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So many fantastic paint jobs in here...I wish I had HALF the talent of some of you guys.
Hmm, a slushbox hunting for gears. He must have simulated a Ford automatic. 
Auto 'boxes in racing games have always been the same thing--Manual, done for you. This looks to replicate a real automatic, which looks like it's pretty comprehensive. At least as good as it can be without tearing the code apart.
Most automatics that have a "sport" feature are generally calibrated so that they shift later, and also they'll hold whatever gear you're in at the time if they sense the vehicle in a corner. You might be able to implement this in some way--a macro in-game, and have your app read the lateral G readouts and steering angle from the game when the trans is in Sport mode.
Of course, I'm of the "Go all the way or forget it" school of thought. I really think a torque-converter auto box should be part of the next release. If I were doing it, only the road cars (including the stripped-out GTR-class) could have them, and when equipped the car would have all the associated penalties of an automatic--like increased fuel consumption and increased weight. You'd also run the risk of breaking it if you try a neutral-drop. (Then again I think transmission failure should be a part of LFS anyway)
Auto 'boxes in racing games have always been the same thing--Manual, done for you. This looks to replicate a real automatic, which looks like it's pretty comprehensive. At least as good as it can be without tearing the code apart.
Most automatics that have a "sport" feature are generally calibrated so that they shift later, and also they'll hold whatever gear you're in at the time if they sense the vehicle in a corner. You might be able to implement this in some way--a macro in-game, and have your app read the lateral G readouts and steering angle from the game when the trans is in Sport mode.
Of course, I'm of the "Go all the way or forget it" school of thought. I really think a torque-converter auto box should be part of the next release. If I were doing it, only the road cars (including the stripped-out GTR-class) could have them, and when equipped the car would have all the associated penalties of an automatic--like increased fuel consumption and increased weight. You'd also run the risk of breaking it if you try a neutral-drop. (Then again I think transmission failure should be a part of LFS anyway)
Flatout 2 felt like it was trying to be a Burnout clone. The menus looked the same, the cars looked the same, even the music was the same. Didn't like it.
And now for some of the more unexpected combinations..
a Chrysler 300C SRT-8 around Watkins Glen.
A C6.R at Le Mans.
A 2009 Camaro SS...at GM's Milford, MI proving grounds.
One of the new HSV Commodores at Bathurst--or Infineon.
My dad's '92 Ford Ranger..off a cliff! (well I wouldn't be driving so much as pushing it...)
a Chrysler 300C SRT-8 around Watkins Glen.
A C6.R at Le Mans.
A 2009 Camaro SS...at GM's Milford, MI proving grounds.
One of the new HSV Commodores at Bathurst--or Infineon.
My dad's '92 Ford Ranger..off a cliff! (well I wouldn't be driving so much as pushing it...)
I didn't want to spring the extra cash for the wireless model--I've had bad luck with wireless controllers in the past (the batteries always seem to die at the worst possible time...)
THIS is a tough question..only one car on only one track..there are so many wonderful cars, and so many wonderful courses I don't know if I could pick just one.
I'd love to take a US-spec Ariel Atom (complete with its 205-hp, 210lb-ft 2.0L supercharged Ecotec) around Sebring.
I'd also get a howl out of manhandling a Nextel Cup car around Infineon (the track formerly known as Sears Point).
One car I'd love to try driving is that Tesla roadster, an electric sportscar. I'd like to run that around Laguna Seca, but I"d probably drain the batteries inside of an hour so I'd need an Elise to keep me occupied while it's recharging.
For that matter, I think it'd be great fun to drive a Lancia STRATOS around the Nordschliefe. I know it's a completely unforgiving vehicle and it'd probably cost me my life, but at least I'd die doing what I wanted.
I'd also like to take an F1 flat-out at Daytona. (Even money which'll go higher on that trip--the speedometer or my pulse..)
And that's a very abbreviated list, mind you.
I'd love to take a US-spec Ariel Atom (complete with its 205-hp, 210lb-ft 2.0L supercharged Ecotec) around Sebring.
I'd also get a howl out of manhandling a Nextel Cup car around Infineon (the track formerly known as Sears Point).
One car I'd love to try driving is that Tesla roadster, an electric sportscar. I'd like to run that around Laguna Seca, but I"d probably drain the batteries inside of an hour so I'd need an Elise to keep me occupied while it's recharging.
For that matter, I think it'd be great fun to drive a Lancia STRATOS around the Nordschliefe. I know it's a completely unforgiving vehicle and it'd probably cost me my life, but at least I'd die doing what I wanted.
I'd also like to take an F1 flat-out at Daytona. (Even money which'll go higher on that trip--the speedometer or my pulse..)
