TOCA Race Driver 3 Review

By Kristan Reed Published 2 March, 2006

Going that extra mile.

Version tested: Xbox

Before TOCA Race Driver came screeching along, the world of racing simulators was a pretty bleak landscape. Often hiding their complete lack of accessibility behind the po-faced claims of "realistic" handling, they were almost always blighted by the kind of learning curves that made scaling Everest seem eminently doable by comparison.

On the other extreme, most arcade racing games seem determined to be as ludicrously unrealistic as possible, with handling and damage modelling based entirely on providing fun and thrills to literally anyone. No bad thing, but not necessarily for those of us wanting a slice of fun to go with our wedge of authenticity.

Bridging the gap

'TOCA Race Driver 3' Screenshot warranty

I wonder if the extended warranty covers this?

Evidently realising the vast gaping chasm that existed in the market, Codemasters' TOCA Race Driver series - by accident or by design - has plugged that divide remarkably well. Finding itself with practically an entire sub genre all to itself, it suddenly finds itself under more scrutiny than ever - especially given its simultaneous release across three formats - but no one expected Codies to fail after its last magnificent effort, and it hasn’t.

But like most 'difficult' third releases, its progress and evolution has stalled slightly, most evidently thanks to the decision to stick to current generation platforms. So what do developers do when they can't wow the public with amazing new physics techniques and flashy next gen visuals? Refine the successful formula that got such a critical back slapping last time out and throw in an eye-watering amount of content to make the whole thing last even longer. Easy.

As such, that makes our job of explaining what TOCA Race Driver's about that much easier, because most of you'll know the drill by now. You'll know already that the handling's consistently excellent, that the damage modelling is among the best around, that the graphics are about as good as they get on current gen systems, and what a vast beast of a game it is. Just as before, it's a game that covers all bases but never dilutes the experience. It really is an all-encompassing pot pourri of contrasting vehicles and driving disciplines, and is basically brilliant at making the idea of mastering every kind of four wheel driving discipline around seem hugely entertaining. But you knew that already, didn't you?

Decisions, decisions

'TOCA Race Driver 3' Screenshot pat

Pat would be good at this.

Just like before, there's the familiar World Tour mode to wade through, giving racers the choice of at least two (but mostly three) racing disciplines to master in each tier before they can progress on to the next. So, for example, you might decide you're better at Rally driving than Indy Car or Monster Trucks, meaning your path through the game will very much be dictated by your own personal gaming preferences, which you'll appreciate more and more the harder the game gets. In particular, it's this ability to try another discipline and progress via another route that takes a lot of the potential frustration out of the TOCA Race Driver, while also giving you more of what you do want. It's a win-win.

Once again, you've got the guiding hand of Rick behind you (the thistle tongued ageing Scot) barking instructions to you when you're on the track and giving essential driving tips prior to races. Codies has sadly toned down the 'plot' elements that were such a welcome part of TRD2, and as such the game's now a more serious affair than it was. Nowadays the cut scenes are more likely to dwell on sound driving advice than flirty agents and TV crews, but the light-hearted tone helps keep your interest, while the occasional clash with a monkey-faced rival is pure comedy gold on the rare occasions that they occur.

Whichever race discipline you plump for, the formula remains unchanged, meaning there's no qualifying, no choice of which car to drive, a very limited number of laps, a pre-determined position on the grid, and the over-riding requirement to finish at least fourth in the overall table during the three or so races you'll have to clear in each tier. As annoying as some of these restrictions can be, the game's designed sympathetically so that you'll almost certainly be able to work your way into a winning position with skill and persistence. And if you don't... the races really aren't that long so replaying repeatedly them isn't too bothersome - besides, it's a formula that's fun, challenging and realistic, delivering the excitement of the more action focused racing, with much more authentic handling and damage considerations. Needless to say, the faster the vehicle, the more careful you have to be, and the more important it becomes to be familiar with each track.

Cracking up

'TOCA Race Driver 3' Screenshot time

Possibly a time penalty for that one.

With such a short-sharp approach to racing, you're never forced to dwell on any given race for lengthy amounts of time, and very quickly this quick fix approach to the World Tour mode makes it as compulsive as any arcade racing game you've ever come across. It also becomes quite a test, too, meaning you really have to throw yourself into the practising the course layout and the unique handling demands of each different vehicle .Once you start making headway, though, don't expect TOCA to be a game that you'll crack easily. More than likely - with 120 championships to beat, 80 tracks to memorise and 35 racing disciplines to suss out - you'll be the one cracking first.

But that's not even half of the story.

For those that want more control over grid position, car choice, car set-up and so on, Codies have concocted an unbelievably huge Pro Career Mode for the really committed types to wade through over the next year or more. Split into eight specific racing discipline categories including Classics, GT, Oval, Touring Car, and Off Road, you get the chance to play any of them, with full racing rules, flags, pitstops and the like to adhere to during races - which certainly put paid to our corner cutting tactics and tendency to barge opponents into the sand traps whenever possible.

