Racing Games, more fun on console or PC?

[Creatinebrah]

If you're a racing games fan, don't limit yourself to just NFS.

Grand Turismo 5 - PS3

GRID - PC

Both consoles and PCs have their respective games that make it worthwhile.

Just build a cockpit (I built one with PVC and boards for under $100), get a wheel compatible for both systems (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826104330) and you win both ways =D

[slackjawsix]

i honestly cant imagine playing a car racing game with a keyboard

[JonBoy2001]

I have to chime in on the 'lag/delay' issue:

It's not really an issue, it's more of a 'feature' so that key presses can simulate the range that an analog signal would. Imagine it like this, the longer you hold it down, the more you've turned the steering wheel. Maybe there's some configuration options or a file that you can tweak for these games so the controls are tighter?

Hope that makes sense.

[Remilia]

Console, cause leaning with your upper body with keyboard mouse is weird than with a controller. You know you do it when you do turns.

[Torched]

If you can´t/ don´t want to use a wireless Xbox controller for your Pc, you can always buy one of these masterpiece of a controller.

Logitech Chillstream.




Built in fan to keep your hands chill and smooth.

If you have a controller for your PC there is no reason to play it on a console over a good Pc.

To the people that say.... Console > PC for racing games because of the controller........ you DO KNOW (or I at least hope you know) that you can use a controller on a PC right? EVERY single Pc gamer should own a controller with their Pc.

[Nerph-]

So I just tested NFS The Run and it seems I don't have this lag, thing is The Run was made by Black Box, same people who did the first NFS Most Wanted. However, NFS Hot Pursuit (2010), where I do experience this keyboard lag, is made by Criterion, who are making the Most Wanted remake. So still kinda sceptical how it's going to eact to keyboard controls...

As for using a keyboard to race with, I guess I'm just used to it as back in 2005 and before I didn't have a console and I played all my games on PC, including NFS. And I didn't have a controller, so I just learnt to play with the keyboard and got used to it. And I guess I'm so used to it that using a controller or wheel is weird.

As for other racing games, they don't really interest me. NFS Underground 1 and 2 and Most Wanted (2005) interested me because you got to tune your cars and in Most Wanted, have police chases and stuff like the story. It's not so much about racing as it is driving and being chased by police and stuff. So most other racing games don't interest me really.

Anyway I'll probably just get it on PC and hope for the best ^^

[PBitt]

Well, IMO, the best racing series of all time is strictly on Playstation (Gran Turismo). I've long since gotten out of the genre but have considered picking up a PS3 with mostly playing GT5 in mind.

I've played quite a few NFS games in the past and I played them on both console and PC...will say I enjoyed the one I had on PC more, mostly because I had a joystick which made it really awesome...steering wheel would be even cooler, I suppose. So if you don't have a wheel or joystick and are willing to spend the money, I would do PC. Otherwise console all the way, I played a couple racing games for years with a controller and got pretty good at it. As for the keyboard....I would rather eat my keyboard than try to play a racing game using WASD.

[Deleted]

PC - Play it like a Console but have it look better, i bought F1 2012 which i played 10/11 on ps3, so much better on PC.

[Bolson13]

So I just tested NFS The Run and it seems I don't have this lag, thing is The Run was made by Black Box, same people who did the first NFS Most Wanted. However, NFS Hot Pursuit (2010), where I do experience this keyboard lag, is made by Criterion, who are making the Most Wanted remake. So still kinda sceptical how it's going to eact to keyboard controls...

As for using a keyboard to race with, I guess I'm just used to it as back in 2005 and before I didn't have a console and I played all my games on PC, including NFS. And I didn't have a controller, so I just learnt to play with the keyboard and got used to it. And I guess I'm so used to it that using a controller or wheel is weird.

As for other racing games, they don't really interest me. NFS Underground 1 and 2 and Most Wanted (2005) interested me because you got to tune your cars and in Most Wanted, have police chases and stuff like the story. It's not so much about racing as it is driving and being chased by police and stuff. So most other racing games don't interest me really.

