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#3408280 - 10/11/11 10:13 PM C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members  
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F19_CoNa Offline
sim junkie
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Took a chanse and went for a team ownership (€25) and got the pre-alpha kit.
Have tinkered with it and it's starting to look decent now, for a pre-alpha that is.
Some really nice cars ,and and the graphics are beautiful.

Initally I had some steeringlag, but I'm dialling in the settings slowly but surely.

Here is a vid..not mine though.
Lenonus= Lotus...seems to be a way out of licens issues, until they have made agreements wink
Asano=Audi biggrin
Conneticut Hills GP= Watkins Glenn WinkNGrin


Last edited by F19_CoNa; 10/11/11 10:48 PM.

..and lead us not into temptation......I'll find it myself.
Inline advert (4th to 5th topic)

#3408287 - 10/11/11 10:24 PM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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Darren_Blythe Offline
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When I first heard about this a few months ago I was quite interested and purchased an initial share in the project. Already SMS have released the first pre-alpha to members. I haven't had time to test it out yet but initial reaction form the members is overwhelmingly positive. Many are already calling it 'iracing with Shift graphics' and the potential to be the greatest sim ever. Probably a little early to be jumping to those kinds of conclusions but it's encouraging to have another sim in development.

Slightly Mad Studios have always had the potential to do something truly great once they escaped the shackles placed on them by EA. The project already has some direct involvement with respected members of the sim community so i'm very hopeful for the future. I'll report back with more info when i've had time to give the build a run.

For anyone who wants to get involved and have a say in the potential direction of the project there's lots of info over at VirtualR

http://www.virtualr.net/category/c-a-r-s/


Roses are #FF0000 , Violets are #0000FF
#3408322 - 10/11/11 11:18 PM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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Aero Offline
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Pretty impressed with it. Only gripe is some steering lag I can't sort out. I managed to get Shift2 totally lag free, but I don't recall how I did it. I know, for instance, I cannot have vsync enabled (which is a drag), and renderahead has to be zero, but maybe I'm forgetting something else.

Anyways, the graphics are amazing and the car list is just *CHOICE*, and I can't emphasize the "choice" part enough. smile

#3408360 - 10/12/11 01:02 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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Coutie Offline
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I am going to buy the 25 pound one tomorrow.

#3408391 - 10/12/11 02:12 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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SteveGee Offline
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I'm considering it myself....just waiting to hear from SMS if the Toolpacks are upgradable, such as if I by a Team Member one can I upgrade to a Senior Team Member one later on and it not cost me the full price.


"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
"Politicians are like dirty diapers. They need to be changed often and for the same reason."

Mark Twain

"I do not suffer from insanity. I enjoy every, single minute of it."
#3408399 - 10/12/11 02:21 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: SteveGee]  
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Pumbaa666 Offline
Ze Warthog that is faster then a Cheetah
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Originally Posted By: SteveGee
I'm considering it myself....just waiting to hear from SMS if the Toolpacks are upgradable, such as if I by a Team Member one can I upgrade to a Senior Team Member one later on and it not cost me the full price.


Are these team member status' a one time payment, or a subscription type?


"The motivation is high, I enjoy taking the smile off other peoples faces"

Mark Webber
#3408415 - 10/12/11 03:06 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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SteveGee Offline
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Planet Earth
Currently, a one-time purchase Pumbaa.


"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
"Politicians are like dirty diapers. They need to be changed often and for the same reason."

Mark Twain

"I do not suffer from insanity. I enjoy every, single minute of it."
#3408426 - 10/12/11 03:24 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: SteveGee]  
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Aero Offline
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Originally Posted By: SteveGee
I'm considering it myself....just waiting to hear from SMS if the Toolpacks are upgradable, such as if I by a Team Member one can I upgrade to a Senior Team Member one later on and it not cost me the full price.


They're upgradeable. I bought the 10 euro "Junior Team Member" one and just looked and I can now buy the "Team Member" one for 15 euros. Which I probably will.

