Top Fantasy Circuits in GTS?

[VeeDoubleU]

I just wish they used their energy on recreating real tracks instead, since no matter what they do, real tracks will be more appealling anyway. There are so many great tracks out there, and they give us tripe like that last abomination?
I understand that it’s much cheaper to just write some code, than license, scan and recreate actual tracks, but really?

Part of what makes Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo, is the fantastic fictional circuits we have had, and that no other game has them. Real life circuits are in other games and if I care enough about them, I can play the other games. I want new circuits to learn and race on. Not the same old real life tracks that are in every racing game

 

[Mt. Lynx]

Part of what makes Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo, is the fantastic fictional circuits we have had, and that no other game has them. Real life circuits are in other games and if I care enough about them, I can play the other games. I want new circuits to learn and race on. Not the same old real life tracks that are in every racing game

Problem is that I really like how GT drives. Compared to most other games, the immersion is way better. And to me, it would be even better if all the fictional tracks were replaced with real tracks. Just from the top of my head, I can think of 15 tracks I’d like to see in Gran Turismo, that are all better than any of claptrap fictional ones.

 

[RZQSPEED]

Maggiore GP is my favourite fictional track due to THAT BANKED HAIRPIN!!!

In all seriousness though, Maggiore is where I believe that any car can be strong there, unless we talk about Gr.1 that is, those poor Group C cars couldn't stand a chance at all! Basically it's a balanced track for both Gr.3 and Gr.4 cars with fast flowing corners and some long straights to stretch the legs of those straightline speed cars.

The Tokyo tracks were a bit of a double-edged sword in my favourites list, as I liked the tracks at night when it comes alive, plus the high-speed nature of the tracks (Central Loop tests your pure momentum, East Loop adds top speed alongside momentum, and then both South Loops are basically East Loop mixed in with that Central Loop feeling), but then it's a circuit situated within a highway, which meant the only runoff areas are some blocked off offramps and surface extensions, which meant that these tracks were pretty much SR traps for the most of the time.

DT Seaside is probably another optimal track for the Gr.3 BoP to shine with bright lights as it's a fast-flowing power track, but then the handling cars can have a capacity to tear through the Chicane of Death flatout.

Sainte-Croix is where I can simply drive the Huracán GT3 and R8 LMS with ease, though Tokyo South Outer Race B made me really good swinging the Huracán around the 90% walled circuit. It's also the track where, at least in the C layout, Group C cars can race in harmony, at least that's what I think on top of my head...

Kyoto Driving Park is basically a testing ground turned into an actual race track that is really good, especially with handling cars. You'll see 86s, Caymans, Megané Trophies, 4Cs in either racing form, RSRs, WRXs, Evos, Beetles, FT-1s, even the bloody GTI VGT can battle against each other in their respective classes!

 

[fastone371]

At least neither Midfield or Deep Forest is 24m wide. I think that is why the new tracks feel so fast.

The car that has no need to brake for the last part of Deep Forest, would be flat out for the entire lap around just about any of the new tracks.

But I digress. I just wish they used their energy on recreating real tracks instead, since no matter what they do, real tracks will be more appealling anyway. There are so many great tracks out there, and they give us tripe like that last abomination?
I understand that it’s much cheaper to just write some code, than license, scan and recreate actual tracks, but really?

There are many real tracks I have absolutely no desire to race on. Fuji is one of those tracks. To me it seems like the fictional race better but that's most likely because of other drivers who are not afraid of driving through you rather than passing properly or letting you past cleanly.

 

[ShiftingGears]

But I digress. I just wish they used their energy on recreating real tracks instead, since no matter what they do, real tracks will be more appealling anyway. There are so many great tracks out there, and they give us tripe like that last abomination?
I understand that it’s much cheaper to just write some code, than license, scan and recreate actual tracks, but really?

There's hundreds of real circuits that I would never want PD to waste their time on.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

There's hundreds of real circuits that I would never want PD to waste their time on.

Sure. But all of them tops any fictional track anyway. Because they are real, the immersion gets better. But of course there are boring excuses for tracks. *cough*Tsukuba*cough*
But I take Tsukuba over any PD made circuit anyday.

