Check your bargain bin for this awesome racing simulation
User Rating: 8.9 | GTR: FIA GT Racing Game PC
I was amazed by this game the first time I played it. The first thing that strikes you is the authenticity of it all. The second I started playing it I was startled by how realistic the physics are. This is about as far from a Need For Speed arcade racer as you can get. The problem with this is that it takes some getting used to in order to actually win races. Race experience changes drastically based on which track you're on and what the weather is like. Grip is drastically changed with change in temperature and of course if the track is wet, you'll lose grip very quickly. Unlike other "simulation" racers however, GTR simulates wet weather racing physics in a much more believable way, you always feel like you're on the edge of control and you'll often drift past that edge and end up in the gravel. Again, it takes considerable time to learn all the elements of a certain track, the car you're driving, and how the weather will affect your car. The difference in the way one car drives in comparison to another is usually fairly understated in most driving games, but in GTR each car has its own feel. All the cars of each class in the game have similar rates of acceleration and top speed, but they all feel different from one another. When you step into the AWD Mid-Engine Lamborghini Murcielago you won't mistake it for a RWD Front-Engine Viper, they look, sound, and feel drastically different.
On the technical side, GTR has some very good visuals. The game is lacking in some of the latest effects seen in games but the high quality textures and models make the cars look really good. The environments look great as well, especially with the dynamic weather the game implements. The place where the game really shines is the audio department, engine noise is the best I've heard from a game. It's loud, gritty, and realistic. Tire squeals, rain, road noise, and pit radio chatter are all equally good. This is easily one of the most uncompromising racing simulators out there, but it's still easily accessible and very fun. I really enjoyed the authenticity and realism in this game. If you want a racing simulator that doesn't make compromises, this is the game for you.