The basic driving experience in the Pro Career mode might feel pretty similar to the World Tour mode at first... until you realise that your aggressive driving style cuts no ice with the officials. Qualifying, for example, allows no corner cutting at all, while any crazy driving in-race soon gets slapped down, with warnings and eventually time penalties added. The series of races is much longer too, with roughly nine to compete across, rather than the three or so in World Tour mode. While this certainly makes it easier to win the championship if you're good, it forces you to put in consistently good performances over a greater breadth of tracks. It's certainly not for the faint-hearted, and should test drivers to the limit of their endurance.

Model of consistency

'TOCA Race Driver 3' Screenshot cardboard

Looks great. Just don't look too closely at the cardboard cut-out crowd, please.

The fact that the game appears to cope with any racing discipline you can throw at it and emerge with so much startling consistency makes you realise just how well executed TOCA Race Driver 3 really is. When most games struggle to pull off one racing discipline with any real aplomb, for Codies to come along and trump the competition in such emphatic style is worthy of serious acclaim. You wouldn't bet against them making tractor racing seem fun if it was an option - in fact the various unlockables (including toy cars, apparently) make it seem like the kind of project where anything's possible. Factor in the huge number of tracks on offer, the high quality of the computer AI and the ability to tinker with Simulation mode and set up your own races and championships to your own requirements and apart from maybe more cars there's virtually nothing more you could want from a racing game.

Okay, so we've not mentioned multiplayer yet, but it's by no means an afterthought, with two player split screen support of up to 12 players on Xbox Live (12 on PC, 8 on PS2). With a decent degree of choice on offer, you get to play through any of the available championships or racing disciplines that you fancy, with the chance to play either an individual race or an entire series. Even better, you get to choose to what degree fellow players must play by the rules, with the chance to mete out penalties for cut corners, prangs and the like, or you can simply race in no-holds-barred fashion. Likewise, if you’re worried about your online Driver Rating, you can choose to take part in races that affect your worldwide ranking. For the real pros this is certainly a big deal. On the downside, being able to join games already in progress is a bit pointless, and a bit of a time waster, but on the whole the multiplayer element works just fine, with no discernable lag issues to report.

Not that anyone will be remotely surprised by this assessment, but Codemasters has really pulled out all the stops to make TOCA Race Driver 3 about as good as it could possibly be on Xbox. Simply, it’s another excellent driving game that puts most of the competition to shame - not just because it's so utterly rammed with so much top-notch content, but that it does so to such a consistently high standard. With an excellent online mode to boot, it really does offer the lot; as far as serious driving games go, this is as good as it gets right now.

9 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Kristan.

About Kristan Reed

Kristan is a former editor of Eurogamer, dad, Stone Roses bore and Norwich City supporter who sometimes mutters optimistically about Team Silent getting back together.

Read more articles from Kristan by visiting the Kristan Reed archive page.

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Comments (78) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • alimokrane #1 6 years ago

    A 9 ? Wow that was unexpected ... All good All good!

  • Wobble #2 6 years ago

    backwards compatible on 360?

  • krudster #3 6 years ago

    Nope.

  • hp_on_toast #4 6 years ago

    But can you actually take part in the TOCA championship this time around?

  • krudster #5 6 years ago

    Nope.

  • Fixxxer #6 6 years ago

    But Marmite is the best sandwich filling, right?
    Edited by 1 at 02/03/06 @ 14:45

  • Eighthours #7 6 years ago

    It's interesting how the TOCA championship is one of the only racing events that isn't actually in...er...TOCA!

    Shame this isn't 360-compatible yet. I loved the last game.

  • DDevil #8 6 years ago

    I might see how the PC version of this compares. I'm not buying an Xbox :-P

  • smoison #9 6 years ago

    YYYYEEESSS

    Bought, shipped, and on the WAY!

    Brilliant review, even though it should have been reviewed on its best platform (PC).

    LOVES IT

  • Scientist #10 6 years ago

    Metro newspaper in London is referring to this as the M25 game in another let's ban games article.
    http://www.me tro.co.uk/home/article.html?in_article_id=10521&in_page_id=1 &expand=true#StartComments

    Unbelievable!

  • w00t #11 6 years ago

    Yay for Codies! TOCA 2 wa brill!

  • trevd72 #12 6 years ago

    played this on the PS2 and it really is the dogs bollocks.

  • tiddles #13 6 years ago

    What are the differences between the Xbox and PS2 versions?

