Race Pro - You got it yet?

[Bahnzo]

Says release date is today...so anyone got their hands on a copy yet?

[lnin0]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

Gamestop told me they would have it Wed

[Rules]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

Looks like Wednesday at the earliest for me.

[Flawless]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

IGN UK Review - 8.5

There's a tangible connection between car and tarmac noticeable throughout the game's considerable roster, and each vehicle, from the humble Mini to the bare-knuckled open wheel F3000s, feels pleasantly distinct. Push a tin-top from the game's flagship WTCC series to its extremities and you can feel the chassis flex; take it beyond and the audio visual feedback is astounding as the car skitters and bounces across the track. Take to the wheel of a single-seater and the benefit of slicks and wings is instantly apparent as the downforce sucks the car down at speed and cornering becomes a precision affair. The sound design compounds the authenticity, with the whine of the transmission as convincingly rendered as the pop and wheeze of a braking engine working its way down through the gears. Engine notes themselves are equally convincing, be it the piercing tone of a Radical's motor or the more guttural heave of the Touring Cars.

Unfortunately, the game is often betrayed by a dip in frame-rate and the occasional screen tear, and although these never infringe excessively upon the experience they're indicative of the lack of polish that's evident throughout Race Pro. Indeed, it's this shortfall in presentation that's likely to prove too great a barrier to those who demand a little more sheen from their racers, and it's this lack of polish that also prevents Race Pro from ultimately fulfilling its potential.

As unwelcoming as its front end may be, as underwhelming as it may look and as bare as its feature set is, when Race Pro hits the track it reveals its colours as a top tier racer. No other game has managed to capture the thrill of going bumper to bumper in pure-bred machinery quite so brilliantly as this, and if you can see through its shortcomings it's one of the very best available on the 360.

[Flamehead]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

Scouring the web for "professional" reviews on Race Pro shows that they're across the board. Some love it, some hate it. This is one title whose appeal seems to be based on the eye of the beholder, depending on what you're looking for.

I think this is why some reviewers "get it" and other don't. Meaning, Race Pro doesn't appear to be anything than what it says it is--a no frills, bottom-line simulation racer. A title whose fun comes from the realism (as much as a console title can deliver realism) of an authentic racing experience. It appears to be a title squarely aimed at the niche of gamers who have craved a simulation style racer on the 360, but haven't gotten one yet.

I get the impression that a lot of reviewers see just another "racer" out there, but because it lacks certain "features" that others have, it must not be a good title.

For example, GT and Forza are really nothing more that driving simulators when you think about it (GT even makes the distinction of calling itself that, rather than a racing sim--at least Poly's being honest). Yes, they may attempt to deliver decent physics on a racing track--but with only 7 other cars on the grid? How is that racing?

When I picture a road race, I picture 16 cars on the grid at least--along with the physics. Want to paint your car with all kinds of designs? Want to marvel at how a ba-jillion pixels accurately model reflections on its paint? Well, there are games for that already, and I'm glad that Race Pro isn't another one of them.

When a reviewer starts comparing a game to Project Gotham or Grid, they've lost me already. Those games are fine for what they set out to do, but Race Pro doesn't appear to set out to mimic those games--thankfully.

Just had to vent. The casual arcade gamer probably will get bored with this title and not like it, BUT THAT'S OK.

This one's waiting for me at home on my front door, so I can't wait to give it a spin tonight.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

Found one copy at the GS I go to, threw it and am racing Mini's at Anderstorn.

[Flamehead]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

How is it, especially with all aids off?

[DXZeke]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

Found one copy at the GS I go to, threw it and am racing Mini's at Anderstorn.

How's it play?

Are you digging it?

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

How is it, especially with all aids off?

How's it play?

Are you digging it?

Well, I am playing professional with all assist off, and you better hit you spots correctly, as far as breaking and acceleration. The computer just beat my *** hard. The driving feels great, its very responsive and requires a nice touch going in and out of turns. It feels like Forza a litte bit, but the driving model feels a little more "stiff" than Forza.

Grapphics are nice, not top notch, but I have no complaints about them. Going to try another race, and see if I don't suck as bad this time.

[Flamehead]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

From what you can tell so far, do the AI cars make mistakes, or take less than preferable lines from time to time, i.e., like a person would?

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

I just raced Monza in bmw's and what fun race....once again I raced on professional, but this time I hung there in the middle of the pack( Very familair with this track)The A.I. smashed my back end going into the s turn on the 2nd lap and knockd me into the sand.

I have to say that overall SO FAR, I an very pleased with the game. The driving model is nice, the AI is some stiff competition, and you can't cheat. If you are looking for an arcade racer, than you need to look elsewhere-quick.

I have not messed around with any setups yet, tried muliplayer or career, as I just want to get used to the model and the game.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

From what you can tell so far, do the AI cars make mistakes, or take less than preferable lines from time to time, i.e., like a person would?

They absolutey take different lines, as I was racing Brands Hatch,there was a three wide at one point and around a corner turn in front of me I saw one go outside and one go inside and I had one go around me to the left and to the right. I have seen yellow flags thrown in areas that I wasn't even in...so yes the AI does make mistakes without having me to be the cause of it.

[Bahnzo]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

I've been racing it a bit as well. First, for those that don't have a wheel, don't fret, it races very nicely with the gamepad, and there's a ton of options to tweak your steering.

But, this game will need a wheel to get the full feel of it..time to go get mine out of the closet and find a decent way to mount it.

I'm not surprised that some reviews will absolutely hammer this game. It's not awesome looking or sounding, and the career mode seems flat. But it *is* a good (possibly great?) racer that will depend on how well it runs online to make it worth the money.

One thing I haven't figured out yet tho....not sure if you can force driving aids online. I've only tried a quick setup just to see what was involved and didn't notice anything to allow the race creator to enforce any rules.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

Ok, I tried novice and beat the AI by 11 seconds at Monza, then I switched up to semi pro, man was this a blast. It literally was neck and neck racing all 3 laps. The AI was blocking me and taking advantage of my mistakes to pass me.....I ended winning by 2 seconds, but that was the biggest lead I had all race.

By the way, I have seen no evidence at all of framrate dipping or any other other issues. I am playing on Samsung LCD with HDMI cable.....but it runs as smooth as butter. I am going to stick with Semi Pro for right now, and move my way back into professional.

As I told another guy, I don't think Simbin does anything really ground breaking here, but what they do do on the track is a lot of fun and well worth my $40.00. I have yet to bust out the 360 wheel, but will do later, as it races fine w/o one

[Flamehead]

Re: Race Pro - You got it yet?

One thing I haven't figured out yet tho....not sure if you can force driving aids online. I've only tried a quick setup just to see what was involved and didn't notice anything to allow the race creator to enforce any rules.

Hmm, that's interesting. Surely there's a way to ensure the playing field is even online so that people don't have the benefit of aids while others do. I wonder how one would enforce that if they didn't.

I won't be home for another 2 hours. The wait is killing me!