There are many real tracks I have absolutely no desire to race on. Fuji is one of those tracks. To me it seems like the fictional race better but that's most likely because of other drivers who are not afraid of driving through you rather than passing properly or letting you past cleanly.

Personally, I love Fuji. It’s fast, it’s technical, and fun to race on. And it’s real.

 

[fastone371]

Sure. But all of them tops any fictional track anyway. Because they are real, the immersion gets better. But of course there are boring excuses for tracks. *cough*Tsukuba*cough*
But I take Tsukuba over any PD made circuit anyday.

Personally, I love Fuji. It’s fast, it’s technical, and fun to race on. And it’s real.

But for most the only reason you know the real circuits are real is because they exist on a map. It's extremely unlikely that anyone that plays GTS has ever driven on more than 2-3 or the real circuits, if any. Even if you are an accomplished racer you are likely limited to courses in your region, if they exist on a different continent they may as well be fantasy tracks. For 99.9% or more of GTS players the fantasy circuits are as likely to exist as the real life circuits. To me a real circuit is no better than a fantasy circuit just because I can stick a pin in it on a map, in fact it's likely that the fantasy circuit drives better than the real circuit because it is not limited by the geography, elevation changes do not exist at all real circuits yet it is something most highly desire, even in real life.

 

[SUPRASTAR0003]

Deep Forest!! Oh wait, never mind that hasn't returned.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

But for most the only reason you know the real circuits are real is because they exist on a map. It's extremely unlikely that anyone that plays GTS has ever driven on more than 2-3 or the real circuits, if any. Even if you are an accomplished racer you are likely limited to courses in your region, if they exist on a different continent they may as well be fantasy tracks. For 99.9% or more of GTS players the fantasy circuits are as likely to exist as the real life circuits. To me a real circuit is no better than a fantasy circuit just because I can stick a pin in it on a map, in fact it's likely that the fantasy circuit drives better than the real circuit because it is not limited by the geography, elevation changes do not exist at all real circuits yet it is something most highly desire, even in real life.

I’d say most Gt fans also watch quite a few racing series, and from there recognize alot of tracks. If you’ve seen a good race at a track, it is way more relatable than any fictional track ever can be. More desirable to drive on.
Fictional tracks have zero immersive feel, and frankly, the exact reason you like them, is why I dislike them. It is the limitations that makes a track great. What would Spa be without Eau Rouge? Laguna Seca without the corkscrew?

 

[fastone371]

I’d say most Gt fans also watch quite a few racing series, and from there recognize alot of tracks. If you’ve seen a good race at a track, it is way more relatable than any fictional track ever can be. More desirable to drive on.
Fictional tracks have zero immersive feel, and frankly, the exact reason you like them, is why I dislike them. It is the limitations that makes a track great. What would Spa be without Eau Rouge? Laguna Seca without the corkscrew?

I hardly consider Big Willow a must see track. If it wasnt for the unused banked portion and the history at Monza that is another track that I wouldnt need and frankly would not not miss if it was not in GTS. No matter how many in car views you see the representation you get from GTS is absolutely nothing you like real life. A picture on your TV screen just can not come close to replicating the real life experience. In my opinion the only track that looks the same on TV as the game is probably Mt. Panorama, mainly because the walls are so distinctive.

 

[MrBrunoA]

Maybe I should've posted this in the unpopular opinions thread because I love all the fictional tracks, apart from Dragon Trail Seaside, which is the only circuit I HATE, and Kyoto Yamagiwa - both circuits that encourage dirty driving. Not too fond of Tokyo East loop because of that boring long straight that makes hot-lapping so annoying.

Also love Alsace and think St Croix is a masterpiece, my favorite track because of the beautiful and sunny scenery, variety of layout elements and technical sections. Lago Maggiore, Blue Moon Bay Infield and the new Tokyo layouts are brilliant as well.

The idea of fictional tracks in idyllic settings with layouts that would be impossible in real life - not technically but because of costs - is great. I guess GT Sports has something for everyone.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

I hardly consider Big Willow a must see track. If it wasnt for the unused banked portion and the history at Monza that is another track that I wouldnt need and frankly would not not miss if it was not in GTS. No matter how many in car views you see the representation you get from GTS is absolutely nothing you like real life. A picture on your TV screen just can not come close to replicating the real life experience. In my opinion the only track that looks the same on TV as the game is probably Mt. Panorama, mainly because the walls are so distinctive.