  • lambtron #14 6 years ago

    A decent online mode? :p

  • Beano #15 6 years ago

    "Shame this isn't 360-compatible yet. "

    MS stopped updating the emulator 5 min. after Xbox 360 launch... shame :|

  • Darren #16 6 years ago

    TRD3 is a really great game but it's not without it's faults. The A.I. isn't particularly good as I've lost count of the number of times a car behind me has clipped me, causing me to spin and... arghhhhhhhh! Good job the game is so addictive and has a very quick Restart option (unlike PGR 3 which requires a 20-30 second load!)...

  • Hicksy #17 6 years ago

    Oh for gods sake a 9? :(

    I wasn't going to buy another X-Box game after Psycho.. especialy a driving game!! : (

    Is there a 360 version planned?

    If not I guess I will have to get it : (

  • zErOb_cOOl #18 6 years ago

    "Metro newspaper in London is referring to this as the M25 game in another let's ban games article.
    http://www.metro.co.uk/home/article.html?in_article_ id=10521
    &in_page_id=1&expand=true#StartComments

    Unbelievable! "

    WTF?!

    And what about PGR/GT4, all of which have city-based levels?!!!!!

    F*!king outrageous.

    Why is it that people suddenly snap at the stupidest things in video games? You can tell they are the sort of people who don't play them and know nothing about them.

  • dagoberto #19 6 years ago

    does anyone know if this is two player split screen online?? (like pgr2)

  • zErOb_cOOl #20 6 years ago

    Why so much bitching about a good current gen game?

    Its obvious to me, and has been for months and months, that the current gen of consoles still have a long way to go, way into 2007.

    Just becuase the X360 got a premature release doesn't mean it THE console and other are going to die anytime now....the X360 is still struggling to get off the fecking launch pad for gods sake.
    Edited by 1 at 02/03/06 @ 15:34

  • Ceatlan #21 6 years ago

    Is the rally racing any better than in the last game ? It was pretty poor really, especially from the same company that produced Colin Mcrae.

    Anyway I still loved the last one, and the Pro Career mode sounds like the perfect antidote to the only things that killed the last game for me, namely driving vehicle types I hated and having to come first in every race to continue.

    Must have game for me :-)

  • azurelas_2 #22 6 years ago

    Anybody here addicted to TOCA 2 on psx? I'm still playing it today and the AI is just as good if not better as the current-gen systems. Shame the handling was bollcks though.

  • sharky_ob #23 6 years ago

    This game is the mutts nuts.

    I've been a serious driving game fan for years and this is up there with the best. Could be my favourite ever.

    The amount of options is just amazing and i've only really explored offline with a few online races. Can't wait to get some like minded racers together and really cane this online.

    Gamertag is SharkyOB if anyone wants to add me.

  • OnlyMe #24 6 years ago

    Anyone tried this with the DFP wheel on the PS2? Is it any good, or should I say, is it easy to get used to unlike the other TOCA game that supports wheel?

  • krudster #25 6 years ago

    Note to Rally fans: it's still a poor approximation of CMR, sadly.

  • Ceatlan #26 6 years ago

    Krudster: Note to Rally fans: it's still a poor approximation of CMR, sadly.

    I'm beginning to think that is a deliberate action to make sure that there is still a market for CMR. I mean if they included the CMR engine as just a little part of this game, who'd bother buying CMR anymore ?

    Ceatlan
    Edited by 1 at 02/03/06 @ 15:58

  • thegamesthething #27 6 years ago

    "Is there a 360 version planned?"

    Codemasters webby only shows links to PS2, XBOX and PC, so it seems not.

  • captain-future #28 6 years ago

    has cheesy cutscenes? check.

    /adds to wishlist.

  • D_arkTrooper #29 6 years ago

    Anyone know what the PC version is like? How it handles force feedback steering wheels etc.

    Graphically should be very good and is only 18 quid on Play.com

  • smoison #30 6 years ago

    If you want the best graphics, the PC is the way to go.

    (Unless your PC is poop of course)


    P.S Is there the M25 then or like WHAT?!?! Mabye the metro reporter thaught one of the American (circle) race rings was the M25....

  • Mr_Whacker #31 6 years ago

    'I've lost count of the number of times a car behind me has clipped me, causing me to spin and... arghhhhhhhh! '

    That was why I gave up on the PS1 version. Is it really still there?

  • Pac #32 6 years ago

    Why on earth did they claim that the 360 was backwardly compatible in the first place?

    That's two in a week, Black and now this.

    I wouldn't mind but I got rid of my old Xbox to make room for thing (some room at that).

    I am fairly happy with the 360 but this issue is starting to piss me off now.

    And no. I couldn't wait.

  • BBIAJ #33 6 years ago

    Just like to add that you CAN qualify in World Tour mode!

    See that red 'X' at the bottom of the pre-race menu screen, next to "Qualify"?

    Well, just flick it to a green tick and you're away!

    Wow, that was hard!

