CHENNAI: With the release of another Fast and Furious, and the F1 Grand Prix zooming by, I felt it was time to update the car sims list. Playing Need for Speed: Most Wanted, while listening to hardcore hip-hop, and being chased by cops gave us such an interesting perspective to life… So if you are ever at crossroads in searching for a good car racing game, here you go.
Asphalt (for android), is the only game to have stood the test of time — one we all know and have played. I added it to the list just out of respect for this free-to-play game with good graphics, auto acceleration, and motion sensing steering.
And there is Forza (this is not just to appease the Xbox users), a genuinely amazing racing simulator. Unlike normal games, where the focus is on character and story, the larger purpose of car racing sims is their authenticity. Realism of the environment, detailing of the car, the physics of acceleration and crashing, reflections, shadows, dew drops on blades of grass — you get the drift.The scenery in Forza Horizon 3 is accurately modeled, and they even have a realistic sun with time changes in light and weather patterns. Gran Turismo is Forza’s chief contender built for PlayStation users.
Project CARS brings in real world maps and race tracks, and multiple racing formats. The graphics are so amazing and flawless, that it could be easily confused for live TV instead of a videogame.
The game physics is more realistic too, as opposed to the relatively casual steering in GT and Forza. The handling is twitchy and demanding — putting you a step closer to experiencing the difficulty of real-life racing.
Project Cars 2 is anticipated for release soon, after a two year break. Several iconic cars are to be available for selection, and also an online championship mode. They are using ‘LiveTrack 3.0’, snowballing temperature changes, visible field, as well as the fluid dynamics in car controls — bringing the track truly alive. Don’t let yourself be wheeled away by games like the American Truck Simulator, the games mentioned above should steer you on the right track.