Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

Collapse

Recommended Videos

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • laforr77
    Rookie
    • Jul 2004
    • 386

    #91
    Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

    Originally posted by OnlookerDelay
    laforr77,

    Thanks for your mini-review of the Race Pac. Mine came yesterday, and although it's supposed to be a Christmas gift to myself, I couldn't wait, and tried it out today.

    So far I've only tried it with the PS2 because of a conflict with room usage where my Xbox resides. You guys have done a good job of assessing its construction. In a way, the components look cheap, and lightweight, yet when it's setup, it feels solid. The seat was reasonably comfortable, moreso than I expected. I can't quite get the setup right for my legs. I'm 6'4" and I really can't extend the pedals as far as I'd like. I have to flex my knees a little more than I'd like.

    Here's where it gets weird... as reported by others here, you can't get the analog brake and accelerator to work... with one exception so far - Dirt to Daytona works with analog brake and accelerator! It's soooooo much better with that feature operable. I can't figure out what D2D does differently from WoO Sprint Cars, or Grand Prix Challenge, neither of which work in analog mode (the pedals work, they're just digital, ie. "on" or "off"). Both of those games are actually more difficult as a result.

    I can't find my Gran Turismo 3 disk, although I found the case (my kids don't know how to put disks back in their cases!@Q$!#^$#!!). I wonder if it will read the pedals as analog? I wish I could explain why analog thottle and brake work in D2D, and not the others. I wish all developers could implement this capability into PS2 driving games, it sure makes a difference!

    I'll be trying out the Race Pac with the Xbox later this afternoon, I'll be back with a report later on. At this point, I couldn't recommend it for use with the PS2, although it is the cat's meow with Dirt to Daytona.
    Although I wouldn't be able to know for sure, because I don't have a PS2, but I would guess that not all games support analog face buttons. Like if you tried driving with the regular Dual Shock controller, and using X and Square (or whatever buttons they are) and see if you can get analog funtionality? With such a short distance to move, I would think most games wouldn't bother to support it, as no one would drive that way.

    Comment

    • OnlookerDelay
      MVP
      • Oct 2003
      • 3449

      #92
      Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

      Originally posted by laforr77
      Although I wouldn't be able to know for sure, because I don't have a PS2, but I would guess that not all games support analog face buttons. Like if you tried driving with the regular Dual Shock controller, and using X and Square (or whatever buttons they are) and see if you can get analog funtionality? With such a short distance to move, I would think most games wouldn't bother to support it, as no one would drive that way.
      It's really hard to tell how this is done on the PS2. WoO works fine with the right thumbstick serving as an analog throttle and break with the Dual Shock, yet it seems that the Race Pac can't translate that to the pedals!? Grand Prix Challenge uses the X and "square" buttons as pressure sensitive throttle and brake on the Dual Shock (with limited effect, I might add), but even that doesn't get translated by the Race Pac.

      On the surface, Dirt to Daytona and WoO have identical control schemes, and can even be reconfigured similarly in their options menus. However, Dirt to Daytona is the only one of the two that allows analog throttling of the brake and accelerator via the pedals with the Race Pac.

      You've raised a valid point though, the PS2 controller schemes are more varied than those of the Xbox. In the case of racing games - that makes for some inconsistant and occasionally unsatisfying results.
      Duke Football? Hell yes it's Duke Football! --- Coach Cutcliffe

      Comment

      • OnlookerDelay
        MVP
        • Oct 2003
        • 3449

        #93
        Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

        Originally posted by laforr77
        Although I wouldn't be able to know for sure, because I don't have a PS2, but I would guess that not all games support analog face buttons. Like if you tried driving with the regular Dual Shock controller, and using X and Square (or whatever buttons they are) and see if you can get analog funtionality? With such a short distance to move, I would think most games wouldn't bother to support it, as no one would drive that way.
        It's really hard to tell how this is done on the PS2. WoO works fine with the right thumbstick serving as an analog throttle and break with the Dual Shock, yet it seems that the Race Pac can't translate that to the pedals!? Grand Prix Challenge uses the X and "square" buttons as pressure sensitive throttle and brake on the Dual Shock (with limited effect, I might add), but even that doesn't get translated by the Race Pac.

        On the surface, Dirt to Daytona and WoO have identical control schemes, and can even be reconfigured similarly in their options menus. However, Dirt to Daytona is the only one of the two that allows analog throttling of the brake and accelerator via the pedals with the Race Pac.