    Still, easily overlooked when you're rushing the review to get it up on the site ASAP I guess... ;o)

    Oh, and the rallying is a definite improvement over ToCA 2. Close to CMR, but no cigar, sadly.

  • krudster #34 6 years ago

    I stand corrected!

  • NeoGeo #35 6 years ago

    One question....

    60 or 30 fps?

  • kangarootoo #36 6 years ago

    "Possibly a time penalty for that one"

    Hehe, nice one.

  • smoison #37 6 years ago

    "'I've lost count of the number of times a car behind me has clipped me, causing me to spin and... arghhhhhhhh! '

    That was why I gave up on the PS1 version. Is it really still there?"

    If you drive aggresevly, the A.I will do the same. Its really as realistic as you can find in a game (for now).
    But if you like raceing games with limited A.I that lets you do what you want, then i can understand why you wouldn't like it.

  • GamerAddict #38 6 years ago

    ""Is there a 360 version planned?"

    Codemasters webby only shows links to PS2, XBOX and PC, so it seems not."


    According to someone on another forum, Codies claimed that the game would be made BC within days of its release......so this guy went off and bought it under the impression he would be able to play it on his 360.......surprise surprise it didn't work as M$ haven't updated their emulation software.

    However, my gripe is with Codies for saying that it would be in the first place, they have no control over what's made BC, so I can only think they said it would be just to grab another sale!!!

  • RFT #39 6 years ago

    we NEVER said it would work on 360.

    every time I've been asked, I've always had the same answer- it's up to microsoft and we were told by them that it COULD be a matter of days, or it could be months. I've always been very clear that it's something we have absolutley no control over.

  • Pac #40 6 years ago

    I hope MS is happy with the sales it's loosing through backward incompatability.

    /Here have my £40 for the Xbox version, no make that £50 for the 360 version...No, don't bother then.

    Swines.

    However given the lack of hardware around it probably isn't loosing any sleep over it.

  • texx #41 6 years ago

    love the game, but im pissed of that MS has not got a f/f back wheel for the xbox.
    on closer investigation there doesn't seem to be one on the horizon for the 360 either

  • LOLLERS #42 6 years ago

    LOL - "Codemasters apologises for the error in Metro's report. The feature allowing players to drive around a virtual M25 will appear on ToCA Race Driver 4, which is due for release at the end of this year or early next year."

    How have 69% voted to ban it but not one of them has managed to post a reasonable argument as to why exactly. I bet when they do it will be something along the lines of 'THE CHILDREN!!! WON'T SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!'
    Edited by 2 at 02/03/06 @ 18:30

  • stoopidgreg #43 6 years ago

    i got this game the other day, it's so good. but the thing that pisses me off the most - and sometimes it can just ruin the whole game for me - is that cars have a bad tendancy to fishtale you off the track, even if you've done nothing to them. i don't know how many races i've had to restart 50+ times because someone ends up pushing me off the track in the first half-lap.

    the other thing that bugs me is that, even on hard mode (which is what i'm playing world tour on) cars still break far too soon at corners, especially the first corner. i've found that even if you start at the back you can get near the front at the first 2 corners if you get the right line. the other annoyance is that some championships are so so much harder than others - in particularly the off road ones. it seems the computer always gets the perfect racing line which is so hard when you slide about so much, especially the little buggy ones which go over 100mph.

    anyway here's what i'm talking about, overtaking all these suckers on the first few corners.

  • secombe #44 6 years ago

    9?!

    I wonder if I've received a pre-release version (unlikely as I have it on PS2 and PC!)

    Firstly, I loved TRD2, but here goes with TRD3...

    1) On PS2 the graphics have taken a step back from TRD2, some serious short-cuts taken, easiest example to spot is the Caterham from drivers view, gorgeous reflections off the bonnet but then a dashboard straight out of a 1990s Mega Drive game (but probably a bit worse), loads of jaggies compared to TRD2 as well.

    2) The circuits. License 10billion circuits then only accurately model a few of them. Oulton Park is motorway width despite it being a very tight circuit, Castle Combe loses one of the hardest corners in the UK (Quarry), its still in the game, its just not anything like real life. Brands Hatch seems to have taken a step backwards too, something seriously odd with the inclines etc, most circuits seem to have had a good go at with an iron before putting it in.

    3) The handling. Pro-Sim goes some way to improving the standard handling, but only just. I own a Clio Cup and you would simply not live if you took corners at some of the speeds achievable in the game...this could be down to the circuits being dumbed down slightly more than the performance of the cars though. AI cars have a tendancy to spin you off the track as well, do it back and they barely move.

    4) The AI. My biggest gripe as it was pretty darn good in TRD2. Firstly some serious rubber band AI going on which is understandable in Mario Kart but not here. You can destroy the opponents lap times in qualifying only to see them fly off into the distance come race time, thankfully they can't take corners too well, very easy to pass 7-10 cars on one bend, very realistic!

