Anyone played Gran Turismo 4? [Archive]

5300cs

Feb 26, 2005, 10:53 PM

MacNut

Feb 27, 2005, 12:48 AM

I thought it was a world wide release, it came out Thursday after 2 months of delays. How did you get it early?

5300cs

Feb 27, 2005, 01:55 AM

I live in Japan, it came out before xmas

mowogg

Feb 27, 2005, 01:57 AM

MacNut

Feb 27, 2005, 02:19 AM

I live in Japan, it came out before xmasI thought it was delayed because they didn't like the way it looked, was that only a US issue then.

homerjward

Feb 27, 2005, 04:38 AM

I picked up a copy Tuesday night. It works pretty well with my Wingman force feedback wheel.
I've raced a GTI at Nurembergring and a Jensen Interceptor at Laguna Seca. The Jensen drove really poorly (or at least I did) on those skinny tires. THe physics engine is great. Wish there was a little more realism in crashes though. Would like to get a car to roll or bang-up, rather than just bounce around.
w00t! looking forward to nurembergring. still just bouncing around in crashes? i can play nascar heat (best nascar game yet) and it has rolls and flips...
anyway im curious about photo mode. how does one get it off the ps2? cause it seems pretty useless to not be able to put it on a computer or anything...

iGav

Feb 27, 2005, 10:44 AM

Wish there was a little more realism in crashes though. Would like to get a car to roll or bang-up, rather than just bounce around.

That's my only peeve about Gran Turismo.

According to Kazunori Yamauchi, the only reason why there isn't currently any crash damage is because of the complexities of trying to realistically recreate the randomness of crash damage.

Everything's so realistic in Gran Turismo that if we wanted to include damage, it would need to be completely realistic too. And so the problem is, how do you create realistic damage?

If you've watched crash test videos you'll have seen a certain number of crash patterns, but in real life there's and infinite number of ways a car can be damaged. And of course the damage rate will vary between cars, Smaller weaker cars wll get smashed up very quickly, and larger ones made of thicker metal will last longer.

I like the time penalty idea that is now applied if you start hitting things, remember in previous versions the fastest lap times were usually the result of ricocheting off things, something that I didn't like as I'm a purist... but I think I maybe would've liked to have seen the inclusion of a drive through penalty much like F1 has instead of a temp speed limit being applied.

As for the Nurburgring Nordschleife, it's been stunningly recreated... incredible, I've already got it fully memorised as a basic guide when I get to drive the new M5 round there for real in early April. :D

jmsait19

Feb 27, 2005, 10:48 AM

That's my only peeve about Gran Turismo.

According to Kazunori Yamauchi, the only reason why there isn't currently any crash damage is because of the complexities of trying to realistically recreate the randomness of crash damage.

I like the time penalty idea that is now applied if you start hitting things, remember in previous versions the fastest lap times were usually the result of ricocheting off things, something that I didn't like as I'm a purist... but I think I maybe would've liked to have seen the inclusion of a drive through penalty much like F1 has instead of a temp speed limit being applied.

As for the Nurburgring Nordschleife, it's been stunningly recreated... incredible, I've already got it fully memorised as a basic guide when I get to drive the new M5 round there for real in early April. :D

Excellent. Excellent. I've seen a vid or two online and the lighting visuals were absolutely incredible. As far as damage, I bet we see it on PS3. I think the power in that console will allow for a lot we haven't seen.

Thanks for feedback, I gotta go get me a copy

iGav

Feb 27, 2005, 11:07 AM

As far as damage, I bet we see it on PS3. I think the power in that console will allow for a lot we haven't seen.

I believe you will be right ;)

I think that what they'll do is work directly with the manufacturers to obtain the actual structural and crash data for their cars and use a similar technique that the manufacturers use to computer simulate various crashes.

One of the biggest issues of implementing this though, is that this will require the cars to be completely and structurally recreated digitally, as opposed to how they are recreated at the moment which is from basic measurements and photographs.

It'd be incredible if they could pull it off though... accurate and realistic damage... may'zin :D

brap

Feb 27, 2005, 11:20 AM

It'd be incredible if they could pull it off though... accurate and realistic damage... may'zin :DWell, I still remember being totally blown away the first time I saw the demo of Gran Turismo 1. They've been revolutionary before, who's to say they won't do it again?

bartelby

Feb 27, 2005, 12:38 PM

Yeah, it's really cool. I got it about 2 months ago, though. When was it released in the US? :confused:

My biggest problem is the license tests: I HATE them. I have GT 1,2,3 and now 4 - why do I have to do the test again??? I usually take a day and just finish the tests all at once so I can open the game up. This time I haven't yet.