This is fascinating as much for their funding model as the sim itself. Also, without a doubt, when it is released as a final, this will be the most thoroughly beta tested sim of all time. smile

#3408427 - 10/12/11 03:27 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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SteveGee Offline
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Thanks, Aero....that's what I was wondering right there... thumbsup


"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
"Politicians are like dirty diapers. They need to be changed often and for the same reason."

Mark Twain

"I do not suffer from insanity. I enjoy every, single minute of it."
#3408476 - 10/12/11 05:45 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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Papa_K Offline
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I'm usually skeptical on this sort of thing, but this does seem interesting.
Apart from what's been said on settings and some steering lag, can anyone share some driving/physics-game engine impressions?
reading Euro conversion check: $13.64 for the Junior Team Member, and $34.11 for the Team Member.

#3408494 - 10/12/11 06:26 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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SteveGee Offline
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All I know is what I've read..... cars are 3 different Lotus models (not sure which, but the Type 49 was their first screen), 2 different Audi's (ILMS and DTM) and two open-wheelers, one a 4 cylinder and one a F1-type 8 cylinder.

The comments I've seen on the physics, while not that many, so far seem to be in the right direction. I think they're adding basic AI to this Friday's build, too. If nothing else, being a Team Member sounds like it will count towards the final version...probably a discounted rate for it anyway. If it's actually pretty good, I'd even look at a Senior Team Member membership down the road.

Anyone with Shift knowledge might be able to add some impressions as to what we an expect overall, since that's their latest released title/series I think.


"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
"Politicians are like dirty diapers. They need to be changed often and for the same reason."

Mark Twain

"I do not suffer from insanity. I enjoy every, single minute of it."
#3408495 - 10/12/11 06:26 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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SteveGee Offline
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There's some videos at VirtualR's site now with in-game action that wasn't there with the initial announcement.

C.A.R.S Videos and Info

Also, has a beginning list of recommended specs, too

Last edited by SteveGee; 10/12/11 06:55 AM.

"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."
"Politicians are like dirty diapers. They need to be changed often and for the same reason."

Mark Twain

"I do not suffer from insanity. I enjoy every, single minute of it."
#3408535 - 10/12/11 09:09 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
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I would be very interesting in signing up but has there been any word on DRM for the final version? Will this always tie into a centrally managed license system?

#3408557 - 10/12/11 11:02 AM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: Papa_K]  
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Darren_Blythe Offline
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Well i couldn't resist having a little peep before i went to bed last night. Big Mistake! I finally managed to tear myself away at 4am and am suffering greatly today...

Anyway, here's my thoughts so far.. reading

It's necessary to point out that is is a pre-alpha build and as such it's pretty ragged round the edges. People have reported input lag (although i didn't have any) and graphic glitches (a few minor glitches in DX11 for me). There's all sorts of stuff which isn't implemented/doesn't work/looks funny so you have to look past all this stuff. With over a year of development left things will change a lot but SMS need to be applauded for giving access to such early code. Brave stuff indeed. yep

Right, onto the important bit.... smile

Graphics
Quite simply the finest looking driving game i've ever seen. It's absolutely stunning, anyone wondering what Shift 3 might have looked like then this is your answer. I'm sure you've all seen the screenshots and yes it looks that good. Of particular interest is the lighting system which is mind blowing. I've never considered myself a graphics whore when it come to racing games but when things look this good you can't help but be drawn into an extra level of immersion which makes the driving experience that bit more visceral. It does come at a price though but if you could run Shift 2 then you should be OK here.

Sound
Those who know a little of SMS's history will no doubt go warm and fuzzy at the inclusion of Stephen Baysted's GTR2 anthem as the title track and it serves as a nice reminder that the company hasn't forgotten it's roots during the EA wilderness years. Apart from this there's not really much else happening until you hit the track. Once in the game, engine sounds are amazingly meaty and incredibly detailed. They growl, pop, rasp and sing louder than a dragon with his balls on fire. Almost to the point where i found myself thinking it was too much at times. You're left in no doubt that you're driving a race car! Once again it's hard not to be impressed by how much this adds to the driving excitement. Skids, sequels and scrubbing are all present and those who have played the shift series will know the kind of audio visual assault to expect but it sometimes feels a little much for a 'serious' sim.