We’re all entitled to our opinions. Mine is that fictional tracks are inferior to real tracks because of immersion.

 

[fastone371]

We’re all entitled to our opinions. Mine is that fictional tracks are inferior to real tracks because of immersion.

I dont understand how immersion is any different unless you actually race real cars at these real circuits in which case you would be very disappointed. To each his own I guess.

 

[ShiftingGears]

I’d say most Gt fans also watch quite a few racing series, and from there recognize alot of tracks. If you’ve seen a good race at a track, it is way more relatable than any fictional track ever can be. More desirable to drive on.
Fictional tracks have zero immersive feel, and frankly, the exact reason you like them, is why I dislike them. It is the limitations that makes a track great. What would Spa be without Eau Rouge? Laguna Seca without the corkscrew?

What about circuits that are no longer raced at? Whats the breaking point of whats immersive and what isn't?

 

[05XR8]

I decided yesterday morning to start from scratch. Took my Gr.4 RC F to Arcade Mode. Set races(Road Courses only) at 10 minutes, Professional, Tire/Fuel 1x, 25m Rolling Start, 20th Position, Heavy damage, grip and slipstream Real. No divebombing, racing clean.

Starting from Northern Isle to currently at St Croix, all the tracks are great. I thought I had my favourite, but they all have character. It helps that AI have been fast. I've only won 3 races and mostly in bottom 10 finishes.

I applaud PD for their efforts. Just the same with circuits in real life, not every racer will enjoy certain tracks.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

What about circuits that are no longer raced at? Whats the breaking point of whats immersive and what isn't?

Ones and zeroes. That’s the breaking point for me.

 

[PletdeKoe]

For me the latest tokyo layout South Outer Loop is great. Nice flow and a fantastic chicane. Dragon Gardens is also very nice.

Original tracks I would like to see come to GTS are midfield and apricot hill. These tracks are so good.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

I dont understand how immersion is any different unless you actually race real cars at these real circuits in which case you would be very disappointed. To each his own I guess.

I guess you don’t watch racing in that case.

 

[blausven]

Am I the only one who pities the poor chap in the cockpit of the Airliner over Blue Moon? Must be a very boring job to do

Back to topic:

My favourite is St. Croix long Version, it somehow reminds me of a classic 70ies Touring Car track

 

[kub_man]

St. Croix

 

[fastone371]

I guess you don’t watch racing in that case.

Not only on the TV screen but also from the stands, the pits, and behind the wheel thru the windshield. You guessed wrong on that one.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

Not only on the TV screen but also from the stands, the pits, and behind the wheel thru the windshield. You guessed wrong on that one.

So what do you prefer? Spa or Maggiore? Silverstone or Dragon trail? Laguna Seca or blue moon bay? Sebring or Kyoto whatever? Imola or Alsace?

I know what I’d prefer...

 

[ThePotatoKing]

The top ones for me would definitely be Lago Maggiore and Dragon Trail-Seaside. Probably the best fictional tracks in the game , and some of the best in the series , even rivaling real-life tracks imo.

Then there's Kyoto and the Tokyo Expressway Circuits. I really love both Kyoto layouts , but they aren't as enjoyable in slower cars as the ones mentioned above. But they are still great nonetheless. I also love Tokyo Expressway (all layouts) as much but walls are a thing there so RIP SR rating.

Third would be Alsace. It's one of those tracks which if you get them right they are really rewarding but if you make a mistake they will punish you. Hard. And i really like such circuits so it takes the third spot for me.

St. Croix is meh , while the Blue Moon Bay road cources feel bland. And i'm not really interested in oval racing in any way.

I don't count rally cources , or "dirt tracks" simply because i don't think any of them is bad. I like them all

 

[fastone371]

So what do you prefer? Spa or Maggiore? Silverstone or Dragon trail? Laguna Seca or blue moon bay? Sebring or Kyoto whatever? Imola or Alsace?

I know what I’d prefer...