And that's a very abbreviated list, mind you.
Hardware Review - Logitech Rumblepad 2 Vibration Feedback Gamepad
OK. First off--yes. I use a gamepad, not a wheel (I can't afford, nor do I have the space for a decent wheel and pedal set). I don't like using the mouse and keyboard because then I don't have good control over the throttle and brake.
For a while I was using a wired Xbox360 controller, but found it to be woefully inadequate for the job--much more suited to Project Gotham 3 than LFS. So I picked up instead a Logitech Rumblepad 2 from yon local big box store. For $34.99 I'd say I got my money's worth.
The controller is shaped like the PS2 DualShock, with the same button layout and twin analog sticks--so it's a familiar layout and easy to hold. The controller itself has a good heft to it, but isn't excessively bulky. The cord is also plenty long enough to not get caught or snared on anything.
As for the controls itself..the lack of analog buttons (like the PS2's dualshock) is a little disappointing, but the twin analog sticks are superb. They have adequate resistance and good feel, and have fantastic on-center feel with none of the dead spots or looseness the 360's analog sticks suffered from. The controller alone allowed me to shave half a second off my lap times because I no longer had to constantly fiddle with the thing just to drive in a straight line. The analog stick's limited range of movement though makes precision driving maneuvers difficult, where only minor steering corrections are needed. This is an issue with all control methods shy of a 900-degree racing wheel though, and it's easily overcome with a steady hand.
Overall, I'd say it's a good alternative to a wheel. It's hardly an ideal solution (a DFP or one of those new G25 racing wheels would be ideal!) but it's a good compromise. I'm quite satisfied with it.
For a while I was using a wired Xbox360 controller, but found it to be woefully inadequate for the job--much more suited to Project Gotham 3 than LFS. So I picked up instead a Logitech Rumblepad 2 from yon local big box store. For $34.99 I'd say I got my money's worth.
The controller is shaped like the PS2 DualShock, with the same button layout and twin analog sticks--so it's a familiar layout and easy to hold. The controller itself has a good heft to it, but isn't excessively bulky. The cord is also plenty long enough to not get caught or snared on anything.
As for the controls itself..the lack of analog buttons (like the PS2's dualshock) is a little disappointing, but the twin analog sticks are superb. They have adequate resistance and good feel, and have fantastic on-center feel with none of the dead spots or looseness the 360's analog sticks suffered from. The controller alone allowed me to shave half a second off my lap times because I no longer had to constantly fiddle with the thing just to drive in a straight line. The analog stick's limited range of movement though makes precision driving maneuvers difficult, where only minor steering corrections are needed. This is an issue with all control methods shy of a 900-degree racing wheel though, and it's easily overcome with a steady hand.
Overall, I'd say it's a good alternative to a wheel. It's hardly an ideal solution (a DFP or one of those new G25 racing wheels would be ideal!) but it's a good compromise. I'm quite satisfied with it.
The existing sounds do the job. They're functional, but they aren't very pleasant--or realistic for that matter. The tire noises sound like something out of an old Road Runner cartoon--real squealing tires don't sound anything like that. The engine in the FXO DOES sound a bit like a flat 4, but the LX6's mill doesn't sound a thing like any straight six I've ever heard.
Your Harley sound does sound a lot like a V-twin cruiser, but not a Harley. I've heard Harleys and they're not that smooth. Your first 911 though is almost bang-on.
Your Harley sound does sound a lot like a V-twin cruiser, but not a Harley. I've heard Harleys and they're not that smooth. Your first 911 though is almost bang-on.
There's an exotic car dealership in the south hills of Pittsburgh that usually has some pretty nice rides in the display windows, but they won't even let me in the door. (Stupid elitist $&*(#$@#$#, all I wanna do is get some pictures...)
Aside from that I don't see much in the way of exotics. A few new Mustangs, some third and fourth-gen Camaros here and there and once in a blue moon a Corvette, but this is the time of year where the toys get put away--so I probably won't see much of anything until spring thaw.
Aside from that I don't see much in the way of exotics. A few new Mustangs, some third and fourth-gen Camaros here and there and once in a blue moon a Corvette, but this is the time of year where the toys get put away--so I probably won't see much of anything until spring thaw.
It's true you can't COMPLETELY eliminate blind spots, but you can minimize them to the point where they're too small to completley hide a car.