Controls
Some users have reported problems with input lag, over saturation etc. I didn't notice any of that. My equipment consists of four separate controllers (wheel, pedals, shifter, button box). In many sims this can be a nightmare to configure but C.A.R.S accurately detected all of them right away. I only had to map a couple of keys and i was ready to go. This really surprised me as I had no end of controller problems in Shift 1&2. Other people have reported strange behaviour in the FF department but it was nothing short of spectacular for me - in fact i'd go out on a limb and say it's even better than iRacing in that respect. I could feel every bump, force and even individual tyres losing traction. I had no input lag and felt connected to the track at all times. The wheel somehow just felt 'right' from the get go. Saturation, deadzone, linearity, worldmovement etc can all be tweaked so there's no shortage of settings to get things feeling how you like. Seat position and FOV can be adjusted in game which is a welcome touch. Cameras consist of the usual hood, cockpit and swingman. Replays are not properly implemented although you do get a slightly ropey playback of any major impact.

UI
Currently it's pretty simple in an rfactor kind of way and i hope it stays like that. Load the game, 2 clicks and you're on track in 10 secs. There's a wealth of options and almost everything is tweakable from the main menu. The simplistic clean nature makes it feel like a piece of software that wants to be taken seriously. Great stuff. I know this is one area where the devs want to make some changes but i really hope they don't complicate things with over the top shift like presentation.

Physics
I find myself in a real dilemma here. As it stands at the moment this is no 'hardcore' sim but that doesn't mean it isn't great. My first thought when i hit the track was 'All these cars have too much grip' and you really can chuck them around. It's definitely a world apart from the shift games though and things are tightened up a LOT. However those people expecting the cars to bite you like they do in some rf mods will be disappointed. As i did more laps and pushed the envelope some interesting things started to happen. The handling is very progressive so as you get faster you can feel the car starting to get away from you and there are lots of warning signs that something bad is about to happen, this makes it possible to catch minor slides and make corrections that would otherwise catch you out. Overstep the mark however and you WILL end up facing backwards or in the wall. Driving the Lotus 68 with this kind of behaviour reminded of GPL on more than one occasion which can only be a good thing. Damage modelling is implemented but not terribly intricate at the moment.

The more laps i did the more i started to really like how this works. It gives you the scope to hustle the car but becomes a real challenge to keep on the edge. I still hold with my initial judgement that the grip levels are too high but it's a very interesting (and addictive) dynamic that kept me playing well into the small hours. In fact despite the cars feeling quite 'safe' I ended up in the wall more times than i care to remember. I didn't encounter any unexpected behaviour - suspension, tyres, aero etc. all feel good although not outstanding. Overall i kept thinking the handling felt reminiscent of Race07 (with a bit more grip and a slightly 'woolier' feel). One other thing i noticed was that corner entry sometimes felt a bit vague but it was 3am. I'm guessing those people used to console/semi-sim racers will think the handling is a real step up. The hardcore simmers will probably remain undecided but still enjoy the experience.

Of course there are no setup options yet so it's possible that a lot of this is down to conservative defaults but it definitely feels like there is scope for another difficulty level above the 'pro' option.

Overall
Despite a few gripes i can't deny that i'm having a heap of fun with this, graphically it's untouchable. Sonically it's undeniably impressive but possibly sometimes for the wrong reasons. There's definitely some real potential in the physics department but it needs refinement. I'd say it currently feels like SMS have put things where they always wanted them for the Shift series. In no way is it an arcade racer but it sits right on the fence. Which side it falls is entirely in the hands of the community and which direction they decide to push. I'm just hoping that the simmers shout louder than the console crowd as there is undeniable potential here. Will it turn into an IR/rF2 killer? or just Shift 3 by another name? It has the potential to do either but regardless of the outcome, the project is completely open to modders and what this alpha build illustrates more than anything is that C.A.R.S is an unquestionably powerful platform that drags racing firmly into the next generation.