    5) The Flags. Nice idea but poorly executed. Get pushed off track by an opponent and say hello to a black and white flag, take a corner wide and lose time, say hello to a black and white flag. Ever so slightly clip the grass when taking a corner on the rumble strips...well you get the idea.

    Just a bit disapointed really, treated to all those nice crash renders and vids about AI and when the game shows up its, well, a bit rubbish. Seems to have been rushed, many features are getting there but unfinished, and some of the cars look very suspect.
    Edited by 1 at 02/03/06 @ 18:51

  • stoopidgreg #45 6 years ago

    hm, i did find it highly annoying that if someone clipped me and sent me spinning off track _i_ would get flagged but they wouldn't, but the whole "take a corner too wide, losing time and getting flagged" i don't agree with. i think that's pretty solid, as i've taken corners too wide and not been flagged because i lost some time, and when i cut corners i make sure to slow down a little so i don't get flagged for gaining advantage. i think when you go wide and lose time you can actually gain from it a few seconds later because you'll be coming out of the corner faster, so that might be why you get flagged.

    besides, you could always just turn off the corner cutting flags ;)

    anyway, for all those interested in the rally, i just frapped a video there and i'm uploading it as i speak. personally i think the rally is really good although probably too fast, not enough corners, and also too much tarmac. the other big disappointment here is there are only 3 real rally tracks (not including rally cross).

    [edit] ok finished uploading the video to my server. download it here =)
    Edited by 1 at 02/03/06 @ 19:37

  • stoopidgreg #46 6 years ago

    and here's stage 2, set in scotland i presume, and all tarmac. (better quality video than the last)

  • biggamenow #47 6 years ago

    "Codemasters apologises for the error in Metro's report. The feature allowing players to drive around a virtual M25 will appear on ToCA Race Driver 4, which is due for release at the end of this year or early next year."

    LOL !

    /wears truth goggles:

    "Metro apologies for being a bit rubbish, no one told us it was a manipulated screenshot. We is the dumbers. If you want to race around the m25 do it in your car not in the game. ToCA 4 will be out on PS4 in shops next week. Probably. Someone told us on the tube earlier."

  • MrGrumpy.au #48 6 years ago

    I bought the PS2 version (p'd off at Microsoft atm).

    The Good:
    * Mercedes-Benz W196
    * Mercedes-Benz W25
    * Team Lotus Type 49

    * Rear View Mirror!!! (No more having to hit a button to look behind)
    * Bathurst is fixed, you don't go flying anymore over the top of the mountain.
    * Track selection is great. (Even if they might not be totally accurate)
    * Rally mode feels better than TOCA 2.


    The Annoying:
    * Screen tearing (VSync must be off in this title)
    * Over zealous flag rules.
    * Saved race replays go out of sync 60% of the time.
    * Never saves pro-sim settings. (why?)
    * Where is the BTCC or WTCC?
    * AI is over aggressive.

    AI to Player: "Excuse me old chap I see that you're on my piece of tarmac, so I'll just drive up to your rear bumper and flick my steering wheel to spin you off..."
    Player: (while spinning on the grass) WTF?
    AI: That's better, so long sucker!!! (while giving the bird to the rest of the field)
    PS2 to Player: You have gained a time advantage, this is your first and only warning.
    Player: (PS2 controller goes flying out the window) :D
    Edited by 3 at 02/03/06 @ 22:37

  • stoopidgreg #49 6 years ago

    yeah it seems most people's problem is with the AI side sweeping you off the track, but someone mentioned if you drive aggressively then they'll do things like that back to you. so i'd imagine overtaking 5 or so cars in the first corner constitutes aggressive, so i'm going to try playing without doing that and see what happens.

  • kangarootoo #50 6 years ago

    I'm not into this type of driving game, but I'm enjoying reading this thread. Its almost enough to get me renting this game (even though I suck at realistic driving games).

    Keep it up :)

  • stoopidgreg #51 6 years ago

    if you play it on normal mode it isn't really a sim racing game. i think if you played it for half an hour you could definately get to grips with its handling and win some races.

    anyone watched the videos i posted yet?

  • BBIAJ #52 6 years ago

    Yep!

    I have to ask though, why?

    And I would have enjoyed them more in replay view, but nevermind, very nice all the same.

  • MrGrumpy.au #53 6 years ago

    @stoopidgreg, yes I d/l'd the 2nd video.

    @RFT, I guess from your responses you work for Codemasters so I have a question. ;)

    Do people actually buy that Code M bullsh@t that is attatched to every game?

    Sorry I just had to ask.

  • posh_geordie #54 6 years ago

    Post deleted at 18:45:04 02-01-2012

  • MrGrumpy.au #55 6 years ago

    Sorry I should have been clearer.