Unfortunately the limited field of view in LFS is a limitation of the hardware and of the genre. A normal human has a 180-degree field of vision. In-game that is cut to less than half normal--leaving HUGE blind spots. I'll tell you one thing though that helps--not your eyes, your EARS. Listen carefully. The game's positional audio is actually pretty good for the most part--you can hear when someone's behind or to the left or right pretty distinctly and how far away they are, even under your own engine noise. Then again, since my vision is poorer than average perhaps I've just learned to compensate for it by using my other senses. I might not be able to see the car, but I can HEAR the car, and that gives me enough information to find that other car.
This is quite common in people with a vision deficiency--their other senses become more acute to compensate. Most normal people can differentiate this stuff as well with a little practice. It helps to wear headphones (the better they are, the better off you'll be, but the ones I have are like 5 bucks and they do the job just fine)
NO software is hack-proof. A determined individual can crack anything.
Honestly it was only a matter of time before someone started working on LFS hacks.
Honestly it was only a matter of time before someone started working on LFS hacks.
You can understand my surprise then to find the Aura both gives you the most power for the money AND has a well-put-together interior.
So yeah. I think it's a great car.
Getting the Astra over here will also be a benefit to GM (as Saturn's current Delta-based compact, the Ion, is a complete unmitigated pile of CRAP!)
Perhaps my standards are different from those of you in Europe.
So yeah. I think it's a great car.
Getting the Astra over here will also be a benefit to GM (as Saturn's current Delta-based compact, the Ion, is a complete unmitigated pile of CRAP!)
Perhaps my standards are different from those of you in Europe.
Test Drive: Saturn Aura XR (aka Opel/Vauxhall Vectra)
Wow.
This could be the best FWD midsize sedan GM has ever built.
For the most part we don't get the good stuff here in the US. Now and again we get a gem from overseas (the departing Pontiac GTO a gift from Holden would be one example) but for the most part we don't get the stuff you guys in Europe get. That's starting to change.
Saturn in the US is basically turning into Opel USA, and we'll probably wind up with every Opel model in the US (Captiva = Vue. Astra. Maybe even Corsa) and it starts with the Aura. What a way to kick things off.
The car I drove had the uplevel engine--a 3.6L DOHC V6 making 252 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode (no true stickshift is offered). Off-the-line performance is spirited to say the least, and the car surges forward with considerable gusto. The car's wide powerband and prodigious amount of torque gives it a lot of low and mid range punch for passing or squirting out of corners. The brakes were equally good, providing confident stopping power from four-wheel ABS discs. The suspension is up to the task as well. It's not bone-jarring firm, but it's firm enough to keep the car well-planted at speed. Likewise it's still comfortable enough to be a good daily driver, soaking up the typical road irregularities and potholes to be found on your average American surface street while letting only the largest craters through to the cabin.
Speaking of the cabin, it's a really nice place to be. The car I drove had the Moroccan Brown leather and wood trim, which features only a little brightwork on the console and some trim rings on the dash. The wood paneling is unfortunately not real wood, one of the few sticking points I have with the car. The brushed metal trim looks much better, but it's not available with the brown leather. Interior room is excellent for a midsizer, allowing plenty of front head and legroom for a six-footer like me. Once the front seat was adjusted for my comfort I climbed in back to see there was still a couple inches between the back of the seat and my kneecaps. Rear seat passengers had their own audio controls as well, something good to keep the kids quiet on long trips--however those same audio controls eat into legroom for the middle rear-seat passenger.
Cargo space is ample in the Aura, however the trunk opening itself is a little too narrow and a little too high up. I'd like it to have been a bit wider to facilitate loading of bigger items.
That said, there are a few points lacking on the Aura. The car lacks a four-cylinder option (available on both the Accord and Camry) as well as a manual transmission and a hybrid drivetrain. All of these things however are on the way, so it's only a matter of time.
Will this be the car to save GM of North America? No--it'll take more than one car to save GM. Does it beat the Accord and Camry at their own game? ...I'm going to say yes. Yes it does.
This could be the best FWD midsize sedan GM has ever built.
For the most part we don't get the good stuff here in the US. Now and again we get a gem from overseas (the departing Pontiac GTO a gift from Holden would be one example) but for the most part we don't get the stuff you guys in Europe get. That's starting to change.
Saturn in the US is basically turning into Opel USA, and we'll probably wind up with every Opel model in the US (Captiva = Vue. Astra. Maybe even Corsa) and it starts with the Aura. What a way to kick things off.
The car I drove had the uplevel engine--a 3.6L DOHC V6 making 252 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode (no true stickshift is offered). Off-the-line performance is spirited to say the least, and the car surges forward with considerable gusto. The car's wide powerband and prodigious amount of torque gives it a lot of low and mid range punch for passing or squirting out of corners. The brakes were equally good, providing confident stopping power from four-wheel ABS discs. The suspension is up to the task as well. It's not bone-jarring firm, but it's firm enough to keep the car well-planted at speed. Likewise it's still comfortable enough to be a good daily driver, soaking up the typical road irregularities and potholes to be found on your average American surface street while letting only the largest craters through to the cabin.