Besides that though, it is a very cool game :cool:

If you have Prologue, GT 4 will take the licenses and cars from that.

So you can have a selection of nice cars all ready for Nürburgring (NOT Nurembergring).

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is the main reason I can't wait for GT4

iGav

Feb 27, 2005, 02:34 PM

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is the main reason I can't wait for GT4

I can never remember how to get the little 'dots' over the 'ü' when I'm typing it. :(

Anyway it's really, really good though ;)

My first experience of it was on the 'GT4 BMW 1 Series Virtual Test Drive' disc last summer, there is a time limit... but in the 120d (it's quicker than the 120i) in manual, with DSC off, and sports tyres you can complete over 7km of it :)

In a way that was actually a good way of learning it, as it broke it down into 2 sections, I learnt the first part on the BMW disc, and when I got my Japanese copy I only had the other section to pick up. :D

Maybe it'd be good to start a 'Gran Turismo 4' thread, where we could all compare times, exchange set ups, techniques etc. :)

Thoughts?

bartelby

Feb 27, 2005, 03:59 PM

I can never remember how to get the little 'dots' over the 'ü' when I'm typing it. :(

But you remembered for that post!
('alt - u' and then 'u' just incase)

Maybe it'd be good to start a 'Gran Turismo 4' thread, where we could all compare times, exchange set ups, techniques etc. :)

Thoughts?

Sounds like a plan!

iGav

Feb 28, 2005, 05:38 AM

But you remembered for that post!

Sadly not... it was bought to you courtesy of the magic of the copy and paste function! :) heehee.

Thanking you muchly for the key combo though ;)

Sounds like a plan!

It could be cool if there is enough interest... I know some people that love Gran Turismo, but still use automatic shifting and absolutely no idea what most of the tuning bits and bobs do and how they affect a cars performance.

A thread or 2 where we could discuss and exchange settings, techniques etc would be cool, as well as finding out what lap times are possible with both wheels and DualShocks.

I think it could be spiffy... so anyone else interested? :)

Badradio

Feb 28, 2005, 06:11 AM

I'd definitely be interested in a GT4 thread. I tried messing with the car setups in GT1, but just ended up with a Skyline R34 with 950 bhp that died whenever you tried to go up a slight incline, so I've left the more esoteric tweaks alone through GTs 2 and 3. It'd be great to get some tips on getting more out of the game.

Symtex

Feb 28, 2005, 07:18 AM

brap

Feb 28, 2005, 08:40 AM

I think the only way to really experience GT4 is with the Logitech Driving Force Pro 900 degree FF Wheel. You could never harness the depth of the car physics without this. IMO, the DS2 controller is not very good for racing games because of the position of the analog stick. Also using "A" for gas for an extended period of time is hard. It's very difficult to manage the throttle too.I've never been able to get on with the PS dual shock... there's too much resistance in the stick, it always seems to want to centre itself, or hug the rim. The sticks on my brother's Gamecube are so much nicer to use.

So, I've had to manage the games with digital control, although the PS2's pressure sensitive Dual shock 2 controls are wonderful. Reading this thread, though, I'm at a loss how people can complete the game without tweaking the smaller settings... the F1 races in GT3 were hardcore.

jmsait19

Mar 1, 2005, 02:47 PM

im interested in a thread helping to detail car tweaks. Anyway we can help eachother get farther through the game is great. i should be picking it up pretty soon.

5300cs

Mar 1, 2005, 07:17 PM

If you have Prologue, GT 4 will take the licenses and cars from that.

...

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is the main reason I can't wait for GT4

You'd think though, that they'd give me the benefit of the doubt with the licenses, especially since completing 1,2 and 3 :rolleyes:

As for Nürburgring Nordschleife, I use the Toyota MR2 ... Apex? model on that track. The engine sound, especially from the back, is worth the ¥7000 I paid :D Just fooling around a lap took 8 minutes!! :eek:

About that track, what is that on the surface in the game, graffiti? While racing along it looks like there's writing on the track :confused:

5300cs

Mar 1, 2005, 07:24 PM

... remember in previous versions the fastest lap times were usually the result of ricocheting off things, something that I didn't like as I'm a purist...

I couldn't agree more. GT 2's AI was horrible. GT 4's is much, much better. Especially when you get up to the endurance races, where you really need to be serious, or you'll be left behind. In GT 2 & 3 I finished all the endurance races :D In 3 it was a good lesson in learning braking points, braking distances, entry & exit points, passing opportunities and drafting.