    It's the charging for cheat codes thing that has always confused me. You can get downloadable content for similar prices that do a whole lot more than a bunch of cheat codes which can be invalidated if your save get corrupted.

    I've always assosiated Code M to the cheat codes and the whole concept still confuses me.

  • smoison #56 6 years ago

    I saw the video, but don't see much of a difference with the begenning of races in Toca 2.
    You could generally pass alot of people at the begenning because there are loads of cars, which force drivers to brake earlier.

    And the passing you do, is fine, except generally you hit people inevitably doing that, and you tend to have to restart alot if you drive like that.

    Congrats to Codemasters (cause some may be here), they make the only raceing game i'm interested in.

  • stoopidgreg #57 6 years ago

    @ BBIAJ

    only reason i did it was coz people were asking about the rally and i was feeling nice :p i didn't record replays because i think it looks better in-car, with the dials and such. the TV camera views can be nice sometimes but watching the whole race like that doesn't show how the game plays and doesn't give you a good sense of speed.

  • oreillymj #58 6 years ago

    I really wish I'd read this thread before wasting my money on this game. It's basically TR2 with more of that annoying Scottish TWAT. Thankfully you can switch his in-game TOTALLY F***ING OBVIOUS suggestions off in the options, but you can't get rid of him altogether.

    Get rid of the pointless cut scenes a just let me race, like TOCA on PS1, back when the game was good.

    By the way, the difficulty level seems to be through the roof so we can buy cheats from Codemasters. This is obviously a lucrative business as the codes are unique to game/mem card so they can't be re-distributed for free.

    Like CMR, it's getting harder & harder to see any difference between subsequent realeases. I'm off to see if I can get my money back.
    Edited by 1 at 03/03/06 @ 17:21

  • Talha #59 6 years ago

    I would just like to say that a better review of this game can be found on IGN (yes, hard to believe but true), which very correctly informs that while the handling model of Touring Cars is stop on, that for every other class of cars is hit and miss. Overall, a good one though

  • stoopidgreg #60 6 years ago

    "By the way, the difficulty level seems to be through the roof so we can buy cheats from Codemasters."

    what? i'm playing on hard with just gamecube pad and i'm doing just fine. some races are harder than others but there's usually 3 to choose from if you get stuck (in the world tour mode). if it's too hard for you you could always try playing in normal difficulty. or you could even play free races and turn the difficulty down even lower.

  • MrGrumpy.au #61 6 years ago

    @stoopidgreg, I think you have to remember not everyone plays racing games religiously. For example I'm playing through Pro Career on hard and for me it isn't hard, but throw me into something like "Super Smash Bros. Melee", "SOCOM" or "HALO" and I'm the worst player to ever grace this planet no matter how hard I try (but I still enjoy them). ;)

    @oreillymj, that's why I asked the question about the cheat codes. But if you've got people that buy them why stop (there must be a market). And yep the first thing I did was turn the announcer off as well, cause 99% of the time he makes no sense ( kinda like me :D ).

    @Talha, after playing it since its release (23/2), I've come to the conclusion that the open wheelers w/aero just feels too grippy even on pro-sim, you just cannot spin them (pity the Ariel Atom is the same way). But everything else is great fun.

    Oh and one more thing Brands Hatch (GP Configuration) is the greatest track ever made (damn I love that circuit). :D

    Edit: Spelling :(
    Edited by 2 at 04/03/06 @ 02:09

  • Talha #62 6 years ago

    @MrGrumpy.au : Yeah I agree, this is probably the only game to strike a perfect balance between sim and arcade. Only I was slightly annoyed with the giddiness of the review - reading it you'd think other good sim racers don't exist. Although admittedly, by virtue of its supreme balance, this game is in a class of its own, but still.

    Any idea when is the PC version coming out? The demo ran amazingly on my PC, and I have a DualShock 2 attached to it, so thought that would provide the best possible experience.
    Edited by 1 at 04/03/06 @ 06:42

  • secombe #63 6 years ago

    "Any idea when is the PC version coming out? The demo ran amazingly on my PC, and I have a DualShock 2 attached to it, so thought that would provide the best possible experience."

    PC version is out now in the UK, I think its been delayed in Canada and a few other places though. Configuring the Dual Shock is a dog, I haven't got it right yet after hours of trying (can't get analogue acceleration/braking right, steering is fine though!), yet GT Legends worked fine first time!

    Oh and Codies have admitted to looking into the AI/Flag issue already on PC, so hopefully a patch is on the horizon.