Speaking of the cabin, it's a really nice place to be. The car I drove had the Moroccan Brown leather and wood trim, which features only a little brightwork on the console and some trim rings on the dash. The wood paneling is unfortunately not real wood, one of the few sticking points I have with the car. The brushed metal trim looks much better, but it's not available with the brown leather. Interior room is excellent for a midsizer, allowing plenty of front head and legroom for a six-footer like me. Once the front seat was adjusted for my comfort I climbed in back to see there was still a couple inches between the back of the seat and my kneecaps. Rear seat passengers had their own audio controls as well, something good to keep the kids quiet on long trips--however those same audio controls eat into legroom for the middle rear-seat passenger.
Cargo space is ample in the Aura, however the trunk opening itself is a little too narrow and a little too high up. I'd like it to have been a bit wider to facilitate loading of bigger items.
That said, there are a few points lacking on the Aura. The car lacks a four-cylinder option (available on both the Accord and Camry) as well as a manual transmission and a hybrid drivetrain. All of these things however are on the way, so it's only a matter of time.
Will this be the car to save GM of North America? No--it'll take more than one car to save GM. Does it beat the Accord and Camry at their own game? ...I'm going to say yes. Yes it does.
What the heck is a chav? Is that the UK equivalent to a redneck or something?
I think this lap is a bit more representative of my ability. I'm more confident with this car (which unfortunately means I'm pushing it even harder in some sections, while not quite hard enough in others).
I plan to fully embarass myself in my car (it's a 2001 Cavalier two-door..2.2L OHV four (iron block, iron head), bout 100 horsepower, handles like mud. The closest thing I can compare it to for those of you in Europe that don't have this car is...well it's about the size of a Vauxhall/Opel Astra, rides like a go-kart and handles like a Cadillac with a boat anchor strapped to the hood.
But I'm sure I'll have a blast anyway.
But I'm sure I'll have a blast anyway.
Real Autocross
Does anyone here drive autocross events in real life? There's an open event coming up in a couple weeks nearby (October 8 at BeaveRun Motorsports Complex--about a half hour or so from where I live) and I'm thinking about going and trying it out. It looks like fun.
Considering it was my first time on that car, I'm surprised I managed to keep it inside the lines...mostly.
And yeah, I tend to drive rather aggressively. I'm on the gas as much as I feel I can get away with, brake as late as possible and usually wind up leaving skidmarks on the track (and in my passengers' shorts--just kidding)
EDIT: As promised, here's a replay on the same track of me in a car I'm considerably more comfortable with. I actually beat my personal best doing this hotlap.
And yeah, I tend to drive rather aggressively. I'm on the gas as much as I feel I can get away with, brake as late as possible and usually wind up leaving skidmarks on the track (and in my passengers' shorts--just kidding)
EDIT: As promised, here's a replay on the same track of me in a car I'm considerably more comfortable with. I actually beat my personal best doing this hotlap.
Last edited by Rebeldevil, .
Reason : Adding Attachment
The gamepad I'm using is the MS Xbox360 wired controller.
LFS does not support this controller very well at all. Only the two analog sticks are recognized. The L and R analog triggers aren't seen at all by LFS which is kind of a shame. I'd like to have used those for throttle/brake, and maybe used the right stick as a clutch or handbrake.
One thing I can say in my favor--my crappy driving has made me pretty good at skid recovery (just not in THIS car). I'll post a replay of a car I'm a little more comfortable with--the FXR. It's one of the easier to control cars (for me) in the game, and it's very quick. As you can see in LFSW, my best time on BL1 with this car is about 1:15--which I didn't think was bad until I saw the WR times. I don't actually HAVE a replay on hand, so I'll have to run a couple hot laps first.
LFS does not support this controller very well at all. Only the two analog sticks are recognized. The L and R analog triggers aren't seen at all by LFS which is kind of a shame. I'd like to have used those for throttle/brake, and maybe used the right stick as a clutch or handbrake.
One thing I can say in my favor--my crappy driving has made me pretty good at skid recovery (just not in THIS car). I'll post a replay of a car I'm a little more comfortable with--the FXR. It's one of the easier to control cars (for me) in the game, and it's very quick. As you can see in LFSW, my best time on BL1 with this car is about 1:15--which I didn't think was bad until I saw the WR times. I don't actually HAVE a replay on hand, so I'll have to run a couple hot laps first.
