When I picked up GTA IV, I had just earned my "A" license in Burnout Paradise and was well on my way to the next (whatever that was.. "plaid" license, or "wookie" license or whatever). Burnout epitomizes arcade racing and, after spending some time with its cars, you feel like you've got absolute control over your vehicle. Switching over to GTA, I suspected I'd need some time to adjust to its driving model, which immediately seemed floaty and imprecise.
I'm 35 hours in and it still seems floaty and imprecise. All but a couple of the cars control like a 95 Chevy Astro with a raised suspension.
Don't get me wrong, I've been digging GTA IV, but I find myself taking cabs everywhere now because driving just isn't much fun. In past iterations of the game, I loved driving around and, save maybe some required cross-state trips in San Andreas, always enjoyed just getting from one place to another. I've still got my copy of Vice City, so I may go back and see if either A) The driving really was better before or B) My arcade driving tastes are just super-refined and now I'm a snob about it. Either way, everyone I've brought it up to seems to feel the same way, so I don't think I'm entirely alone on this one.
THING 2:
I was actually motivated to write the bit above after playing the 360 demo for GRID tonight. I didn't think I'd be game for a racer any time soon after Burnout and GTA, but the demo really impressed me. I just can't decide if I'd rather have it on PC or 360. The 360 is in the living room which is home to all the best gear in the house. Also, my chances of finding people I know to play online with are 100% better on console. While the PC might suffer a smaller display and inferior audio rig, I do have a decent Logitech wheel. If a game is actually designed to make proper use of a force feedback wheel (and considering that this is a Codemasters game, I'm sure it is) then its a much better experience with one than without (and I know there's a 360 wheel, but I don't have it and dont necessarily want a wheel that sits in my lap anyway). Lastly, although I know its sort of a non-factor, I'm pretty sre this is meant to be the successor to the Race Driver franchise and it just feels more at home on PC.
THING 3:
The impatient may want to skip directly to 2:20 for the goods. There's some funny to be had up to then, but if you really must skip, then thats where you need to be.
The Blista Compact is pretty speedy and handles well, at least in the beginning before you get the better cars later on in the game. I've gotten so used to the assy driving though, that I've put off getting Burnout Paradise. Go figure.
In GTA4 all the cars have the abnormally high center of gravity - I think this was a hack to keep them from constantly bottoming out with the new physics. Like samit said in his guide, you just have to take turns very slowly.
Yeah, I disagree with the GTA cars. I like the driving mechanics quite a bit (and actually HATED Burnout Paradise, more for the design of the game not the handling, but still) mostly because the AI of the enemies and cops don't know how to adjust for the physics and often run into things or take turns too quickly during races and chases, making winning or escaping really really easy.
If you're that far in and still can't drive properly you're simply doing it wrong.
I CAN drive in the game. I can place first in races no problem. I just don't think its much fun, especially when compared to modern racers. I know GTA is much more than a racer, but its gonna be subject to those comparisons, so I think its fair.
Took me maybe 10 hours but driving is second nature now. It's actually pretty realistic in that you can't just hit the break at 60 or slam on the e-brake and expect to stop on a dime lol.
Thanks for the link man, I missed that when it first went up, great guide! I got the hang of turning in the game a while ago, I just don't think its much fun. It's nothing to do with challenge. I've played the GTs and GTR2 and enjoy a challenging racer. There's just a lot of room for improvement with the mini-van-on-the-moon driving model in GTA IV.
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The Blista Compact is pretty speedy and handles well, at least in the beginning before you get the better cars later on in the game. I've gotten so used to the assy driving though, that I've put off getting Burnout Paradise. Go figure.
Exploding shark/dangerous fish repellant FTW! :OD
In GTA4 all the cars have the abnormally high center of gravity - I think this was a hack to keep them from constantly bottoming out with the new physics. Like samit said in his guide, you just have to take turns very slowly.
Yeah, I disagree with the GTA cars. I like the driving mechanics quite a bit (and actually HATED Burnout Paradise, more for the design of the game not the handling, but still) mostly because the AI of the enemies and cops don't know how to adjust for the physics and often run into things or take turns too quickly during races and chases, making winning or escaping really really easy.
If you're that far in and still can't drive properly you're simply doing it wrong.
I have GRiD for 360. I'm enjoying it.
@B-Rad:
I CAN drive in the game. I can place first in races no problem. I just don't think its much fun, especially when compared to modern racers. I know GTA is much more than a racer, but its gonna be subject to those comparisons, so I think its fair.
HELP ME AQUAMAN!!!
Took me maybe 10 hours but driving is second nature now. It's actually pretty realistic in that you can't just hit the break at 60 or slam on the e-brake and expect to stop on a dime lol.
Keep at it you'll get it.
Regarding #1: Try this.
Regarding #3: Oh man...Adam West has a spray for everything!
@Samit
Thanks for the link man, I missed that when it first went up, great guide! I got the hang of turning in the game a while ago, I just don't think its much fun. It's nothing to do with challenge. I've played the GTs and GTR2 and enjoy a challenging racer. There's just a lot of room for improvement with the mini-van-on-the-moon driving model in GTA IV.