What Would Make an Excellent Driving Game?
In my last post, I outlined a few of the things that go into building a great racing simulation. These features include; accurately modeled physics engine to deliver precise feedback, graphics that provide a driver with all the eye candy one would expect in the real world; all down to the last corner marker, as well as a sound system that genuinely recreates all the glorious sounds that one would expect from a powerful car being drive to the edge.
As crucial as these three items are, they aren’t the only three factors that are needed. Additionally, a great PC racing game needs to incorporate all of the following:
A thoroughly equipped garage that allows the sim driver to accurately recreate the experience of adjusting the car’s chassis to affect its handling. In the real-world race cars have a vast array of ways to change how the car drives. You can modify springs, shocks, sway bars, ride heights, caster, camber, stagger, transmission ratios, and so much more. Remove this adjustability in the sim racer’s garage, and you’re effectively reducing the quality of the sim. Obviously, this is a major no no!
Driving into and out of the pits should also be accurate – especially under racing conditions. In the real-world, pit strategy and pit stops play a major role in the outcome of a competition. Get the strategy wrong or execute a lousy pitstop and your chances of winning the race are pretty much over. The sim racing game should model these elements as carefully as possible if it aspires to to offer one of the most realistic driving experience attainable.
Speaking of driving into the pits, today’s car driving game also needs to offer an exceptional online racing experience – and this includes getting into and out of the pits. In years gone by, a lot of drivers would just play against the computer’s computer cars. Those days are gone. Now, the name of the game is racing online. As with other parts of the game, the online experience has also made massive enhancements, thanks largely to technology and improved broadband to the home.
Get these features done properly, and you’re well on your way to making a fantastic car driving game!
Angelo Dyrzra has been a street racing games enthusiast for over 10 years. To learn more about car driving games and also enter to win a free game, visit his car driving games website.. Free reprint available from: What Would Make an Excellent Driving Game?.