        You've raised a valid point though, the PS2 controller schemes are more varied than those of the Xbox. In the case of racing games - that makes for some inconsistant and occasionally unsatisfying results.
        Duke Football? Hell yes it's Duke Football! --- Coach Cutcliffe

        Comment

        • OnlookerDelay
          MVP
          • Oct 2003
          • 3449

          #94
          Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

          Okay, on to the XBox portion of my Race Pac impressions:

          I'm having trouble getting it setup with the XBox. I've tried TOCA 2 and the Forza demo so far. Forza is easily better with it... in my opinion a wheel is going to be essential for Forza. I certainly don't have the gamepad skills to regulate the brakes, and steer with the degree of precision needed. After a while, I became semi-competant with TOCA 2, but I'm still faster with the gamepad. As many of you know, TOCA 2 has and advanced interface which allows for a number of parameters related to steering, braking, and throttle control to be set. The Race Pac has its own "on-the-fly" sensitivity adjustment. I can't get a grasp on how to manage it just yet, and how often it needs to be reset. This combination of variables is a bit intimidating right now. I really don't like the lack of response I'm feeling. It's too easy to go too far with the sensitivity and make the car twitchy. I can't find the sweetspot.

          There are some awkward posture issues I'm having with it. My feet get strained because of the angle I'm having to press the pedals. The pedals simply aren't high enough off the floor to suit me. I almost have to press them closer to my heel than to the ball of my foot to avoid cramping. I can't get the degree of feel that I need in doing this.

          I think the biggest problem I have with it right now is that it doesn't have force feedback. I'm spoiled by my MOMO Racing Wheel on the PC, and this spring return wheel (and a weak spring return at that) almost feels "broken" to me at this point. I have serious doubts that this is going to be the solution I've long sought for racing games on the Xbox, but I'll hang with it for a while. I'm sure I'm going to have to do some sort of mod to it to get the pedals up higher off the floor.

          One strange thing about this rig though is that its components are cheap looking, yet when you put them all together, it feels pretty solid. I never feel like I'm going to break anything. The seat isn't padded as much as I'd like, and I suffered a little fanny fatigue in 30 minutes of racing. The wheel is also a bit small and it's hard to manipulate the paddles, and/or shifter buttons, without assuming an uncomfortable postition with the hands, and/or inadvertently actuating another button.
          Duke Football? Hell yes it's Duke Football! --- Coach Cutcliffe

          Comment

          • OnlookerDelay
            MVP
            • Oct 2003
            • 3449

            #95
            Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

            Okay, on to the XBox portion of my Race Pac impressions:

            I'm having trouble getting it setup with the XBox. I've tried TOCA 2 and the Forza demo so far. Forza is easily better with it... in my opinion a wheel is going to be essential for Forza. I certainly don't have the gamepad skills to regulate the brakes, and steer with the degree of precision needed. After a while, I became semi-competant with TOCA 2, but I'm still faster with the gamepad. As many of you know, TOCA 2 has and advanced interface which allows for a number of parameters related to steering, braking, and throttle control to be set. The Race Pac has its own "on-the-fly" sensitivity adjustment. I can't get a grasp on how to manage it just yet, and how often it needs to be reset. This combination of variables is a bit intimidating right now. I really don't like the lack of response I'm feeling. It's too easy to go too far with the sensitivity and make the car twitchy. I can't find the sweetspot.

            There are some awkward posture issues I'm having with it. My feet get strained because of the angle I'm having to press the pedals. The pedals simply aren't high enough off the floor to suit me. I almost have to press them closer to my heel than to the ball of my foot to avoid cramping. I can't get the degree of feel that I need in doing this.

            I think the biggest problem I have with it right now is that it doesn't have force feedback. I'm spoiled by my MOMO Racing Wheel on the PC, and this spring return wheel (and a weak spring return at that) almost feels "broken" to me at this point. I have serious doubts that this is going to be the solution I've long sought for racing games on the Xbox, but I'll hang with it for a while. I'm sure I'm going to have to do some sort of mod to it to get the pedals up higher off the floor.

            One strange thing about this rig though is that its components are cheap looking, yet when you put them all together, it feels pretty solid. I never feel like I'm going to break anything. The seat isn't padded as much as I'd like, and I suffered a little fanny fatigue in 30 minutes of racing. The wheel is also a bit small and it's hard to manipulate the paddles, and/or shifter buttons, without assuming an uncomfortable postition with the hands, and/or inadvertently actuating another button.
            Duke Football? Hell yes it's Duke Football! --- Coach Cutcliffe

            Comment

            • gurantsu
              Rookie
              • Mar 2004
              • 232

              #96
              Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

              I'm going to have to dig up a copy of Dirt to Daytona to give it a try. I can't understand how that game has analog and the others don't. I wonder if Gamester has official support forums?

              Comment

              • gurantsu
                Rookie
                • Mar 2004
                • 232

                #97
                Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                I'm going to have to dig up a copy of Dirt to Daytona to give it a try. I can't understand how that game has analog and the others don't. I wonder if Gamester has official support forums?

                Comment

                • OnlookerDelay
                  MVP
                  • Oct 2003
                  • 3449

                  #98
                  Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                  Originally posted by gurantsu
                  I'm going to have to dig up a copy of Dirt to Daytona to give it a try. I can't understand how that game has analog and the others don't. I wonder if Gamester has official support forums?
                  I would love to know why it works with Dirt to Daytona, and not WoO. It defies any logic I can offer. Dirt to Daytona is a great racer, btw!