I also look forward to the rally races, my other favorite :D

rhpenguin

Mar 1, 2005, 07:49 PM

I maybe would've liked to have seen the inclusion of a drive through penalty much like F1 has instead of a temp speed limit being applied.

There is an option for it. You can choose either.

I myself am waiting for Forza Motorsport. Its going to have damage and a lot more tuning options. That is provided Microsoft can get off their asses and actually release the game. Ive got a playable demo of it and it drives really nice.

Xenious

Mar 1, 2005, 10:09 PM

My biggest problem is the license tests: I HATE them. I have GT 1,2,3 and now 4 - why do I have to do the test again??? I usually take a day and just finish the tests all at once so I can open the game up. This time I haven't yet.

You can import your licenses and credits (not cars) from a GT3 game save. I thought that was really cool and it surprised me.

jazzmfk

Mar 1, 2005, 11:36 PM

I haven't been able to play the game all that much yet - but I picked it up the day it was available in my area. I have noticed one significant difference that I haven't seen mentioned yet.

When you really start to crank up the speed, the wind noise becomes more and more obvious... it drowns out even the sound of the engine (well, I guess it would depend upon what you're driving at the time....). It's amazing how it enhances the sensation of speed.

And I've got to agree with those who use the steering wheels instead of the game controllers. I've got a Logitech, and it's great! (Driving nerd warning:) I've also built a little stand for both the wheel and the pedals, customized for my "driving chair", so it feels like I'm really strapped into my car of choice. I plan to pick up a used 911 seat this spring, then build a rack around it for the wheel and the pedals. Hey - if you're going to create a realistic driving experience, why not create a realistic driving experience?

(a kit like this already exists, but the price would be a bit difficult to justify to the wifey.....)

"Keep the shiny side up!"

MFK

SurfAddict

Mar 1, 2005, 11:41 PM

Yes its really fun make sure you have 100000 credits in cash not cars from gt3 before transfering however. Thought I had alot of money from memory never rlly loaded up GT3 before though. Anyhow turns out I had to tons of cars I could have sold but only had 800 credits in cash which I found out after I transfered info which btw is a one time thing :(

flyfish29

Mar 2, 2005, 12:09 AM

Excellent. Excellent. I've seen a vid or two online and the lighting visuals were absolutely incredible. As far as damage, I bet we see it on PS3. I think the power in that console will allow for a lot we haven't seen.

Thanks for feedback, I gotta go get me a copy

The game was out early in Japan and as far as damage goes- the official word is that the manufacturing companies won't let their street cars be damaged for fear of the negative effect it could have on sales of their particular brand, etc. I have heard that for a few years now on some of the gaming sites with interviews of GT people.

I would like to see it as well, but will give up that for the great game and real cars they have.

Did you hear even though it can't be played online officially there is a way using this web site software: http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/

I have not tried it but looks very cool and they eve support OSX connections!

flyfish29

Mar 2, 2005, 12:13 AM

And I've got to agree with those who use the steering wheels instead of the game controllers. I've got a Logitech, and it's great! (Driving nerd warning:) I've also built a little stand for both the wheel and the pedals, customized for my "driving chair", so it feels like I'm really strapped into my car of choice. I plan to pick up a used 911 seat this spring, then build a rack around it for the wheel and the pedals. Hey - if you're going to create a realistic driving experience, why not create a realistic driving experience?

(a kit like this already exists, but the price would be a bit difficult to justify to the wifey.....)

Please post pics when you get this set up and maybe of what you have set up already. I am trying to figure out a way to get the foot pedals not to move under my feet and become a Driving Nerd :D Course my wife would say I already am one.

sorry bout the double post but I am lazy tonight and tired. night!

iGav

Mar 2, 2005, 03:36 PM

About that track, what is that on the surface in the game, graffiti? While racing along it looks like there's writing on the track :confused:

That's because there is writing on the track... ;)

Anyway, this months Evo magazine has a article on GT4 where they set what they believe to be the fastest lap ever of the Nürburgring Nordschleife (Yey, the little dots work :D), I can't remember the car as I was only reading it in Smiths (didn't have any money on me at the time) but they nailed a 5 minutes 26 I think. :eek:

I need to sort myself out a 'proper' set-up me thinks. ;)

He also mentions how he 'died' 40 times in the process, and just how incredible Stephan Bellof's lap record was in the incredible Porsche 956. :)

I can only begin to imagine what Bellof would have achieved had he not being killed. :( a truly incredible driver ;)

bartelby

Mar 8, 2005, 09:46 AM

Amazon have dispatched my copy of GT4.
I should have it tomorrow, YAY! :D
...Argh! I've just remembered I have college
and won't get home until 7pm :(

iGav the car was a Sauber C9 Group C racer..

