring stiffness was way off.

On first looks they seem to have addressed that issue but with not enough time I haven't been able to finally look a bit deeper in the tuning aspect of the game. Prior to the patch, it wasn't worth wasting any time on it.

 

[WolfRacer543]

I still say the bouncing issue has nothing to do with the cars, but is rather a major glitch with the tracks themselves.

I agree that its caused by the track, but it may be made worse by the poor set up of the cars suspension. But it only happens on certain tracks, on certain corners, and its usually worse when you stray off the racing line. The first time I experienced bouncing I thought it was part of the track. Its like a "washboard" effect (which happens on some real life roads) that has either been done wrong or the suspension interacts with it incorrectly.

 

[ItsHim]

I had a quick go at some of the invitational events, and while prior to the patch some challenges were unbearable, now it seems at lot of issues have been addressed and many details have improved.

AI for instance seems very appropriate, and in parts far better balanced between action movie lunacy and proper racing style. AWD feels much more balanced - especially the Reventon, GT-R 35 and Evo X are for the first time drivable for me. Carrera GT issue on Spa was fixed, too.

At last the game is up to scratch and I can be bothered to finish those races I didn't want to do before the patch. Good job I'd say!

 

[ShaneG]

I think I should add that I meant, post-patch.

I believe they probably looked at the car physics under a microscope to figure out what was wrong with them and got them fixed proper.

I just feel they need to address the track issues now, of which there are very few. I love almost every track in the game, and it has my favorite rendition of Laguna Seca to date. Just a few little rough spots need smoothing.

At first I looked at them as unique track features that presented an interesting challenge, but after being unable to figure them out with any speed, it's just annoying now.

Otherwise, I'm a happy customer. Still waiting to try out the new stuff, but I've got some faith left.

 

[ItsHim]

At first I looked at them as unique track features that presented an interesting challenge, but after being unable to figure them out with any speed, it's just annoying now.

The two left handers at Rd America and the complex after start/finish at Spa have been significantly toned down, Autopolis GP is now far more accessible, Brands Hatch is a lot tamer, too.

All done in a stock Zonda F and Supra.

What tracks do you think are still too bumpy? Gameplay wise, not compared to RL that is.

 

[MannyMoenjack]

The two left handers at Rd America and the complex after start/finish at Spa have been significantly toned down, Autopolis GP is now far more accessible, Brands Hatch is a lot tamer, too.

All done in a stock Zonda F and Supra.

What tracks do you think are still too bumpy? Gameplay wise, not compared to RL that is.

Is the Bus Stop Chicane at Spa really as bumpy as it is in the game? I always have to be very careful there even after the patch.

 

[ShaneG]

Mainly the Bus Stop at Spa, and just about all over Ambush Canyon.

I've never noticed the others you mentioned.

I like bumps and uneven roads, but I can tell there's a difference between that, and what's wrong with Spa & A.C.

 

[ItsHim]

Just had a spin on Ambush Canyon with a Viper, the M3 GT2 and the Challenger - other than it's a road course I can see nothing wrong with it anymore.

It's almost a bit too easy to drive now in my opinion, the challenge to tame ones lead foot is far less.

edit:

After spending another hour with the game, driving stock cars has become increasingly dull. I can't help it, but whereas driving a Tier 4 or even 5 car was prior to the patch a challenge a bit too tough for me, it now seems that there's no real challenge left in taming those beasts at all.

Strange, we seem very hard to please today. Ah, customers are really a pain, never happy with what they get. Still, I like the Toyota Supra very much, and the muscle cars' interiors look very nice. Despite I don't really care racing this type of car.

 

[kjb]

I finally downloaded the patch for Shift. I must say I tried out the Carrera GT race at Spa and it was much improved. Then I did an online race were I didn't have any punters. Sounds good doesn't? I didn't have the same enjoyment with Shift that I had when I first got it. I guess a month away from a game will do that sometimes or maybe because I know GT5 will be out soon I 've lost my interest. I'm going to wait to try out the DLC before I trade it in for GT5 but I just don't enjoy Shift anymore. Also after hearing this will yearly I really lost interest.

 

[RacerPaul]

... driving a Tier 4 or even 5 car was prior to the patch a challenge a bit too tough for
me, it now seems that there's no real challenge left in taming those beasts at all

hi when referring to tier 5 cars, do you mean works converted?