I haven't looked for kb/mouse settings because when I've tried to use the mouse/keyboard, stabbing the throttle would cause either snap oversteer (in the RWD cars) or relentless understeer (in the FWD and AWD cars), and stabbing the brakes usually caused the wheels to lock up. I had to turn the brake force WAY down to keep the wheels from locking, and then found I had to brake MUCH earlier. Unfortunately a keyboard is full on or full off. IOW, I've tried it and don't like it. (then again, it's more likely my lack of skill to blame than the control setup)
I'd love to have a wheel, but it just isn't in my budget. (and those crappy $40 wheels...those things aren't any better than my gamepad)
I'd love to have a wheel, but it just isn't in my budget. (and those crappy $40 wheels...those things aren't any better than my gamepad)
I played tag with these guys a few days ago. Definitely fun stuff.
How Bad Am I?
First-ever run in the FOX. I know it's rough. I've never actually driven the car before (that I remember) Also--keep in mind the controller I'm using has a dead spot in the middle, which is why I'm constantly jerking left and right--I'm trying to keep the car pointed straight ahead.
I guess I'm just discouraged because normally I'm a really fast learner and can pick up things relatively easily.
I'm not going to sit here and blame the tools for bad carpentry. I won't say I'd be better with a wheel instead of a gamepad or a mouse/keyboard because that's just making excuses. (For the record though, the gamepad I'm using--an Xbox360 wired controller--is a poor choice for this game as the range of motion is small and the left analog stick is really loose in the middle). My skills (or lack thereof) are the sole reason.
As for setups, I've tried the "Easy Race" setups provided on these forums but I actually find they're tougher to handle than the default settings. All the Easy Race settings I've tried so far are really tail-happy, and that only makes the cars that much harder for me to control. I'm not ready to mess with the settings myself, as I'm still trying to get a handle on the cars. (my best time thusfar is about 1:15 or so in an FXR on Blackwood Normal, which I thought was good until I saw how much faster everyone else is)
The only custom settings I have are super-soft suspension setups designed for stunt courses with lots of jumps (a soft suspension won't be damaged as easily under repeated hard landings, from what I've noticed). They all handle like mud, but they put durability over cornering.
Sorry for ranting (and for the threadjack). I'm pretty much your stereotypical American--if I don't see immediate or near-immediate success I start to get discouraged. Perhaps I'll stick around, but to anyone who's asked me to join a team or clan, I'm sorry but I must respectfully decline. I'm not ready for serious racing and would only be a detriment to your standings at my current skill level.
I'm not going to sit here and blame the tools for bad carpentry. I won't say I'd be better with a wheel instead of a gamepad or a mouse/keyboard because that's just making excuses. (For the record though, the gamepad I'm using--an Xbox360 wired controller--is a poor choice for this game as the range of motion is small and the left analog stick is really loose in the middle). My skills (or lack thereof) are the sole reason.
As for setups, I've tried the "Easy Race" setups provided on these forums but I actually find they're tougher to handle than the default settings. All the Easy Race settings I've tried so far are really tail-happy, and that only makes the cars that much harder for me to control. I'm not ready to mess with the settings myself, as I'm still trying to get a handle on the cars. (my best time thusfar is about 1:15 or so in an FXR on Blackwood Normal, which I thought was good until I saw how much faster everyone else is)
The only custom settings I have are super-soft suspension setups designed for stunt courses with lots of jumps (a soft suspension won't be damaged as easily under repeated hard landings, from what I've noticed). They all handle like mud, but they put durability over cornering.
Sorry for ranting (and for the threadjack). I'm pretty much your stereotypical American--if I don't see immediate or near-immediate success I start to get discouraged. Perhaps I'll stick around, but to anyone who's asked me to join a team or clan, I'm sorry but I must respectfully decline. I'm not ready for serious racing and would only be a detriment to your standings at my current skill level.
Last edited by Rebeldevil, .
When I first got LFS I played quite a bit. Then when I realized I wasn't getting any better I sorta got fed up and stopped racing for a while. Then my hard drive fragged itself and I had to reformat--I didn't even bother re-downloading LFS until recently, so I've been out of the loop for several months. I only just in the last few weeks started becoming active again, but once more I find myself getting frustrated. I just keep driving and keep practicing hoping to get better and I'm not. I still stink--I can't handle ANY of the RWD cars in the game for one reason or another. Despite the overall friendliness of the drivers in this community I do seem to get a disproportionate number of people saying "YOU SUCK GET LOST" or some derivation thereof. I'm thinking about hanging it up again--this time quite possibly for good. It's just beyond my ability, I think.
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