Toeknee

Mar 8, 2005, 10:30 AM

About the writing on Nürburgring Nordschleife according to my friend they let fans come on the track and write stuff on it. If i'm right they do use part of it for the Formula 1 race held there every year.. besides it looks cool. That IA license test is a real pain in the butt. Its really nerve racking when you are ending that long straight and the car gets all loose on you. 30 seconds from the finish just to do it all over again.

evoluzione

Mar 9, 2005, 07:46 AM

That's because there is writing on the track... ;)

Anyway, this months Evo magazine has a article on GT4 where they set what they believe to be the fastest lap ever of the Nürburgring Nordschleife (Yey, the little dots work :D), I can't remember the car as I was only reading it in Smiths (didn't have any money on me at the time) but they nailed a 5 minutes 26 I think. :eek:

I need to sort myself out a 'proper' set-up me thinks. ;)

He also mentions how he 'died' 40 times in the process, and just how incredible Stephan Bellof's lap record was in the incredible Porsche 956. :)

I can only begin to imagine what Bellof would have achieved had he not being killed. :( a truly incredible driver ;)

heh, evo, smith, fast cars....must be a thread about me

back in the day, i'd have just walked out with the mag mate.

oh i need to get me a playstation 2 (can you believe i still don't have one?) so i can play gt4. i'm glad some have said gt2 was kinda crap, i remember playing 1 back home on the ps1 and loved it, played gt2 and just didn't, so at least that puts my mind at ease :)

evoluzione

Mar 11, 2005, 08:34 AM

well, went round a friend's last night and he lent me his playstation 2 with rented GT4 :D

i played it a bit last night and was impressed, especially at the 'ring, amazing stuff. gotta get the licenses today, tried last night but got no better than silver. must've been the beer. just as well i only drink and drive in a game eh :)

Gee

Mar 11, 2005, 09:05 AM

Has anyone tried, or would anyone be up for trying (when I've put a bit of practice in), this:

http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/

As far as I can work out, it's a thing that fools your playstation into thinking the internet is a LAN, so you can play games that don't have online (like GT4), online. Sounds cool if it works, and they have a Mac version.....

bartelby

Mar 11, 2005, 09:15 AM

I got my GT4 last night.
My very first lap of the 'ring, in an un-modified Skyline R34 was, 8 mins 45.

Since then I've modified the Skyline so I'll be having another go tonight.

I need to save for a Logitech Driving Force Pro I think.

kuyu

Mar 11, 2005, 10:50 AM

I need to save for a Logitech Driving Force Pro I think.

Definitely. I hesistantly put up my $150 for the DFP, and I'm sure glad I did. It's like playing a different game. Wait until you get a true "Supercar" up to about 235 MPH and the wheel starts going crazy. It will damn near break your thumbs. One false move and the car is gone...

Also, the wind sound is not so much to increase realism, it's to tell you when you're drafting somebody. A car is much faster with no wind resistance. When coming out of turns, get behind a guy, and stay where you don't hear the wind. In about 4th or 5th gear, you should dramatically gain on him. If you bought the good brakes and the balance controller, you'll be able to stop faster. Thus, right before you slam into the back of him, swerve inside, hit the nitrous oxide (I prefer a 75-shot) and floor it. You should have about .5-1 second lead at this point.

Note: Be very careful using this tactic in the pace car license tests. Especially at El Capitan. There are two places where it's very easy to pass the pace car.

The other HUGE advantage to the wheel is true analog control over the amount of accel you give the car. For the "true" supercar experience, TCS should be turned down almost all the way. This is nearly impossible with a standard DS2.

Oh, my best time at Nurburgring is 7 minutes 8 seconds in the Nissan 350Z LM Concept Car. Set the transmission to "auto 15", and she'll top out around 217. The BHP is there to push her above 235, but the front end starts hopping around pretty bad over 220. Increasing front-end downforce will cause you to lose the back end in a turn over 130 mph, and therefore wear out your rear tires too fast.

One more thing. My friend has an 03 eclipse with some rice car tune up's. Buying the spider and doing the same in game tuneup's, we got a quarter mile time within .1 seconds of his actual!!! Kudos Polyphony. Good work. ;)