Anyway I'll probably just get it on PC and hope for the best ^^

If you want to tune cars you should buy forza. You get to make freaking spreadsheets and what not to tune every little detail.
It is a little hard at first but if you know a little about cars it goes fairly quickly and it is fun.

Well, it is something I enjoy ever since the original GP game by Goeff Crammond. You guys still remember that one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula...8video_game%29
PBitt, this was the best racing series ever . The monstrosity that the current F1 games are, cant even compare. To me it is the blueprint for a succesfull racing game and features such as the ideal line or what gear to be in, which are now common to make racers easier where already there. And it just drove well without the cars feeling slow.

I did actually play that game on keyboard since the console at the time was probably the rgular nintendo or maybe the snes.


Regarding the lag, I have no idea what it could be. I played NFS underground last on console and before that with a controller on PC. And that is about the last NFS I played. Not very into the arcade racers. I never had lag but the person saying it is a feature because keys are digital might be right.
I would just learn to play with a controller. Usually that stuff just takes a bit of getting used to. It's not going from controller to arcade stick in fighting games or so. And you will appreciate having more feel over your throttle, break and steering even though it is not so much needed in an arcade racer.

[Nerph-]

If you want to tune cars you should buy forza. You get to make freaking spreadsheets and what not to tune every little detail.
It is a little hard at first but if you know a little about cars it goes fairly quickly and it is fun.

Well, it is something I enjoy ever since the original GP game by Goeff Crammond. You guys still remember that one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula...8video_game%29
PBitt, this was the best racing series ever . The monstrosity that the current F1 games are, cant even compare. To me it is the blueprint for a succesfull racing game and features such as the ideal line or what gear to be in, which are now common to make racers easier where already there. And it just drove well without the cars feeling slow.

I did actually play that game on keyboard since the console at the time was probably the rgular nintendo or maybe the snes.


Regarding the lag, I have no idea what it could be. I played NFS underground last on console and before that with a controller on PC. And that is about the last NFS I played. Not very into the arcade racers. I never had lag but the person saying it is a feature because keys are digital might be right.
I would just learn to play with a controller. Usually that stuff just takes a bit of getting used to. It's not going from controller to arcade stick in fighting games or so. And you will appreciate having more feel over your throttle, break and steering even though it is not so much needed in an arcade racer

Anything 'too complicated' for me puts me off really, and I don't know that much about cars. In NFS the tuning was... well, noobish, but I was fine with that because as I said, I don't know much about proper car tuning etc. Just being able to upgrade my engine, transmission, brakes etc made it fun for me. Of course in Underground you also had the neon lights and stuff... hey I was young! ;P Most Wanted I really enjoyed because you had to work your way down the black list to get back your original car etc, however this remake of Most Wanted by Criterion wont really be like that apparently. You'll have a wide selection of cars to choose from at the very beginning and there are only 10 cars you need to try to unlock, the so called 'Black List' I guess? The original Most Wanted was just really fun because you could just "tune out" and play it, you didn't need to concentrate amazingly much. I had high hopes when I first saw they were remaking it, until I saw it wasn't Black Box but Criterion... so I dunno, I think I'm not going to get my hopes up too much for it.

I'll probably get it for PC and try using my xbox controller to play, if I can stop myself from wanting to use the keyboard... even though it's inferior, I'm just so used to it heh.

[Bigbazz]

I feel fairly qualified to answer this, since Racing games are probably my biggest passion in gaming. I own a PS3 and a PC.


PC - Pros/Cons

Better graphics - This one is obvious.
Wheel support - The PC has better FFB even in multiplatform titles, example would be Codemasters Dirt 2/3 or F1 2011, the PC varients have a more detailed and higher quality FFB. - Xbox cannot use Logitech wheels, wheel support on the console in general is patchy but for the big name titles everything works as expected. If you want a quality wheel that works on all platforms (PC/XBOX/PS3) you have to buy a Fanatech wheel and they are pricey.
More gamepad support - You can run a PS3 or XBOX360 controller straight into your PC.
More games - Almost all of the games that are on the consoles are also on the PC with better graphics and better FFB with wheels, there is also a considerably large list of great games that are not available on the consoles, if you're into realistic racing games then this is even more important because the most realistic console games are quite a long way off the PC, processing power has something to do with this.

