Hehehehe.
I knew that would get you going. Funny enough, GP4 supporters where out in force, which stimulated forum moderator Ian bell to post this:
"OK... any mention of GP4 is hereforth banned in this thread
"
My comments to Monsiur Rousseau were as follows:
" Interesting Review from Rousseau. Not as negative on the tracks as before. I agree with much of what you say. However there are 2 major points and one minor in which I disagree. I think ISI have to make radical changes in the following (Ian, please forgive me for mentioning GP4, but It is necessary):
Graphics (1280x1024 16bit aa etc off all else at high or full videos off):
The graphics look ok and I love the sky. The cars are fantastic (the best of Hummerich). Ralf's 2003 update is fantastic also. THE PROBLEM is getting them to run. FPS has always for me been a problem with F12001 and 2002. I have updated my rig to a respectable level * and I can get upto 60 fps in a practice run ON PARTS OF THE TRACK. In parts it is down to 27 or so. In a race it can be around 11-14 fps on the grid and 30ish later but dropping every now and then rather dramatically. The fps drop during a practice session from 50+ at the beginning to 28 at the end.
(GP4 finally runs at a steady 37 in the rain on at the back of the grid everything maxed including heat haze (lovely) and dynamic environmental mapping.
I have to compare with GP4 which actually runs fantastically well for all its shortcomings.
Watching replay shows up the problems with F1C. The fps drop eg. in France practice (1 car visible) to 11fps on the pit straight but can reach up to 55 elsewhere. The way the car moves is also unrealistic (partly). Gp4 beats F1C hands down on replays.
THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM. If I am doing something wrong, tell me.
*My rig:
AMD 2400+,Epox EP-8RDA,Ram 1024 333 DDr, Rad 9700pro,Audigy, MOMO FF,winxp
AI:
The AI may be improved but it is still utter crap. I am sorry, but I am not usually so categorical. The cars crash all over the place (Monaco is worst). GP4 is the king here. Surely AI can be improved in F1C
Then there are the TRACKS. Some are quite good but eg Monaco is a bl''dy disgrace. Fortunately Spider (=Tantra) has made some stunning improvements adding details to the 2003 versions which put a bone in the throat of even the most ardent GP4 believer. I am therfore less worried about the tracks, since these´will be fixed by the community. GP4's tracks are accurate (but new modifications are missing)
At the moment I can only use F1C for practice and hotlapping. Pity.
Is ISI going to do something for the above? This game has great promise, but it still IMO needs developing.
BTW: on the GP4 forum (grandprixgames) I generated quite a stir among the more religious fans by writing about F1C. Someone felt that it should be moved to Off Topic. It isn't OFF topic, it is all very much ON topic. "
Rousseau is a true believer and he writes so beautifully. He has some good points but his total disdain for GP4 and GC's work is distorting his judgement. GP4 is a n extremely good game. F1C is at the moment a highly flawed, but promising game. It's editability makes it even more promising. I hope that the worst problems will be solved. In the meantime I live in this skitso world where I jump from game to game. I even get disillusioned with the whole thing from time to time and try a flight sim (IL2 Forgotten battles)for a change... now THAT would be Off Topic.
Good night all.
Post Edited (07-27-03 09:20)
Larry
AMD 3000+,Epox EP-8RDA,Ram 1536mb 333 DDr, Rad 9800 pro omega 2.4.96, dx9b, Audigy, MOMO FF,winxp