  • Talha #64 6 years ago

    @secombe : Funny, I have NEVER had a problem configuring Dual Shock on my PC. I currently play FIFA, NFS, Prince of Persia, TrackMania with it - in most of the games I found the controls to be set by default in the most natural positions possible. Of course in some games one analog stick doesn't work, but Windows XP recognizes each and every function in the Control Panel. Obviously since PC versions of games are NOT meant to land onto a DualShock, you might expect a few problems!! :-)

    By the way I ached for GT Legends but firmly withdrew once I knew it had StarForce protection. Thanks, but I don't want to fuck up my PC just to play one game, and pay money for that as well!!! :-|
    Edited by 2 at 04/03/06 @ 10:28

  • MrGrumpy.au #65 6 years ago

    @Talha, just to let you know the PC version uses good 'ol Starforce (it's the main reason why I bought the console version).

  • Talha #66 6 years ago

    @MrGrumpy.au : Oh My God don't tell me. Not lack of dev interest nor the spiraling cost of PC gaming will kill PC gaming, but this racket will.

    It seems a boycott for Codies is in the offing too. No seriously - my Splinter Cell CT refused to work after I installed a DVD+RW drive which is criminal - and Ubi tech support is as always, spectacularly lousy. So a big F.Y. to Codies, and in protest I will probably download the pirated version as soon as it is available on the web - ;-).

  • MrGrumpy.au #67 6 years ago

    @Talha, yep I understand. The GTR demo when it came out caused me nightmares so I just don't trust PC games & demos anymore, it's now "console or nothing" for me.

    But I do understand why they have to use these protection schemes I just wish there was a better/"non brute force hardware wise" way of doing it.

  • Talha #68 6 years ago

    @MrGrumpy.au : My problems are these:

    1) Why the FUCK genuine buyers are made to suffer for piracy
    2) Who gives them the right to install an insidious software on your PC which increases your boot-time and wreaks unspeakable havoc with your registry? (believe it or not, the Splinter Cell DVD now prevents my PC from booting up if it is in the drive)
    3) How come companies like EA and Microsoft not hounding the buyers of genuine software?

    Sorry - I guess the 'grumpiness' has rubbed on to me - only natural after learning that I won't be able to play one of my highly anticipated games on PC. I wish everyone just goes out and buys the pirated version - that would be justice!!!

  • stoopidgreg #69 6 years ago

    @MrGrumpy.au : i'm by no means a pro racer! in fact i didn't even know i LIKED racing games until i played the first toca3 demo - then i was hooked. i was shit at first but once i played it a few times and got the hang of how differently it handled compared to other arcade racers i could easily beat the AI on normal mode, and even my flatmates who never play sim racers (they like mario kart and ridge racer) could win races. so i don't think it's too hard at all.

    anyway, as for the corner cutting rules - i first thought they were fair and didn't notice getting flagged for going off but NOT gaining advantage. but last night i was playing some time trials and i was getting flagged for just clipping the sand on that first corner on brands hatch, or i would completely spin off and crash and come back on the track - on pro sim of course ;) - 5 seconds after i should, and i still got flagged. so something's not right there...
    Edited by 1 at 04/03/06 @ 13:48

  • MrGrumpy.au #70 6 years ago

    @Talha, the only thing I can think of is to use two hard drives with a IDE caddy (does a SATA caddy exist?) and use one drive as your OS for games and the other just as your default OS.

    Obviously the drive caddy has to be an internal version (ie connected directly to the IDE port inside the machine and mounted in a drive bay) and not the USB/Firewrire external types as Starforce won't work over those connections, but it could work even though it is very extreme.

    Anyhow that's the only solution I can think of at 1 in the morning on a lovely warm Melbourne night. :)

    Edit:
    @stoopidgreg, sorry about that if I was a bit over the top.

    The flag rules how they are at the moment are great for hot lap competitions (so it's hard for people to cut corners etc.), but just for normal non-competetive gameplay it's just too harsh (1/4 of a wheel off the track twice and your black flagged). At least with the PC version it can be patched.


    My brain has officially shut down, so I'm off for the night.
    Edited by 3 at 04/03/06 @ 14:10

  • Agent_Llama #71 6 years ago

    Been playing this for a couple of hours... not sure about it... It seems too similar to TOCA2 for my liking, which I played and enjoyed immensely. But... dunno, this feels very flat. Wondering if Woolworths take games back...

  • oreillymj #72 6 years ago

    I've been playing game since owning a Spectrum in the mid 80's.
    I quite like driving games and loved the original TOCA on PS1. But nothing seems to change/improve between recent versions of either Race Driver or Colin McCrae.

    The stand-out driving game in recent years was NFSU1 becuase the graphics were so much better than expected on PS2, the difficulty curve was so well balanced that you always felt you could win on your next go. Then they went and ruined it with NFSU2 which was basically an extended advertisment for a US cell phone company with driving in between. I decided to skip the latest incarnation.