Cons - the PS3 has Gran Turismo 5, the Xbox 360 has Forza 4. These are 2 really really great racing games, neither available for the PC. For the console user these are the realistic racers or simulations but compared to what is available on the PC they are quite a bit behind, but that said as games they are quite exceptional in terms of quality and variety, and as a full package there is nothing that competes directly with them available on the PC. They are almost virtual car museums with the massive ammount of cars available and the attention to detail graphically is amazing.


Console issues - If you don't need to play GT5 or FM4 you're really shooting yourself in the foot by not going down the PC route, there are so many amazing racing games available and that includes the great ones that are available on the consoles, you have better controls and better graphics and more people to race with, the PC is the king of racing games and if you delve into it you will find there is a whole world of dedicated and enthusiastic PC gamer racing fans. Check out GTplanet and you will see that most of the GT5 fans ended up moving to the PC to go further into it.

Just a couple of the games I play

Rfactor/Rfactor 2 - Simulator grade physics engine with a mixture of official content, user made content and professional user made free content, a must have racing game.

iRacing - This is a serious online simulation game, you will find real pro level drivers here including actual NASCAR, IndyCar and occasional Formula 1 drivers, this is for people who want professional laser scanned accurate cars and tracks and want to compete in a real competitive environment. That said it has a rating system much like wows arena, so you will be put against people of your relative skill level, only if you are the best will you be able to compete against the best. The graphics on this sim are fantastic and the driving physics are good. You have to work your way up through licences and racing series. This game has the largest and highest quality tracklist available anywhere.

Simraceway - Online free to play racing sim based on Rfactor engine. Graphics are up and down (some good, some bad) but decent, car models are great and the driving model is amazing (but like any simulation takes practice if you want to drive without the driving aids on), tracklist is decent. You start with only 1 car, you have to race to earn credits to buy new cars, or you can buy with money (microtransactions), all the tracks are free. The game is in open-beta mid development but is polished and has plenty of users, you can win real money and other prizes in some events if you're good enough. I personally love this game.

NetKar Pro - A simulator specialising in open wheel cars, but with others available + user made content, the pre-title to the upcoming assetto corsa and the engine that Ferrari Virtual Academy is based on. The driving experience is top quality but as a game it is lacking and the online is lacking players.

Ferrari Virtual Academy - Official Ferrari simulator, limited to only 3 cars and 3 tracks but its top quality, most realistic F1 simulation, only hotlapping though.

Assetto Corsa - soon to be released, in beta. perhaps the most realistic racing/driving simulator to ever be released. Exceptionally good graphics and great sounds, decent car/track list and will support usermade content, aswell as free DLC updates.

Project CARS - Released next year, in beta at the moment on the PC, but will be available on consoles, graphically the best looking racing game ever released by a long way, this will be an amazing game to compete with GT5/FM4 but with more up to date physics and multiplatform.

Richard Burns Rally - Old but amazing, still the most realistic Rally simulator around. A bit hardcore though, you need patience for this game and the ability to restrain yourself from flooring it all the time, or you wont make it far without rage quitting.

Live for Speed - A popular but relatively dated simulation game, popular with fans of drifting.

GTR Evolution - A very popular racing game/simulation with all types of racing available, masses of official DLC style content/expansion packs and user made content, buying all content isn't too expensive and bang for buck it is amazing.


Most of the real good stuff isnt available on the consoles, aside from GT5/FM4 everything is available on the PC. The PC is not only the best for racing games but it is by a mile. Looking at multiplatform more casual titles.

Codemasters - Dirt 2/3, F1 2011/F1 2012, GRID (+ upcoming GRID 2). All of these games look so much better on the PC, having tried the F1 2012 demo on PS3 I was shocked by how bad the graphics looked, where as on the PC it looks incredible and to be honest that is the way of things in general. Dirt 2/3 are amazing rally/offroad type racing games that can be played equally well with a gamepad or wheel, the F1 series (2010/2011/2012) are best played with a wheel though. As for GRID, I personally thought that game was best with a gamepad, definitely worth grabbing though as it is a great game, more NFS arcade style than your typical PC simulator but still good fun. I haven't played GRID 2 (as it's not released) but I would imagine it would be equally good with a wheel or gamepad.