Your exact examples I would chose the real circuits. Given choices I would take Dragon Trail over Fuji, Big Willow, and Monza for example. Just being a real life track does not automatically make it great like Laguna Seca, Road America, or Watkins Glen because you also have bland real life tracks like Sebring, Indy Road Course, and Red Bull Ring. In real life with racers that actually know how to properly race you can have fantastic races at Red Bull Ring but I dont think you can honestly say that about video game racing which is what we are actually discussing. There are conflicting mind sets in video game racing. There are those who feel they must win regardless of how the track is meant to be lapped and there are those who are happy to have a good battle while staying within the real parameters of the actual racing circuit. They do not mesh with each other very well, the track layout can have a huge effect on this and can make a great real life track lame in a video game.

 

[GTracer25]

- Tokyo Expressway specially South Inner Loop, I love it reminds me the Special Stage Route 11
- Sainte-Croix Circuit, I like how they have alternated the straights and the curves, really technical and with a nice location.
- Blue Moon Bay Speedway, really nice even the new layouts, very fun to drive.

 

[serlemke]

ST.Croix B with group C would be cool for a race C.

I only dislike the Tokyos and don't even care about the rally.

 

[Mt. Lynx]

Your exact examples I would chose the real circuits. Given choices I would take Dragon Trail over Fuji, Big Willow, and Monza for example. Just being a real life track does not automatically make it great like Laguna Seca, Road America, or Watkins Glen because you also have bland real life tracks like Sebring, Indy Road Course, and Red Bull Ring. In real life with racers that actually know how to properly race you can have fantastic races at Red Bull Ring but I dont think you can honestly say that about video game racing which is what we are actually discussing. There are conflicting mind sets in video game racing. There are those who feel they must win regardless of how the track is meant to be lapped and there are those who are happy to have a good battle while staying within the real parameters of the actual racing circuit. They do not mesh with each other very well, the track layout can have a huge effect on this and can make a great real life track lame in a video game.

Some are boring to race on, but tracks can also be used to just drive on. RBR makes for boring racing in videogames, but the F1 races there are usually fun to watch, because the track really doesn’t suit the cars.
And I enjoy hotlapping there, since it’s short and still fairly technical.

I do agree about the issue of individuals vs parameters, but I also fail to see where a fictional track is any better in that respect. Apart from the obvious money and injuries, but both of those belong irl, and not in a videogame.
And personally, the12hrs of Sebring is one of my annual fave races. And Monza has the variante Ascari, wich is amazing in my book.

 

[ShiftingGears]

If PD included Solitudering, old Spa Francorchamps and Charade as the standard of original circuits in the game then I'd have no complaints.

 

[fastone371]

Some are boring to race on, but tracks can also be used to just drive on. RBR makes for boring racing in videogames, but the F1 races there are usually fun to watch, because the track really doesn’t suit the cars.
And I enjoy hotlapping there, since it’s short and still fairly technical.

I do agree about the issue of individuals vs parameters, but I also fail to see where a fictional track is any better in that respect. Apart from the obvious money and injuries, but both of those belong irl, and not in a videogame.
And personally, the12hrs of Sebring is one of my annual fave races. And Monza has the variante Ascari, wich is amazing in my book.

I was generally referring to how the tracks race. That's probably why I do not care for places like Fuji, Monza, and RBR. I love watching real racing at Monza and believe it deserves a place on the F1 calender forever just because of its history but to me it doesn't race well in a video game unless of course you like being hit by a guided missile and being pushed into the kitty litter. That is my whole foundation for which tracks I personally prefer to have in Gran Turismo. Because all I do is race and hot lap and dont really take pictures I have never really looked at tracks from a visual stimulation stand point.

 

[ShiftingGears]

My main issue with real circuits in GT is that there is nothing positive about tarmac run off in a game. Turn 1 at Red Bull Ring and Tetre Rouge at Le Mans are a farce.



On topic, favourite circuits in GT series are Grindelwald, Trial Mountain and El Capitan. In GT sport, Tokyo is my favourite layout, would be even better without the walls (wall penalties are a little ridiculous). They should be increasing the output of fictional circuits if the layouts can be of the same quality as in GT1 and GT2.