Evidently there's a long, long way to go but it's a captivating project and definitely worth an investment to get your hands on the regular builds. C.A.R.S has a real spark under the hood and if you can live with the bugs then even the content contained in the pre-alpha is worth the entry fee IMO.

And any project that has the Stig on the dev team gets my vote! biggrin (and no, i'm not kidding!)



Roses are #FF0000 , Violets are #0000FF
#3408606 - 10/12/11 12:53 PM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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Coutie Offline
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Does it have multiplayer yet? I read the press release thing at VirtualR and it didn't say anything about multiplayer.

#3408614 - 10/12/11 01:04 PM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: Coutie]  
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Darren_Blythe Offline
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Originally Posted By: Coutie
Does it have multiplayer yet? I read the press release thing at VirtualR and it didn't say anything about multiplayer.


Nope, currently it doesn't have anything apart from a few cars and a couple of tracks that you can drive in free practice.


Roses are #FF0000 , Violets are #0000FF
#3408621 - 10/12/11 01:18 PM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
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Darren_Blythe Offline
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Originally Posted By: RSColonel_131st
I would be very interesting in signing up but has there been any word on DRM for the final version? Will this always tie into a centrally managed license system?


The first build does require you to sign into your account before can do anything but there's a lot of people asking for a strong offline component so quite how this system will develop is anyone's guess. My suspicion is that some kind of central licensing system will be unavoidable given what they are trying to achieve.


Roses are #FF0000 , Violets are #0000FF
#3408660 - 10/12/11 02:11 PM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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RSColonel_131st Offline
Lifer
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Lifer

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Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Yeah I guess running on Microtransactions will require such a thing as a centralized management. Which again means this thing will only last as long as SMS can provide the backend infrastructure. I really don't want another RoF type system.

#3408880 - 10/12/11 07:20 PM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: F19_CoNa]  
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Piotr Offline
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Just got it. It created two shortcuts on my desktop: cars and cars dx11. The latter does not work for me as I have some graphics errors (guess need to update drivers) but even with lower specs grahics are great. Car details superb. Sounds are juicy, really good.

But unfortunately I have steering lag. Not as bad as with Shift 1 (never tried Shift 2) but it's still annoying. When you drive at 90% you don't notice it, but every time you loose car and try to correct it quickly, things go swinging left and right at different timing you input steering... Easiest to notice when you want to correct throttle oversteer and feel you get things worse with every wheel movement.

I stopped the car and applied rapid steer changes in open wheeler. You can easily notice the lag between your steering wheel input and reactions of front wheel movements. It's not as bad as with Shift 1 but some of it's DNA is still there. Shame as otherwise this product has great potential.

I think this lag is inprinted in Shift engine to make it appropriate for non-analogue console controllers. With on/off input devices is useful as it 'smoothens' the input timing. I really hope SMS focuses on sim market customers with steering wheels.


Last edited by Piotr; 10/12/11 07:38 PM.

rF2 nick: Gemm
#3408899 - 10/12/11 07:40 PM Re: C.A.R.S Pre-alpha released to Team members [Re: Piotr]  
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Darren_Blythe Offline
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Originally Posted By: Piotr
But unfortunately I have steering lag. Not as bad as with Shift 1 (never tried Shift 2) but it's still annoying. When you drive at 90% you don't notice it, but every time you loose car and try to correct it quickly, things go swinging left and right at different timing you input steering...


Sorry to hear that Piotr frown Steering lag and DX11 not working properly seem to be the two most common problem so far. There's quite a bit of discussion over at the WMD forum. Let's hope both these thing will be ironed out soon.


Roses are #FF0000 , Violets are #0000FF
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