Need For Speed : Graphically as usual they will look better on the PC. I'm personally not a big fan of the NFS range of games after the relative disapointment of NFS Shift 2, I did enjoy NFS Carbon a few years back and played that with a gamepad on my PC. In general i'd expect you would find the best gaming experience with these games to come from a gamepad rather than a wheel due to their more arcade styled driving models, though the "Shift" series is more of a step in the realistic direction and works well with a wheel.

However you look at it, you can get a Logitech DFGT for dirt cheap these days and it will definitely improve your racing game fun/experience, but if you don't want to go down that route a quality gamepad will do the job. But one thing you don't want to use is a bloody keyboard.

[Nerph-]

Need For Speed : Graphically as usual they will look better on the PC. I'm personally not a big fan of the NFS range of games after the relative disapointment of NFS Shift 2, I did enjoy NFS Carbon a few years back and played that with a gamepad on my PC. In general i'd expect you would find the best gaming experience with these games to come from a gamepad rather than a wheel due to their more arcade styled driving models, though the "Shift" series is more of a step in the realistic direction and works well with a wheel.

However you look at it, you can get a Logitech DFGT for dirt cheap these days and it will definitely improve your racing game fun/experience, but if you don't want to go down that route a quality gamepad will do the job. But one thing you don't want to use is a bloody keyboard.

First of all, I cut down your quote to the NFS part because that's the game I'm going to get, but I did read your whole post and thank you for your detailed opinions on all of those games/developers. Much appreciated.

I'm going to get Most Wanted for PC then, and as you said seeing it is more an "arcade" styled racing game I don't think I'm going to fork out cash on a wheel and pedals, I have an xbox controller which I can use on my PC as I have the wireless usb adapter. Question is, should I really for myself to play this, and maybe past and future racing games with a controller, as as I've previously stated, due to not having one in the past I'm very used to using the keyboard to play NFS games. However if you think it's a much better gaming experience using a controller, I'd stick to it and learn to play with it.

Dumb question, but someone earlier mentioned tilting their controller to determine the turn your car is going to take. Do xbox controllers have some sort of motion sensor detection? I'm sorry if it's a silly and noob question, but I've never ever used my controller to play a racing game before.

If they do, will it work on PC or does it only work on the console it is originally designed for?

[Bigbazz]

First of all, I cut down your quote to the NFS part because that's the game I'm going to get, but I did read your whole post and thank you for your detailed opinions on all of those games/developers. Much appreciated.

I'm going to get Most Wanted for PC then, and as you said seeing it is more an "arcade" styled racing game I don't think I'm going to fork out cash on a wheel and pedals, I have an xbox controller which I can use on my PC as I have the wireless usb adapter. Question is, should I really for myself to play this, and maybe past and future racing games with a controller, as as I've previously stated, due to not having one in the past I'm very used to using the keyboard to play NFS games. However if you think it's a much better gaming experience using a controller, I'd stick to it and learn to play with it.

Dumb question, but someone earlier mentioned tilting their controller to determine the turn your car is going to take. Do xbox controllers have some sort of motion sensor detection? I'm sorry if it's a silly and noob question, but I've never ever used my controller to play a racing game before.

If they do, will it work on PC or does it only work on the console it is originally designed for?

I can't speak for the XBOX 360 controller because I don't personally have one, however the PS3 controller has this feature and it does work on the PC, it's not something I would personally use though so I haven't tested using it to steer a car, the popular/common method is to use the analogue sticks, you will probably have to fish around a bit to find out.

[Nerph-]

I can't speak for the XBOX 360 controller because I don't personally have one, however the PS3 controller has this feature and it does work on the PC, it's not something I would personally use though so I haven't tested using it to steer a car, the popular/common method is to use the analogue sticks, you will probably have to fish around a bit to find out.