    [Rant]
    Game companies seem be hell-bent on screwing their customer to make money. In-game ads, money for cheats, selling your personal details etc...
    I don't think 0% piracy would change things and the people who buy retail games/DVD's get these anti-piracy messages rammed down their throats.
    [/Rant]

    Anyway, the outcome of races in RD are basically a lottery determined at the first corner.
    You have 2 choices. Go into the first corner at breakneck speed and hope to get close to the front with as little damage as possible. Or, be polite, slow down like all the other back markers and try to avoid getting shunted off the track, then after corner 1 watch as every one else disappears into the distance.

    The computer driven cars are able to get round corners much quicker than I can in general and the only place to catch them is at the 1 corner on the circuit where they do appear to take it much slower than is necessary. So I tend to have to bail into that corner at breakneck speed to have any chance of overtaking.

    I'd say the quickest way to progress in this game is to put the no. of laps per race to 1. Bail into the 1st corner and hope to get up to 1st or 2nd, then hold position for 1 lap. Repeat until you get to the interesting stuff like Mansells Williams F1 car.
    There's nothing there to make me think that re-running a race will change the outcome. There's no "1 more go" factor like NFSU.

    Which means, for me, there's just not much fun.

    It's actually a good thing this isn't on Xbox360, because if I'd had a wireless controller yesterday, it might have gone through the window.


  • stoopidgreg #73 6 years ago

    so you think they're too quick at the corners? i think they're too slow. if you get the right line (and racing is all about getting the right line) and break at the right point, then turn and accelerate (in that order) you'll get round it faster. generally the AI breaks far too soon for corners, especially hairpins. also, remember to go to the outside of the track before a corner, then after you break, steer in and try to hit the apex (the very middle of the inside of the corner), then go wide on the exit to get maximum speed. you accelerate faster when you're straighter.

  • MrGrumpy.au #74 6 years ago

    @oreillymj, make sure you compete in qualifying (mentioned before in this thread) and another suggestion is to go into Tuning->Tyres and set the compound to around .20 - .25 (soft/medium compound tyre). That may just help with qualifying and the races (especially race starts).

    [Warning this is pure conjecture on my behalf]
    What I've noticed regarding the tyres is that as the difficulty increases the AIs tyre choices change to a softer compound and also possibly the game starts them in the race at a near optimum temp (but its tyre wear is slower), compared to the player it's a complete opposite (qualifying you always start with your tyres at an optimum temp, but the race they are cold).

    Thus the AI becomes more competetive but also seem to think it owns every corner in the first lap of a race even if your in front, this usually ends in tradgedy with you being flagged for "dangerous and unfair driving".

    Funnily enough it's the V8 Supercars/HDPC (V8SC feeder category) which seems to be the most aggressive and it's pretty much like it in real life (re: the famous Murphy/Ambrose incident at Bathurst). lol

    Pity they couldn't add the Aussie V8 Utes, if it was in the game the AI would be 150% accurate. If you ever get a chance to see a V8 Ute race you won't be dissapointed (and you'll be in tears of laughter).

  • stoopidgreg #75 6 years ago

    yeah i was getting seriously pissed off at some of the touring car races in the world tour on hard mode. yesterday i had to restart a race at least 50 times before i could even get past the first 2 corners without someone knocking me off the track - and that's when i was driving nice. then i did a different track and the same thing, and another track and it happened again. they were all touring car tracks and after reading the blurb about touring car championships it said they're the most aggressive racers. still, if you watch this video you'll see what i mean. imagine this happening in various ways on the same first few corners 50 times in a row, then imagine someone doing it on your last lap of 5...

    anyway, i've given up on the world tour for now because for some reason the game deleted 2 of my podium finish races in the V8's right when i was about to get a higher place in the first one. 2 hours hard work and frustration deleted. thanks codemasters!

  • Agent_Llama #76 6 years ago

    Game went back today, buggers in Woolies wouldn't let me have a refund. Given that Black isn't really the thing to float my boat, I had to settle for... Pokemon Emerald... Oh well... 30 squid wasted.

  • MrGrumpy.au #77 6 years ago

    @stoopidgreg, your video is a great demonstration of of the AIs disdain towards the player at the start of a race. You can sometimes get out of the situation (if your quick enough) by getting off the throttle, correcting the spin/slide (w/opposite lock) then feeding the throttle back in slowly, but the price you pay for that is a loss of usually 4 - 6 places.

    Qualifying on the front two rows of a race really does limit the first lap damage though and is recommended. (It usually only takes a couple of laps in qualifying to get a start on the front two rows)

    @Agent_Llama, you do what you have to do. It would have been pointless hanging onto a game you just couldn't get into, at least this way you've grabbed a title you'll enjoy.

  • funk #78 6 years ago

    i stopped reading the comments as they (some anyway) are predictably negative

    just did my first race and i'm very optimistic about this game. i think i'm gonna really like it.


    dodgy looking cutscenes :)