                  I haven't been ablet to find a Gamester support forum. There's very little info on it on their website.
                  Duke Football? Hell yes it's Duke Football! --- Coach Cutcliffe

                  Comment

                  • OnlookerDelay
                    MVP
                    • Oct 2003
                    • 3449

                    #99
                    Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                    Originally posted by gurantsu
                    I'm going to have to dig up a copy of Dirt to Daytona to give it a try. I can't understand how that game has analog and the others don't. I wonder if Gamester has official support forums?
                    I would love to know why it works with Dirt to Daytona, and not WoO. It defies any logic I can offer. Dirt to Daytona is a great racer, btw!

                    I haven't been ablet to find a Gamester support forum. There's very little info on it on their website.
                    Duke Football? Hell yes it's Duke Football! --- Coach Cutcliffe

                    Comment

                    • Virix
                      MVP
                      • Aug 2002
                      • 1007

                      #100
                      Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                      Has anyone used this with the GT4 demo yet? Im just wondering of the analog pedals work with the demo. I picked up a race pac today, but I dont have the GT4 demo anymore to check for myself.

                      Comment

                      • Virix
                        MVP
                        • Aug 2002
                        • 1007

                        #101
                        Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                        Has anyone used this with the GT4 demo yet? Im just wondering of the analog pedals work with the demo. I picked up a race pac today, but I dont have the GT4 demo anymore to check for myself.

                        Comment

                        • Wilson10
                          Rookie
                          • Mar 2003
                          • 239

                          #102
                          Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                          Originally posted by Virix
                          Has anyone used this with the GT4 demo yet? Im just wondering of the analog pedals work with the demo. I picked up a race pac today, but I dont have the GT4 demo anymore to check for myself.

                          BUMP ^^^^^^^

                          Comment

                          • Wilson10
                            Rookie
                            • Mar 2003
                            • 239

                            #103
                            Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                            Originally posted by Virix
                            Has anyone used this with the GT4 demo yet? Im just wondering of the analog pedals work with the demo. I picked up a race pac today, but I dont have the GT4 demo anymore to check for myself.

                            BUMP ^^^^^^^

                            Comment

                            • utexas
                              Greatness
                              • Jan 2003
                              • 4868

                              #104
                              Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                              Originally posted by OnlookerDelay
                              Okay, on to the XBox portion of my Race Pac impressions:



                              There are some awkward posture issues I'm having with it. My feet get strained because of the angle I'm having to press the pedals. The pedals simply aren't high enough off the floor to suit me. I almost have to press them closer to my heel than to the ball of my foot to avoid cramping. I can't get the degree of feel that I need in doing this.

                              I think the biggest problem I have with it right now is that it doesn't have force feedback. I'm spoiled by my MOMO Racing Wheel on the PC, and this spring return wheel (and a weak spring return at that) almost feels "broken" to me at this point. I have serious doubts that this is going to be the solution I've long sought for racing games on the Xbox, but I'll hang with it for a while. I'm sure I'm going to have to do some sort of mod to it to get the pedals up higher off the floor.

                              1. I wear 14's will I be able to enjoy the experience without breaking it or hurting my feet?

                              2. Does the weak force feedback make it not worth it?
                              The Sports Preacher
                              The Sports Preacher on Facebook
                              @ipreachsports twitter/instagram
                              https://www.facebook.com/thesportspreacher/
                              https://www.facebook.com/ipreachspor...PAGES_TIMELINE

                              Comment

                              • utexas
                                Greatness
                                • Jan 2003
                                • 4868

                                #105
                                Re: Picking up a Gamester Race Pac tonight.

                                Originally posted by OnlookerDelay
                                Okay, on to the XBox portion of my Race Pac impressions:



                                There are some awkward posture issues I'm having with it. My feet get strained because of the angle I'm having to press the pedals. The pedals simply aren't high enough off the floor to suit me. I almost have to press them closer to my heel than to the ball of my foot to avoid cramping. I can't get the degree of feel that I need in doing this.

                                I think the biggest problem I have with it right now is that it doesn't have force feedback. I'm spoiled by my MOMO Racing Wheel on the PC, and this spring return wheel (and a weak spring return at that) almost feels "broken" to me at this point. I have serious doubts that this is going to be the solution I've long sought for racing games on the Xbox, but I'll hang with it for a while. I'm sure I'm going to have to do some sort of mod to it to get the pedals up higher off the floor.

                                1. I wear 14's will I be able to enjoy the experience without breaking it or hurting my feet?

                                2. Does the weak force feedback make it not worth it?
                                The Sports Preacher
                                The Sports Preacher on Facebook
                                @ipreachsports twitter/instagram
                                https://www.facebook.com/thesportspreacher/
                                https://www.facebook.com/ipreachspor...PAGES_TIMELINE

                                Comment

                                Working...