After a quick google search it seems the xbox 360 controller doesn't :/ What a silly thing to leave out... but as you say, probably best I learn to use the analog sticks (or joysticks whatever they're called) on the controller to steer with. I see many hours of frustration ahead of me but seeing everyone who has experience has stated keyboard is inferior to controller, I'm punishing myself here not learning to use my controller to race with. ^^

[mittacc]

without wheel/pedals you are better off on a console m8

coming from someone with racing experience irl

[Torched]

without wheel/pedals you are better off on a console m8

coming from someone with racing experience irl

Why? please explain... and don´t say "Because you have a controller" since you can use a controller on a Pc.

[Creatinebrah]

If you want the best racing sim experience, BUILD A COCKPIT. Don't buy some of those flimsy playseats. Building a nice racing cockpit isn't that expensive nor is it that demanding. My brother and I built one about a year ago (in terrible shape now), but when we built it and used it, it was amazing.



Built using no more than $100 worth of supplies. The real kicker is the actual racing wheel, which is the G25 worth about $199 on newegg (link is 1st post of 2nd page). Also, we ended up 'breaking it apart' since it was SO big, and it wasn't practical for non-gaming usage.

I can recommend http://www.ricmotech.com/store/diy_c..._cockpit_plans if you aren't that handy with designing your own build...but personally, that pit isn't that well suited for a true racer =P

[Lancer]

For me, consoles. Need for Speed has went downhill and has past the point of saving. The only racing game left playing (in my opinion) is Midnight Club. I've never really tried DiRT/Forza/GT (expect for the ones on the PS1) so I can't comment on them. If PC had Midnight Club (besides the second game) I would be playing racing games on my PC in a heart beat.

[hulkgor]

The best racing simulation game i ever played was Gran Turismo for Playstation. But i can accept that a top graphic racing sim with steering wheel\pedals might be a lot more exciting to play, but then again, there also are wheels\pedals for consoles?

[Bigbazz]

I will just say that I think console gamers really don't know what they are missing, the quality of the PC titles really does blow most of the console games out of the water. I can understand that you can only like what you know, but don't hold yourself down too loyally to those when you don't know what else is on offer.

I just drove around a real life UK town (pudsey in yorkshire UK), laser scanned on site and then recreated from the scan data into the game, I was driving a recreation of the Lancia Stratos that was so well modelled in the driving that it actually behaves exactly like the real thing, you can feel every bump in the road, the wheel shakes lightly as the engine revs, the clutch bites as you would expect it, the lift off oversteer is just as you would expect, the detail in the driving is incredible, yet it isnt ridiculously hard or over the top, it is perfectly driveable without having to be greatly skilled. This kind of thing you really don't have available on the consoles, while Gran Turismo and FM4 can get you close-ish it is really still on a whole level behind the PC.


You can get into racing games and enjoy them in all of their flavour, but when you delve into PC racing games it takes on a whole new level of "hobby obsession" because there are so many quality titles out there. To those who say you NEED a wheel for PC racing well i'l tell you a story. There is this guy on iRacing who has a disability, infact he has to play his racing games with 1 very short/small arm and his foot, he plays iRacing (the hardcore competitive online simulation) on a gamepad and can run laptimes competitive with the wheel users.

In GT Academy the Gran Turismo hotlapping competition on the PC all the top times were done with wheel users, but one guy was actually doing his times on a gamepad and was able to also reproduce it on a wheel, meaning he could do top 10 fastest in the world quality laptimes in a massive competition with either a gamepad or a wheel.

If you want to be good with a gamepad then so long as it is a decent quality pad (like 360 or PS3 controller) you will be fine with some practice. However... a wheel does improve the enjoyment of the experience massively. A keyboard however, you lack any analogue or pressure sensitive control, meaning your inputs are going to be very jagged and unprecise, I very much advise against this if you want to have a long lasting enjoyable experience.


Back to the point, Need For Speed is cool, a very popular game franchise and I'm sure you will enjoy it, but branch out a little, you will find with time/experience that NFS games generally sit at the bottom of the pile of quality racing games.